SunWater statement on Bedford Weir incident

SunWater staff were dispatched to Bedford Weir near Blackwater this evening to assess the cause of a partial deflation of the rubber dam which sits on top of the concrete weir.
 
The inflatable rubber dam is a 1.2 metre rubber tube which is inflated to increase the weir's storage capacity during an inflow event.
 
SunWater confirmed that one side of the 91 metre rubber dam deflated and released approximately 1,890 megalitres of water downstream into the Nogoa Mackenzie River at the time of the event.
 
SunWater does not expect flash flooding downstream of Bedford Weir as most of the released water will be captured at Bingegang Weir - the next storage along the Nogoa Mackenzie River.
 
The other 94 metre long rubber dam continues to operate normally.
 
It is too early to confirm the exact cause of the partial deflation but SunWater staff are in the process of investigation.
 
In the meantime, the road below the weir is closed and authorities are on site advising motorists to use alternative road routes.
 
SunWater is currently on site and assisting emergency crews and authorities where possible.

Media contact: Glenn Pfluger, Mobile: 0407 574 663

23 November, 2008

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