For Release: 10/02/2009

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) to Test Warning Sirens and Gates at Jersey Hydroelectric Project

On Thursday, October 15, at 10:00 a.m., WPS will test the downstream warning system and spillway gates at the Jersey Hydroelectric Project on the Tomahawk River. Sirens will sound for 30 seconds at the corners of County Road CC and Jersey Lane, and Jersey Lane and Bay Mill Road.

This annual test is required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure the warning system is operating properly. The system is designed to alert persons in the low-lying areas immediately downstream of the Jersey Hydro Project in the event of a failure at the dam.

After the siren test, WPS will perform the FERC required testing of two spillway gates. Each gate will be tested individually to ensure safe and unrestricted operation of the gate from closed to fully opened. Water levels and current in the river channel between the Jersey dam and Lake Mohawksin will fluctuate while the gate tests are being performed. The FERC requires this test be completed at least every five years.

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