Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approves Construction of Tainter Gates 1, 7, and 8 at Blanchard Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a Delegated Order allowing the construction of new Tainter gates 1, 7, and 8 at the Blanchard Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 346. The project involves the replacement of existing Tainter gates with new ones, as well as the addition of a hoisting cart system and the replacement of trunnion bearings on gates 2, 4, and 6. The construction quality control and inspection plan (QCIP) for the project was submitted by Minnesota Power on March 21, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FERC has authorized the construction of new Tainter gates 1, 7, and 8 at the Blanchard Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 346.
  • The project includes the replacement of existing Tainter gates with new ones, as well as the addition of a hoisting cart system and the replacement of trunnion bearings on gates 2, 4, and 6.
  • The March 2025 Construction Quality Control and Inspection Plan (QCIP) submitted by Minnesota Power addresses design and construction requirements for the project.
  • The QCIP included design drawings, specifications, design computations, and a Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plan (TCEAP).
  • The FERC has asked Minnesota Power to revise its testing procedures to be consistent with ACI 318-19.
  • The project is expected to be completed in accordance with the Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects and the FERC's Engineering Guidelines for Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plans.
  • A Final Construction Report will be required for the gate 1 replacement and another Final Construction Report for the gates 7 and 8 replacements.

Statistics:

  • The project involves the installation of new Tainter gates 1, 7, and 8, as well as the replacement of trunnion bearings on gates 2, 4, and 6.
  • The construction quality control and inspection plan (QCIP) for the project was submitted by Minnesota Power on March 21, 2025.
  • The FERC has asked Minnesota Power to revise its testing procedures to be consistent with ACI 318-19.
  • The project is expected to be completed in accordance with the Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects and the FERC's Engineering Guidelines for Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plans.

Sources:

  • FERC Delegated Order (FERC No. P-346), issued July 7, 2025.
  • Letter from Matthew J. Ryan, PE, Chief Dam Safety Engineer, Minnesota Power, to Kevin Griebenow, P.E., Regional Engineer, FERC, dated March 21, 2025.
  • Construction Quality Control and Inspection Plan (QCIP) for the Blanchard Hydroelectric Project, submitted by Minnesota Power on March 21, 2025.
  • Guidelines for Construction Reports from Licensees, Enclosure 1, FERC.