FERC Authorizes Continued Work on Lake Fordyce Dam Seepage Mitigation Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a delegated order allowing Pacific Gas and Electric Company to continue construction activities below elevation 6,250 feet after October 1, 2025, for the Seepage Mitigation Project at Lake Fordyce Dam, part of the Drum-Spaulding Project, FERC No. 2310. The authorization comes after FERC reviewed a submittal from Mr. Michael Dydiw, who submitted a request for approval on September 11, 2025. The work is subject to the conditions outlined in previous construction authorization letters, dated June 3, 2021, and March 12, 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC has authorized Pacific Gas and Electric Company to continue work on the Seepage Mitigation Project at Lake Fordyce Dam after October 1, 2025.
  • The authorization applies to construction activities below elevation 6,250 feet.
  • The work is subject to the conditions outlined in previous construction authorization letters, dated June 3, 2021, and March 12, 2024.
  • The project is part of the Drum-Spaulding Project, FERC No. 2310.
  • Mr. Michael Dydiw's submittal on September 11, 2025, was reviewed by FERC before making the authorization.
  • The Lake Fordyce Dam is a critical component of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company's power generation infrastructure.
  • FERC's office of Energy Projects, Division of Dam Safety and Inspections, is closely monitoring the project's progress.

Statistics:

  • October 1, 2025: Date after which construction activities below elevation 6,250 feet are authorized to begin.
  • June 3, 2021: Date of earlier construction authorization letter.
  • March 12, 2024: Date of earlier construction authorization letter.
  • 6,250 feet: Elevation below which construction activities are authorized to begin.
  • 2310: FERC project number for the Drum-Spaulding Project.
  • 95775: Document accession number for the FERC authorization letter.

Sources:

  • FERC Service, letter from Mr. Frank L. Blackett, P.E. (September 24, 2025)
  • Project No. 2310, "Construction Authorization Letter" (June 3, 2021)
  • Project No. 2310, "Construction Authorization Letter" (March 12, 2024)
  • California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Power Generation, Asset Excellence