Yuba River Contaminated by Oil Spill Following Penstock Rupture

Crews are working to contain oil and debris in the Yuba River following a major infrastructure failure at the New Colgate Powerhouse south of Dobbins.

The incident began Friday when a 14-foot-wide, high-pressure penstock pipe ruptured during testing of a newly installed protective valve. The pipe carries water roughly five miles from New Bullards Bar Dam to the powerhouse. Contractors had been upgrading the system since September.

On Sunday, an oil sheen was discovered where the Yuba River flows into Englebright Lake. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with the state’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, surveyed the Nevada-Yuba county stretch of river. As of the latest update, no visibly oiled wildlife had been found.

A containment boom has been placed across the river, and a cleanup contractor has been hired. Officials say the type and amount of oil released are still under investigation. Water quality testing is underway throughout the watershed.

All workers were accounted for after the rupture, including one individual who was airlifted by Cal Fire and hospitalized.

Yuba Water Agency has urged the public to avoid the river between the powerhouse and Englebright Lake while crews continue debris removal and environmental assessments.

Authorities say protecting the Yuba River remains a top priority as the investigation continues.