by
Rachel Hansen | Mar 11, 2021
Residents may see a small airplane flying low over the reservoir and surrounding areas above Rock Island Hydroelectric Project for about four to six hours on March 13 and 14.
At about 1,000-1,500 foot elevation, the flight will use Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to create a high-resolution map of the Columbia River shorelines. The contractor will follow all guidelines established by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the aircraft will be operated by pilots specially trained for low-level flying.
The survey will provide accurate topographical and bathymetric map of the reservoir as Chelan PUD begins an eight-year relicensing effort for Rock Island Hydro Project. The existing license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) expires December 2028.
The study was scheduled to coincide with anticipated lower river levels, all within the range allowed by FERC. To check river levels in real time, download Chelan PUD’s Current app.
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Heads up: High-tech aerial survey planned for Rock Island this weekend