MCKENZIE BRIDGE, OREGON - Emergency responders and utility workers recently took to the water in a critical preparedness drill. This exercise, known as EWEB's spill drill, focused on ensuring that emergency teams are ready to act if oil or chemicals threaten the drinking water of more than 200,000 people.

"We're just collectively here and trying to keep the McKenzie pristine, and hopefully it never happens, but if a disaster does happen, then we have the knowledge and skills, and the resources to take some action," said David Donahue, a Senior Environmental Specialist with EWEB

Crews deployed bright orange floating booms designed to guide contaminants like oil into water skimmers. This equipment is crucial for limiting damage quickly before contaminants can move downstream.

The drill al

See Full Page