Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Dam Safety Inspection Follow-Up for Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a general correspondence to Portland General Electric regarding the 2025 Dam Safety Inspection Follow-Up for the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project. The inspection, performed on June 9, 2025, found no conditions that would require immediate remedial action to protect the safety of the project. However, the inspection revealed several areas of concern that require follow-up actions by Portland General Electric, including issues with joint sealant and rock destabilization.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2030, was inspected on June 9, 2025, and no conditions requiring immediate remedial action were found.
  • The inspection revealed two areas of concern:

* Flowing water was observed at an unsealed joint near the bottom of the ogee in spillway 2 during the full-height gate test of spillway gate 1.

* Rock destabilization and erosion was observed along portions of exposed rock slope not armored by shotcrete immediately downstream of the spillway chute.

  • Portland General Electric is required to provide a plan and schedule to inspect the spillway for additional missing sealant and restore joint sealant in all open joints to prevent hydraulic charging during spillway operation.
  • The company must submit a memo with a detailed review of the area downstream of the chute, including historical changes in condition, impacts of the June 9, 2025 spillway gate test, and conclusions and recommendations for repairs or maintenance activities.
  • The deadline for response is within 60 days of the date of the letter, and Portland General Electric is required to file their submittal using the Commission's eFiling system.

Statistics:

  • The Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2030, was inspected on June 9, 2025.
  • The inspection revealed two areas of concern that require follow-up actions by Portland General Electric.
  • The deadline for response is within 60 days of the date of the letter (June 16, 2025).
  • Portland General Electric is required to file their submittal using the Commission's eFiling system.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). (2025, June 16). 2025 Dam Safety Inspection Follow-Up, Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project. Document Accession #: 20250616-3042 Filed Date: 06/16/2025.
  • FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov (2025, June 16). For assistance with eFiling, contact FERC Online Support at (866) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659 (TTY).