Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approves Hazard Tree Removal at Lake Grace Dam

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a delegated order, allowing Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to proceed with the removal of hazard trees at Lake Grace Dam, part of the Battle Creek Project, FERC No. 1121. The decision was made in response to a letter from PG&E, submitted on May 25, 2022, which notified the Commission of the plans to remove the hazard trees. After reviewing the submittal, FERC has determined that a full construction submittal is not required for this small maintenance project, provided that PG&E obtains all necessary federal, state, and local permits.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC has authorized PG&E to immediately proceed with the removal of hazard trees at Lake Grace Dam, part of the Battle Creek Project, FERC No. 1121.
  • The decision was made in response to a letter from PG&E, submitted on May 25, 2022, which notified the Commission of the plans to remove the hazard trees.
  • A full construction submittal is not required for this small maintenance project, provided that PG&E obtains all necessary federal, state, and local permits.
  • The involved work is limited to cutting down identified "hazard trees", with the respective stumps and root systems to be left in place for the time being.
  • PG&E's submittal indicates that the removal of hazard trees will be done in accordance with the Commission's dam safety program.
  • The decision highlights the importance of regular maintenance and safety inspections in preventing potential hazards at dams.

Statistics:

  • The removal of hazard trees at Lake Grace Dam is part of the Battle Creek Project, FERC No. 1121.
  • The project will involve cutting down identified "hazard trees" with the respective stumps and root systems to be left in place for the time being.
  • A full construction submittal is not required for this small maintenance project, provided that PG&E obtains all necessary federal, state, and local permits.

Sources:

  • Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections - San Francisco Regional Office, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,

"Delegated Order FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION" (August 5, 2022)