Slurry is entering the streambed at 3 locations approximately 1/4 mile downstream of the dam. The flow rate is estimated to be 600 to 800 gallons a minute. The flow is contained and being pumped back into slurry impoundment #5. MSHA has done a full investigation of the accident and has released the impoundment for work to resume as normal.
Dredge capsized from a collapse of material causing the ejection of the operator and an employee took off his clothes, put on a life preserver and went into the water to help rescue and expedite the removal of the injured operator from the water that left this man hypothermic.
Dredging was in place at the #4 pond 150 to 200 feet from the upstream side of the dam when the material along with part of the dam structure collasped into the pond capsizing the dredge causing facial and head injuries to the operator. The operator was removed from the pond by rescue from employees. He and another employee also were hypothermic.
THE INJURED WAS CHANGING THE MOTOR SHEAVE ON THE VIBRATOR. HE WAS PULLING ON THE SHEAVE TO REMOVE IT. WHEN THE SHEAVE PULLED FREE, THE INJURED LOST HIS BALANCE. THE SHEAVE FELL, MASHING THE INJURED'S FINGERS AGAINST THE MOTOR MOUNT. THE BACK OF HIS HAND WAS LACERATED NEAR THE BASE OF THE LITTLE & RING FINGERS.
Workers were preparing to move an abandoned fuel tank. The tank had been previously drained and flushed. The workers were preparing lifting using a torch. Stray sparks from the torch ignited pine saw in the area. The fire spread quickly due to windy and dry conditions.
THE INJURED WAS DESCENDING A LADDER. HIS LEG BECAME TANGLED IN THE LANYARD OF HIS SAFETY HARNES, CAUSING HIM TO MISS THE NEXT RUNG OF THE LADDER. THE INJURED FELL FROM THE LADDER AND STRUCK HIS FACE ON THE CMF CENTRIFUGE BELOW. THE INJURED RECEIVED LACERATIONS TO THE INSIDE OF HIS LOWER LIP. HE WAS TRANSPORTED BY COMPANY VEHICLE TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS TREATED & RELEASED.