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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approves Oroville Dam Site Restoration Project

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a delegated order approving the construction authorization for the Oroville Dam Site Restoration project, a part of the Feather River Project. The project involves the restoration of the Oroville Dam site, which aims to improve dam safety and restore the site to its original condition.

The commission has reviewed the final drawings, specifications, basis of design report, and quality control and inspection plan submitted by the California Department of Water Resources. The commission has found no comments or issues with the submittal and has authorized the project to proceed with construction. The project is expected to be completed within 90 days of the issuance of this letter, with the final construction report to be submitted within the same timeframe.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Oroville Dam Site Restoration project is a part of the Feather River Project, FERC No. 2100.
  • The project involves the restoration of the Oroville Dam site to improve dam safety and restore the site to its original condition.
  • The commission has reviewed the final drawings, specifications, basis of design report, and quality control and inspection plan submitted by the California Department of Water Resources.
  • The commission has found no comments or issues with the submittal and has authorized the project to proceed with construction.
  • The project is expected to be completed within 90 days of the issuance of this letter, with the final construction report to be submitted within the same timeframe.
  • The commission requires the submission of a final construction report within 90 days of completion of the work, which should include all information pertinent to dam safety in a concise form.
  • The report should contain a summary of information in each of the applicable sections, including construction difficulties, test results, and any findings regarding the original structure.
  • The commission will require the submission of revised Exhibits A, F, and G to describe and show those project facilities as built.
  • The commission strongly recommends that the revised Exhibit A be filed in two forms: a strikethrough format and a final, clean copy incorporating the changes.
  • The commission requires the submission of Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII) material under 18 CFR SS 388.113.
  • The commission reminds that no changes may be made to the operation of the project without first coordinating those proposed changes with the FERC.

Statistics:

  • The project is expected to be completed within 90 days of the issuance of this letter.
  • The commission requires the submission of a final construction report within 90 days of completion of the work.
  • The commission will require the submission of revised Exhibits A, F, and G within a timeframe to be determined.
  • The commission has reviewed the final drawings, specifications, basis of design report, and quality control and inspection plan submitted by the California Department of Water Resources.

Sources:

  • FERC Delegated Order: FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections - San Francisco Regional Office July 21, 2025.
  • Letter from Frank L. Blackett, P.E. to Mr. Jeremiah McNeil, Manager State Water Project Power Compliance Office California Department of Water Resources July 21, 2025.
  • Enclosures (2) - Certification by Design Engineer, Quality Control Manager, and Licensee or Exemptee.

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