Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Delegated Order on Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a delegated order addressing the Spillway Tunnel Condition and Test Spill Reports for the Round Butte Development of the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2030. The order acknowledges letters from David Hendrix, Chief Dam Safety Engineer at Portland General Electric, regarding the project's spillway inspections, testing, and repairs. FERC's review of the submitted information led to several comments and recommendations for the project.

Key Takeaways:

• FERC reviewed the Round Butte Spillway Inspection Reports for Post-14,000 cfs Test and Post-Power Tunnel Test Dewater, requesting revisions to include approximate position around the circumference of the tunnel for each observation.
• FERC accepted the recommendations in Section 4.2 and 4.1 of the Post-14,000 cfs Test and Post-Power Tunnel Test Dewater Inspection Reports, respectively, and instructed implementation at the earliest opportunity.
• A plan to address erosion prevention adjacent to the flip bucket and on the downstream riverbanks was requested, with a submission of the report within 60 days.
• Portland General Electric was notified that authorization from FERC's office is required prior to proceeding with the Turbine Shutoff Valve Replacement Project construction documents.
• The company was directed to file its submittal using the Commission's eFiling system, providing a cover page indicating eFiling.

Statistics:

• 4: The number of letters from David Hendrix dated March 27, 2025, April 17, 2025, May 8, 2025, and another on April 15, 2025 (filed on April 17, 2025).
• 3: The number of reports submitted: Round Butte Spillway Inspection Report for Post-14,000 cfs Test, Round Butte Spillway Inspection Report for Post-Power Tunnel Test Dewater, and Round Butte Spillway Aerator Commissioning and Test Spill Report.
• 1: The number of repairs and repairs plans requested, including the Turbine Shutoff Valve Replacement Project construction documents.
• 60: The number of days given to respond or submit a plan and schedule to address the comments.

Sources:

• FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections - Portland Regional Office 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd, Suite 750 Portland, Oregon 97232 (503) 552-2700

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• Document Accession #: 20250519-3028 Filed Date: 05/19/2025