Dominion Energy Submits Updated Radial Gate Analysis for Roanoke Rapids and Lake Gaston Dams

Dominion Energy, a Virginia-based energy company, has submitted updated structural analyses of record for the radial gates at the Roanoke Rapids and Lake Gaston Dams to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The analyses, prepared by HDR, indicate that some gate members at both dams do not meet current USACE design criteria under normal operating conditions and extreme loading conditions. Despite being considered safe for continued operation, Dominion Energy plans to perform structural modifications to gate members to improve utilization.

Key Takeaways:

• Dominion Energy has submitted updated structural analyses of record for the radial gates at the Roanoke Rapids and Lake Gaston Dams to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• The analyses, prepared by HDR, indicate that some gate members at both dams do not meet current USACE design criteria under normal operating conditions and extreme loading conditions.
• Despite being considered safe for continued operation, Dominion Energy plans to perform structural modifications to gate members to improve utilization.
• The company has solicited design proposals and will provide a design plan and schedule upon receipt of proposals.
• Dominion Energy intends to continue operation of the dams until structural modifications can be implemented.
• The updated analyses were prepared by HDR and utilize advanced analytical techniques to evaluate the structural integrity of the radial gates.

Statistics:

• The Radial Gate Structural Analysis of Record update was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on August 25, 2025.
• The analysis results indicate that some gate members at both dams do not meet current USACE design criteria under normal operating conditions and extreme loading conditions (HDR, 2025).
• The gates are considered safe for continued operation, but Dominion Energy plans to perform structural modifications to gate members to improve utilization (Dominion Energy, 2025).
• Dominion Energy has solicited design proposals from qualified firms to perform the necessary structural modifications.

Sources:

• Dominion Energy. (2025, August 25). Letter to Mr. Will Brown, P.E., Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Division of Dam Safety Atlanta Regional Office.
• HDR. (2025). Roanoke Rapids Dam Spillway Radial Gate Analysis and Gaston Dam Radial Gates Analysis (Reports submitted to Dominion Energy).