For the City Times

NEKOOSA – Domtar plans to draw down the Wisconsin River above the Nekoosa dam beginning June 8, at about 6 a.m., in order to complete required maintenance and repairs to the structure.

“Water will be drawn down at a rate of 12 inches per day until sometime on June 14. It is expected that the water level will be five feet lower than usual. The impacted area will be between the Nekoosa and Port Edwards dams,” a Domtar release stated.

“Per Wisconsin DNR guidelines, a stranded organism survey will commence when the upstream reservoir is sufficiently lowered, with a second survey being conducted later during the draw down period.  As a reminder, areas of exposed sediments can be a public safety hazard.  Exposed sediments and rocks can cause slipping and tripping hazards.  No one may remove items from the riverbed without obtaining the required permits.

“The launching of watercraft could be impacted by the reduced elevation of the reservoir.

The project repairs are expected to be completed by September 1stat which time the level of the reservoir will be returned to normal elevations.”

The project schedule may change due to weather concerns or government approvals of work.