by Bob Walsh
It seems that just maybe the repaired spillway at the Oroville Dam is not as repaired as you would think for $500 million (about 100% over budget). It just depends on who you ask.
There are apparently a shitload of hairline cracks in the new improved and wonderful spillway. That is the standard spillway the releases water and considerable force and volume every year. U. C;. Professor Robert Bea, who studies crisis management, says that hairline cracks in high strength reinforced concrete are NEVER to be expected. He is an engineer and studies structural failure.
Various California water officials say that the cracks are cool and completely expected.
Maybe its just me but I would want something as strong and smooth as possible if I was going to run a lot of high velocity water over it on a regular basis. I mean isn't that kinda-sorta why the first one failed.
The Dept of Water Resources has released a statement saying everything is copasetic, but has refused to release any evidence or reasoning that would support their position.
The federal Energy Regulatory Commission is also asking questions that so far DWR is unable or unwilling to answer.
I don't know about you, but my bullshitometer is going off.
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