FERC Issues Dam Safety Inspection Follow-Up for Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections issued a follow-up letter to Chugach Electric Association, Inc. regarding the 2023 Dam Safety Inspection of the Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project. The inspection, conducted by Mr. Jordan Reimer on July 27, 2023, identified several items that require follow-up actions by Chugach Electric Association to ensure the safety of the project. FERC is requesting a plan and schedule to address these concerns within 60 days of the letter's date.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2170, was inspected on July 27, 2023, by Mr. Jordan Reimer.
• No conditions were found that would require immediate remedial action to protect the safety of the project.
• Two items were discussed during the inspection and require follow-up actions by Chugach Electric Association:

1. The base monuments on the left and right abutments were observed to be in generally unsatisfactory condition and require replacement with industry-standard practice.

2. A detailed survey of crest monuments is recommended before and after repairs to ensure consistency of measurements.

• Chugach Electric Association is required to respond to or submit a plan and schedule to address the comments within 60 days of the letter's date.
• The plan and schedule should be filed using the Commission's eFiling system and must indicate that the material was eFiled.

Statistics:

• The Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project is FERC No. 2170.
• The inspection was conducted on July 27, 2023.
• Chugach Electric Association has 60 days to respond to or submit a plan and schedule to address the comments.

Sources:

• FERC, Office of Energy Projects - Division of Dam Safety and Inspections, Portland Regional Office
• Contact: Mr. Jordan Reimer, (503) 552-2720
• Email: FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov
• Phone: (866) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659 (TTY)