For Release: 08/31/2009

WPS Begins Refilling Potato Rapids Reservoir

Green Bay, WI – Following a three-month drawdown, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS) began refilling Potato Rapids Reservoir in the southern section of the Peshtigo River State Forest this morning. The drawdown was needed to make minor repairs to the concrete structures of the dam and to facilitate maintenance and repairs to the tainter gates that control the outflow from the reservoir.

The company will refill the reservoir at the rate of about 6 inches per day, with the reservoir expected to be at normal levels by September 15, 2009, assuming adequate river flows.

WPS had to perform the work over the summer months since it is prohibited from drawing down the reservoir at all other times because of the need to protect the Blanding's Turtle and its habitat.

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