Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approves Drilling Program for Lower Salmon Falls Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a delegated order authorizing Idaho Power Company to proceed with an exploration program at the Lower Salmon Falls Project, following a review of the proposed Drilling Program Plan. The plan, transmitted by Chris Edwards on March 5, 2025, included a Revised Drilling Program Plan and a Memorandum responding to FERC comments. The Commission has approved two of the proposed drillers, Aaron Delvalle and Chris Peterson, and approved Rex Whistler as the lead field professional to supervise the drilling work. However, Seth Sonnier and Veronica Biesiada, who were proposed as on-site field professionals, were not approved due to insufficient dam drilling experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved the Drilling Program Plan for the Lower Salmon Falls Project, allowing Idaho Power Company to proceed with the exploration program.
  • Two drillers, Aaron Delvalle and Chris Peterson, have been approved to lead the drilling work, while Rex Whistler will serve as the lead field professional to supervise the activities.
  • Seth Sonnier and Veronica Biesiada, proposed as on-site field professionals, were not approved due to lack of sufficient dam drilling experience.
  • The exploration program will be subject to certain conditions, including the presence of Rex Whistler on site for the full duration of the drilling program.
  • Idaho Power Company is responsible for ensuring that preconstruction license article requirements are met and necessary state, local, and federal permits are secured before the start of work.
  • Changes to the plan, including changes to key personnel or procedures, require prior authorization from the Commission, except in response to a condition that affects the safety of project works.

Statistics:

  • The exploration program will include drilling through rock at the toe of a concrete gravity dam, as well as two explorations through compacted backfill on a potential water-retaining feature.
  • The program will last for an unspecified duration, after which a drilling summary report will be filed with the Commission within 90 days of completion.
  • The report must include an indication of whether Idaho Power Company agrees with the findings and information documented in the report and boring logs.
  • The Commission's eFiling system will be used to file the submittal, with a cover page indicating that the material was eFiled.

Sources:

  • FERC Delegated Order, May 27, 2025
  • Letter from Chris Edwards, Idaho Power Company, to FERC, March 5, 2025 (transmitting the Revised Drilling Program Plan and Memorandum)