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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Accepts 12th CSIR Report for Chippewa Falls Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has accepted the 12th Part 12D Consultant's Safety Inspection Report (CSIR) for the Chippewa Falls Project, FERC No. 2440. The report, submitted by Xcel Energy, was prepared by independent consultant Todd Rudolph, P.E., of Ayres Associates. The IC's safety inspection found no dam safety issues that affect the operations and safety of the dam. The consultant concluded that the project is suitable for continued safe and reliable operation.

The FERC review concludes that the scope and content of the CSIR fulfill the requirements of Part 12, Subpart D, of Title 18 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The 12th CSIR for the Chippewa Falls Project is accepted. A status summary of the IC's recommendations is provided in an enclosure. The next CSIR is due by December 20, 2027. This CSIR is scheduled to be a Periodic Inspection.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IC's safety inspection found no dam safety issues that affect the operations and safety of the dam.
  • The consultant concluded that the project is suitable for continued safe and reliable operation.
  • The FERC review concludes that the scope and content of the CSIR fulfill the requirements of Part 12, Subpart D, of Title 18 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
  • The 12th CSIR for the Chippewa Falls Project is accepted.
  • A status summary of the IC's recommendations is provided in an enclosure.
  • The next CSIR is due by December 20, 2027.
  • This CSIR is scheduled to be a Periodic Inspection.
  • The IC's recommendations include updating the Potential Failure Mode Analysis (PFMA) report by December 31, 2023.
  • The DSSMP will be updated by December 31, 2023, to increase surveillance and monitoring of the left and right embankments for evidence of emerging seepage and soil cracks when the reservoir elevation exceeds the elevation of the top of the core wall.
  • A monument will be established on Pier A and included in the DSSMP prior to the next Part 12 Inspection in 2027.
  • The elevation for BM-1 and the stamped text will be verified and included in the DSSMP prior to the next Part 12 Inspection in 2027.

Statistics:

  • The CSIR report was prepared by independent consultant Todd Rudolph, P.E., of Ayres Associates.
  • The next CSIR is due by December 20, 2027.
  • The IC's recommendations include 19 specific actions to be taken by Xcel Energy.
  • The DSSMP will be updated by December 31, 2023, to increase surveillance and monitoring of the left and right embankments for evidence of emerging seepage and soil cracks when the reservoir elevation exceeds the elevation of the top of the core wall.
  • A monument will be established on Pier A and included in the DSSMP prior to the next Part 12 Inspection in 2027.
  • The elevation for BM-1 and the stamped text will be verified and included in the DSSMP prior to the next Part 12 Inspection in 2027.

Sources:

  • FERC Delegated Order: FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections Chicago Regional Office (June 18, 2025).
  • Xcel Energy's letter to Mr. Donald Hartinger, Plant Director, Renewable Operations - Hydro (December 19, 2022).
  • Ayres Associates' report, Chippewa Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2440: 12th CSIR, P&S to Implement the IC's Recommendations (2023).

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