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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approves Prairie River Hydroelectric Project Work Plan

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the construction quality control and inspection plan (QCIP) for the Prairie River Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2361), allowing Minnesota Power to proceed with the replacement of existing stoplog gates and concrete repairs. The approved plan, submitted by Mr. Matthew J. Ryan, PE, Chief Dam Safety Engineer, includes the installation of new in-kind stoplog gates, a new lifting frame, and repair of concrete deterioration on piers 4, 5, and 6.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FERC has reviewed and approved the QCIP, which includes design drawings and specifications, design computations, and a Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plan (TCEAP).
  • The approved plan addresses concerns related to the design drawings, specifications, and structural calculations for the lifting frame and temporary stoplog bulkhead.
  • The organization chart provided in the QCIP has been identified as incorrect and must be updated prior to beginning construction.
  • The QCIP was developed in accordance with Chapter VII of FERC's Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects.
  • The Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plan (TCEAP) was prepared in accordance with Chapter 6, Section 6-9 of the FERC Engineering Guidelines for Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plans.
  • A Final Construction Report (Report) will be required, which must include certification forms and be submitted as part of the 2025 Dam Safety Surveillance and Monitoring Report (DSSMR) due by April 1, 2026.
  • The report must include a certification by the Design Engineer, a certification by the QCIP Manager, and a certification from the Licensee that the construction fulfills the design intent and was constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications reviewed by FERC.
  • The final report must also include as-built drawings reduced in size to 8.5"x11" or 11"x17".
  • The Licensee must provide a summary of information in each of the applicable sections indicated below in the Guidelines for Construction Reports from Licensees, including reservoir drawdown and filing dates, findings regarding the original structure, condition of foundation, and foundation treatment, among others.

Statistics:

  • The Prairie River Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2361) will undergo replacement of existing stoplog gates and concrete repairs.
  • The approved construction work includes the installation of new in-kind stoplog gates, a new lifting frame, and repair of concrete deterioration on piers 4, 5, and 6.
  • The FERC has reviewed and approved the QCIP, which includes design drawings and specifications, design computations, and a Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plan (TCEAP).
  • The approved plan addresses concerns related to the design drawings, specifications, and structural calculations for the lifting frame and temporary stoplog bulkhead.
  • The organization chart provided in the QCIP has been identified as incorrect and must be updated prior to beginning construction.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, August 22, 2025, "Re: Prairie River Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2361) - May 20, 2025 - Construction Quality Control and Inspection Plan for the Stoplog Gates 4 & 5 Replacement and Concrete Repair Project"
  • Guidelines for Construction Reports from Licensees, Document Accession #20250822-3058 Filed Date: 08/22/2025

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