NorthWestern Energy has two projects the public should be aware of.
NorthWestern Energy will be purging natural gas from a pipeline in the 900 block of 9th Street between 2nd Avenue North and 4th Avenue South on Oct. 14.
As part of the planned work, natural gas will be safely removed from a pipeline that will no longer be in service. During the purge, people in the area may notice the odor of mercaptan, the substance NorthWestern Energy adds to natural gas to make it detectable. Mercaptan has a distinctive odor often described as a rotten egg smell.
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Trained professionals following established safety procedures will conduct the work and use gas monitoring equipment, maintain controlled work zones and vent gas in a safe manner away from the public.
For the safety of crews and the public, stay clear of work areas and do not approach equipment, personnel or vehicles associated with the purging operation.
While this odor is expected during the pipeline purging work, anyone who observes conditions that may indicate a natural gas leak should leave the area immediately, move to a safe location and call 911.
Missouri River drawdown begins July 31 for NorthWestern’s Black Eagle Dam project
Do not create a spark or use anything that could ignite the gas, including telephones, cell phones, matches, lighters, electrical switches, vehicles or other electronic devices.
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NorthWestern Energy began drawing down Rainbow Reservoir upstream from Rainbow Dam on Oct. 11. The drawdown is expected to be completed by Oct. 23.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will perform maintenance at Giant Springs State Park that requires lower river levels.
NorthWestern Energy will use the opportunity to conduct maintenance inspections on Rainbow Dam that require lower river levels.
Public Safety Reminder
The public is warned to stay out of the riverbed during the drawdown. Exposed areas may contain:
- deep mud
- unstable ground
- slippery rocks
- rapidly changing water conditions
- other unexpected hazards
These conditions pose serious risks to both people and pets.
Rainbow Dam Boat Launch will be closed from Oct. 11-23.
