Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Delegated Order on Revised Exploration Drilling Program Plan for Swan Falls Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Office of Energy Projects has issued a delegated order to Idaho Power Company, addressing concerns regarding the Exploration Drilling Program Plan (DPP) for the Swan Falls Project, FERC No. 503. The letter, dated July 28, 2025, acknowledges the company's response to comments from FERC's May 29, 2025 letter and provides additional requirements for the DPP.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC has requested additional information on the anchorage system for the barge, including nominal force applied to the anchors and design pullout force of the anchor, to ensure the stability of the walls.
  • Idaho Power Company must update the DPP to include measures to ensure drilling does not occur into/through the apron rock anchors, as requested in comment 7.a of FERC's May 29, 2025 letter.
  • The company must revise the DPP to clarify that if the integrity of the seal at the tip of the casing is compromised, drilling work should not restart until the seal is reestablished.
  • Staffing and qualifications for field professionals supervising the drilling work: the company must submit the resumes of proposed staff for FERC's review to ensure they meet the requirements for the role.
  • The company must revise the Contact List of the Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plan (TCEAP) after finalizing the selection of the drilling contractor.

Statistics:

  • The Exploration Drilling Program Plan (DPP) includes measures to ensure drilling does not occur into/through the drains under the spillway.
  • The revised drilling locations appear to be closer in proximity to the rock anchors, requiring measures to ensure drilling does not occur into/through the apron rock anchors.
  • FERC has requested revisions to the DPP within 30 days from the date of this letter, July 28, 2025.
  • The Commission's eFiling system will be used to submit the revised DPP, with the cover page indicating that the material was eFiled.

Sources:

  • [FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections - Portland Regional Office 7/28/2025 In reply refer to: P-503 VIA Electronic Mail Mr. Garrett Bishop Chief Dam Safety Coordinator Idaho Power Company GBishop@idahopower.com]
  • [Document Accession #: 20250728-3075 Filed Date: 07/28/2025 2]