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For Release: 05/03/2010

Caution Still Advised Due To Construction!

Work Progressing "Nicely" At Bond Falls

Houghton, MI – Work on the new spillway at Bond Falls is on schedule, according to Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO), a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group (NYSE: TEG). As announced last summer, the company is preparing the site for a new automated two-gate structure to replace the current manual, single-gate operation.

Sheet piling continues to be installed around the existing gate and intake to create a coffer dam. Demolition of the existing gate is expected to start in May and the project completion is scheduled for late November 2010.

Actual gate construction will begin in June with completion scheduled for late November 2010.

"There will be some disruption around Bond this summer, but in the long run, this spillway upgrade will enhance dam safety and will also allow UPPCO to maintain the reservoir at a more constant level," said Jim Melchiori, Supervisor – Regional Generation West MI.

"Boat landings along the flowage will be open. However, extreme caution should be used. The lower water elevations have made it difficult to back down the ramp to launch larger boats. The boat landings may not be suitable for use by larger trailer rigs this summer," according to Melchiori. "But smaller car-top watercraft, like kayaks, canoes and small john boats may still be carried and launched from the water's edge."

Signs have been posted at the launch site warning boat launchers.

Boaters that are able to access the water should also use caution when navigating around the flowage. At this lower water elevation, there may be hazards that are near the water surface that are typically submerged under several feet of water.

"Campsites W24, W25, and W26 will be temporarily closed during the construction period," Melchiori continued. "The reservoir will be approximately ten feet lower than it was in 2009, and at times flows over Bond Falls may be less than their normal volume. We're asking visitors to stay away from the construction area for their own safety and to observe the new signage and speed limit postings."

Water will continue to flow into the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River by either the bypass channel or below the spillway to support aquatic life and maintain a scenic flow at the falls. Once the project is finished this fall, the reservoir level and river flows will return to normal at a rate determined by natural precipitation.

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