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FERC Approves Revised Drilling Program Plan for Philbrook Dam

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a response to a revised Drilling Program Plan (DPP) submitted by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for the Philbrook Dam, part of the DeSabla-Centerville Project, FERC No. 803. The revised DPP addresses previous review comments, but FERC has raised concerns about the drilling methods and approach being proposed.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC has reviewed PG&E's submittals and has provided comments on the revised DPP for the Philbrook Dam.
  • The revised DPP generally addresses previous review comments, but FERC has remaining concerns about the drilling methods and approach being proposed.
  • PG&E is authorized to proceed with the proposed drilling program, subject to comments 2 through 6.
  • FERC has requested that PG&E address the quality of information obtained during the drilling program and how it will be used in subsequent analyses.
  • The resumes of two proposed drillers, Paul Britton and Nick Maher, do not meet the experience requirements set forth in FERC's drilling guidelines.
  • FERC has requested that PG&E provide additional information demonstrating that they meet the experience requirements or propose different drilling personnel.
  • The resumes of the proposed geologist supervising the drilling work are acceptable, but any other individuals used to perform or supervise the drilling work must submit their resumes for FERC's review and authorization prior to beginning work on site.
  • FERC has requested that PG&E keep the current FERC project engineer, Mr. Michael Vail, informed on the schedule and progress of the drilling work.
  • PG&E is reminded to report any conditions observed during the drilling that could be an indication of a potential dam safety concern to the Regional Engineer.

Statistics:

  • FERC has approved the revised DPP subject to comments 2 through 6 of the correspondence.
  • PG&E is authorized to proceed with the proposed drilling program.
  • The drilling program is expected to be completed in 2022.
  • The revised stability analysis and Supporting Technical Information Document (STID) update are due by July 15, 2022 and October 13, 2022, respectively.
  • PG&E has 45 days to provide an updated plan and schedule for submitting the geotechnical investigation report.

Sources:

  • FERC Correspondence With Applicant | Compliance Directives, FERC Correspondence With Applicant | General Correspondence FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections - San Francisco Regional Office 100 First Street, Suite 2300 San Francisco, CA 94105-3084
  • Project No. 803-CA
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company Mail Code: N11E PO Box 770000 San Francisco, CA 94177-0001
  • FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659 (TTY)

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