Just wondering if anyone knows what it is that's being constructed in the river at the marina near Promontory Point Park. It's a curious-looking building, whatever it is. They've been working on it for quite a long time now. I don't have a photo to post here, but I'm sure that anyone who's driven by there in the past six months has seen it.
From PGE's website:
"What’s happening at Promontory Marina? Promontory Marina, including the boat ramp and store, is closed to all public access until summer 2016. PGE needs to use the marina area to construct a new structure, called the North Fork Surface Collector, which will improve downstream fish passage of salmon and steelhead. The Surface Collector is required under PGE’s federal license to operate hydroelectric power facilities on the Clackamas River. The marina is the only space in the area large enough to assemble the structure and deploy it on the reservoir. Construction is expected to be completed in Dec. 2015, when the North Fork Surface Collector is expected to begin operation.
What is the North Fork Surface Collector? The North Fork Surface Collector will be a floating barge outfitted with pumps and screens that will funnel fish into a collection pipe for safe passage downstream. The structure will be approximately 60 feet wide by 150 feet long and will float in the reservoir near North Fork Dam.
Why is it being built? PGE has worked with state and federal fish agencies to improve fish passage at its mainstem Clackamas River hydroelectric dams for salmon and steelhead. Improving wild fish passage is not only a requirement for PGE’s federal license, but a commitment that PGE maintains to ensure the continuation of healthy fish runs for future generations. The North Fork Surface Collector will use advanced technology to improve the existing fish passage system. The collector will allow us to meet the highest possible fish passage survival for the three dam hydro- project.
How does this project impact fishing and recreation? All other access points to North Fork Reservoir will be open for the recreation season during the construction of the collector. Promontory Park Campground will open for its regular season and will remain open throughout construction. PGE also offers boating recreation at the following Clackamas Basin reservoirs: Estacada Lake (access from Milo McIver State Park), Lake Harriet and Timothy Lake. Visit PortlandGeneral.com/Parks for more information."
Here's the pretty version of what Brian said:
Download promontory_closure.pdf
Here's a link to an article in the Estacada News:
I guess I was right in thinking that it might have something to do with fish, but I haven't seen anything quite like this before. Interesting. Thanks, Brian and Kirk, for the info.
It's basically a way to dredge the river. They want to improve the habitat by dredging the entire North Fork Reservoir/Lake. I'm pretty sure they just did this a few years ago, but this seems to be a much more massive mission. The entire North Fork Res. will be closed for a while. Shame, it brings a lot of business to the Estacada community in the summertime.