Grant PUD may extend riverbank study

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners will consider extending a study of seismic conditions of the left bank at Wanapum Dam and an increase in the contract cost. If approved, the contract with Jack R. Benjamin Associates would be extended through December 2021 and raised from $990,000 to $1.5 million.

The evaluation of Wanapum’s left bank is part of a larger project to determine the stability of the riverbanks at both Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams in the case of a severe earthquake. Both structures are stable under normal conditions, but the PUD is required to study what might happen in case of a major earthquake and to reinforce the banks if necessary.

At Wanapum, the analysis of the left bank is taking longer than anticipated, according to the utility’s engineering division.

Reinforcement work is underway on the right bank at Priest Rapids Dam.

— Cheryl Schweizer