Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approves Plan to Update Spillway Rating Curve for Cresta Dam

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved a plan submitted by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Company to update the spillway rating curve for Cresta Dam, a part of the Rock Creek-Cresta Hydroelectric Project. The updated curve will account for potential reductions in spillway capacity due to truss bridges. The plan requires PG&E to submit the updated spillway rating curve by October 31, 2022.

Key Takeaways:

• The plan and schedule submitted by PG&E for updating the spillway rating curve are acceptable to FERC.
• The updated spillway rating curve will account for potential reductions in spillway capacity due to truss bridges.
• Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Company is required to submit the updated spillway rating curve by October 31, 2022.
• The submission of the updated spillway rating curve must be made through FERC's eFiling system.
• Robert Ellis, an independent consultant, conducted a safety inspection of Cresta Dam in 2020 and made several recommendations, including R-14, which is addressed by the updated spillway rating curve.
• The FERC's dam safety program includes inspections and recommendations for dams, and PG&E has demonstrated commitment to addressing these recommendations.
• Ms. Eunhye Kim, a FERC regional engineer, is available to answer questions about the submission.

Statistics:

• The updated spillway rating curve must be submitted by October 31, 2022.
• The Cresta Dam is part of the Rock Creek-Cresta Hydroelectric Project, which is regulated by FERC.
• The safety inspection of Cresta Dam was conducted in 2020 by an independent consultant.
• The FERC has a dam safety program in place to ensure the safe operation of dams.

Sources:

• Delegated Order FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections - San Francisco Regional Office
• Document Accession #: 20220531-3086 Filed Date: 05/31/2022