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MATSLER Clara T From: MATSLER Clara T Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2008 9:29 AM To: DARNELL Kelly A Subject: RG 10.2.08 More copper thefts reported at five EWEB substations. More copper thefts reported at five EWEB substations Published: October 2, 2008 Home I : Story Eugene Water & Electric Board crews were repairing damage Wednesday at five substations struck by metal thieves over the past few days. A routine inspection discovered that copper grounding wires were clipped from various locations at the Willakenzie, McKenzie, Currin, Hayden Bridge and Willow Creek substations since Friday. EWEB's preliminary estimate is that more than 200 feet of grounding wire was stolen. No cost estimate of the damage has been made. All of the wire is painted green to identify it as EWEB wire. According to EWEB, the thefts follow a break -in and theft last week at the Leaburg Substation on the McKenzie River. Also, a recent theft of wire from an underground switching "vault" two weeks ago resulted in an outage for a west Eugene industrial park in order to make repairs. The Springfield Utility Board also has reported a number of copper wire thefts from its facilities over the past several days. The thefts have been reported to law - enforcement agencies. Over the weekend, Eugene police said thieves made off with about 700 feet of wire that supplied power to overhead lights along the riverbank bike path between Valley River Center and Marist High School. The thefts of copper grounding wires at substations or power poles have been a problem for the past few years as the price of the metal has risen. The theft of grounding wire from substations, power poles and other electrical facilities can result in outages, injury or death should a fault occur in the power line. The theft of grounding wire from a single substation can cost $5,000 to $10,000 to replace, including materials and labor. Clara T Matsler Parks and Open Space 541 - 682 - 4908 1