FERC Issues Correspondence on Short-Term Spillway Repairs at Macumber Dam

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a correspondence with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) regarding short-term spillway repairs at Macumber Dam, a part of the Battle Creek Project, FERC No. 1121. The correspondence addresses specific concerns and comments from FERC's review of PG&E's revised Quality Control Inspection Program (QCIP). Key concerns revolve around the qualifications of proposed project personnel and the accuracy of their resumes. The Commission has requested revisions to the QCIP and the identification of alternative personnel to ensure compliance with 18 CFR 12.50.

Key Takeaways:

• FERC has raised concerns regarding the qualifications of proposed project personnel, particularly the Responsible Engineer and Field Inspector, citing inadequate experience and resume inaccuracies.
• PG&E has been reminded that resumes for proposed project personnel must include specific, customized project experience relevant to the work being proposed.
• Failure to submit complete and accurate resumes may lead to delays in authorization and construction, in compliance with 18 CFR 12.50.
• FERC has requested revisions to the QCIP, including the identification of alternative personnel, to be submitted within 45 days of the letter, or a plan and schedule to address the concerns.
• Construction on the project is not authorized to begin until FERC's comment is satisfactorily addressed.

Statistics:

• 45 days: the deadline for PG&E to address FERC's comment or provide a plan and schedule to address the concerns.
• 2: the number of items raised by FERC in their correspondence, addressing the qualifications of proposed project personnel and the accuracy of their resumes.
• 18 CFR 12.50: the regulation governing the Quality Control Inspection Program, which PG&E has been reminded to comply with.

Sources:

• Washington: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on August 3, 2022
• Regional Engineer, Frank L. Blackett, P.E., FERC
• Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
• Battle Creek Project, FERC No. 1121
• Macumber Dam
• 18 CFR 12.50
• FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov