Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Dam Safety Inspection Follow-up for Grizzly Forebay and Lower Bucks Lake Dams

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a general correspondence to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) regarding the 2025 dam safety inspection follow-up for the Grizzly Forebay and Lower Bucks Lake Dams, part of the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project. The inspection was conducted on June 23 and 24, 2025, by Ms. Eunhye Kim and Mr. Rakesh Saigal of FERC's San Francisco Regional Office. The inspection revealed several action items that require attention from PG&E, including concrete spalling and delamination on the downstream face of Grizzly Forebay Dam, a loose and damaged handrail and access platform, and leakage from the portal of the penstock at Lower Bucks Lake Dam.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC has issued a follow-up letter to Pacific Gas and Electric Company regarding the 2025 dam safety inspection for Grizzly Forebay and Lower Bucks Lake Dams.
  • The inspection identified three action items for PG&E to address, including:

+ Evaluating the condition of Grizzly Forebay Dam's concrete and determining if repairs are required.

+ Repairing a loose and damaged handrail and access platform at Grizzly Forebay Dam that is accessible to the public.

+ Evaluating and repairing leakage from the portal of the penstock at Lower Bucks Lake Dam.

  • PG&E must address the comments or provide a plan and schedule to address the comments within 45 days of the date of the letter.
  • The submittal must be filed using FERC's eFiling system, and the cover page must indicate that the material was eFiled.
  • The inspection was conducted by Ms. Eunhye Kim and Mr. Rakesh Saigal of FERC's San Francisco Regional Office.

Sources:

  • FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections - San Francisco Regional Office, June 30, 2025
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company, 300 Lakeside Dr., Oakland, CA 94612-3534
  • CA Dept. of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams, P.O. Box 942836 Sacramento, CA 94236-0001