Heat Seeking Chopper Flies Over Salmon Rivers
988 views · Published 21 August 2009 · 0:24 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: KNKX Public Radio · 2009 · News & Politics
Bet you didn't know the Bonneville Power Administration has its own air force. The regional electricity wholesaler normally uses its four helicopters and two airplanes to patrol and troubleshoot its transmission lines. But last week (week of Aug. 10), BPA diverted one of those helicopters to something new. The "chopper crew" flew reconnaissance over salmon streams using a thermal imaging camera. The video will be used to help target millions of dollars of salmon restoration spending. That's money that ultimately comes from ratepayers like you. KPLU's Tom Banse went aloft to get our story.
