Dam safety at the Merikoski power plant is a collaborative effort – updated safety guidelines
The Merikoski power plant is centrally located near the centre of Oulu. The power plant dam regulates the flow of the Oulujoki river. As in previous years, dam safety has also been a topic of discussion this summer, with people on the water drifting close to the dam or lingering in the dam channel downstream of it. Safety is of critical importance to Oulun Energia. That is why we have refined our safety guidelines. We are also collaborating with the City of Oulu to further improve the safety of the area.
Movement in the waterways near the power plant is prohibited
Water may be released via bypass through the dam gates at any time when necessary, for example, due to maintenance, system updates, high flow rates, or faults. Bypasses are used to prevent the water level from rising above critical limits and prevent flood damage.
When the dam gates are opened, water may flow into the downstream dam channel and ornamental pool at rates of up to 500 cubic metres per second. There is no way to get out from under the flood in time when the dam gates are opened. Therefore, access to the dam channel and ornamental pool is always strictly prohibited and trespassing in the area is life-threatening.
Due to the dam, strong currents may occur upstream in the Oulujoki river waterways. If a waterway user drifts close to the opening dam gates, there is a risk of being sucked through the gates by the force of the current. Therefore, movement in the water in the immediate vicinity of the power plant and dam is strictly prohibited and life-threatening.
A siren and warning signs indicate when the dam gates are about to open. The time span between the siren and the opening of the dam gates may vary. We will always give an advance warning with the siren when possible. However, in emergencies, the dam gates may open simultaneously as the siren goes off. This is why we will no longer provide a specific time interval between the siren and the opening of the dam gates.
Instructions for hazardous situations
If you observe a person in life-threatening danger in the dam channel or in the waterway upstream, call the number for emergency services, 112, immediately. The rescue department has the necessary expertise and the equipment for demanding water rescue operations.
The rescue department has a direct line to the power plant control room, enabling them to assess the situation and the possible closure of the dam gates together. The dam gates cannot be closed instantly. In addition, Oulun Energia must also assess the potential flood risk caused by the closure of the gates.
Safety development
The safety of the area is important to us all. In cooperation with the City of Oulu and the authorities, we are currently evaluating how the safety could be further improved.
The foundation for safety is built on people following our guidelines and not entering the prohibited areas.
We are constantly monitoring safety observations in the area and feedback. We provide information about dam safety on our website, social media, and local media.
