Rock Island's hydroelectric power plant is shut down because of the ice jam on the Rock River.
Michelle O'Neill reports.
Summary
The power plant and dam are familiar sights to those who use the Rock River bridge between Rock Island and Milan.
Public Works Director, Randy Tweet, says last week workers turned off the generators to let ice form in the intake pool. That usually allows the water to flow under the ice into the turbines. But the ice jam and high water level make it impossible to produce electricity.
When the river is low, the water has farther to fall from the dam. And that creates more electricity to power Rock Island's own buildings and facilities. On the other hand, when the river is high or flooding, the plant produces less power.
O'Neill shot a short video of ice action at the Rock River dam near the plant. And here's her revised version of a Shakespearean classic just for fun, with apologies to the bard.
Round about the eddy go;
In the fell-ed branches throw.
Toad, that under cold stone
Days and nights, you now have none.
Frozen water sleeping got,
Go thou first i' the roiling pot.
Double, double, toil and trouble;
Ice churn, and river bubble.
