Design and Construction Report staff writer
A contractor working for the Yuba Water Agency died Thursday afternoon after falling down an embankment while operating construction equipment near the New Colgate Powerhouse in the Yuba County community of Dobbins, just southwest of New Bullards Bar Reservoir.
The victim’s identity has not been released, and no additional details about the circumstances of the fall are currently available.
Pre-construction staging has been ongoing throughout the spring and summer.
“We are just devastated and still processing what exactly happened,” said Willie Whittlesey, general manager of Yuba Water. “Our hearts are with the family, friends and coworkers who are suffering through unimaginable loss, and with our own staff who supported the accident response today.”
The Yuba Water Agency is cooperating fully with investigators and remains committed to transparency throughout the investigation
“Proud of my coworkers that ran towards the emergency and did what they had to do, what we all hope they would do for us if we needed help,” Matt Murray commented on the company’s Facebook page. “I hope they can find peace knowing that they did everything they could.”
Yuba Water Agency will complete upgrades to the Colgate Tunnel and penstock pipe in the Yuba County foothills starting in fall 2025. The tunnel and penstock are the infrastructure that move water from New Bullards Bar Dam and Reservoir to New Colgate Powerhouse to generate hydropower.
This maintenance happens very infrequently but is needed to ensure the longevity of the tunnel and Yuba Water’s hydropower operations.
Pre-construction staging will begin in September 2025. The main work will take place from October 2025 through mid-February 2026.
