Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Mandates Board of Consultants for Kingsley Dam Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a directive requiring the Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District to convene a Board of Consultants to evaluate remediation options for the Kingsley Dam. The Board will be comprised of at least three members with expertise in hydrology, hydraulic engineering, coastal engineering, and geotechnical engineering/dam safety engineering. The Board's role is to provide independent expertise and oversee the evaluation, design, and construction of the remediation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Board of Consultants will be responsible for evaluating remediation options, assessing the embankment condition and history of past erosions, and identifying interim risk reduction measures.
  • The Board must obtain approval of proposed members prior to initiation and submit detailed resumes for review and approval within 45 days.
  • Formal Board meetings will be scheduled to review and assess technical areas, and Central will provide a data package to each Board member and FERC at least two weeks prior to each meeting.
  • The Board will remain in effect through the evaluation, design, and construction of the remediation, and its involvement during construction will depend on design changes or field conditions.
  • The final Board meeting will be held one year after completion of construction of the spillway, and a final report will be submitted within 45 days of the final meeting.

Statistics:

  • The remediation options will be evaluated by RJH Consultants (RJH) for the Kingsley Dam's upstream slope.
  • The Board of Consultants will consist of at least three members with expertise in hydrology and hydraulic engineering, coastal engineering, and geotechnical engineering/dam safety engineering.
  • The Board will provide a final report within 45 days of the final meeting, and Central will distribute the report and a plan and schedule to comply with the Board's recommendations.

Sources:

  • FERC's General Corporation: FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections - Headquarters Office
  • Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District
  • RJH Consultants (RJH)
  • David Capka, P.E. Director, Division of Dam Safety and Inspections
  • Commission's eFiling system at https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview