Eastern Basin to be drained for gas line removal; 7/23

(July 23, 2007) - The City of Oklahoma City Public Works Department will drain the Eastern Basin of the Oklahoma River between the Eastern Avenue Dam and the Paul H. Brum, Jr. Dam beginning July 23.  Contractors will remove a natural gas pipeline, operated by Duke Energy Field Services, that spans the river-lake.

The piers supporting the pipeline between I-35 and Eastern Ave. constitute a hazard to rowers participating in world-class national and international events that have turned the Oklahoma River into an internationally acclaimed rowing venue.

Duke Energy Field Services agreed to replace the aerial gas line at its own cost with a line that runs underneath the river.

The Eastern Basin River-Lake will remain empty for approximately four to six weeks.  During this time, rowing and kayaking will be relocated to both the Western basin of the Oklahoma River and to Lake Overholser.