FERC Issues Dam Safety Inspection Follow-up for Five Dams in California

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) San Francisco Regional Office issued a letter to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) on October 16, 2025, regarding the follow-up inspection of the Drum Spaulding project's dams in California. The inspection was conducted on September 16 and 17, 2025, by FERC's inspectors, Mr. Vinh Tran and Mr. Thao Bui. The letter highlights several issues that require PG&E's attention to ensure dam safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FERC inspectors identified outdated contact information in the Emergency Action Plan located at Drum Powerhouse and Wise Powerhouse, which needs to be updated to include Rakesh Saigal, Branch Chief, as an emergency contact.
  • Recent rodent activities were observed at Rock Creek and Wise Forebay Dams, requiring an increase in the rodent abatement program to prevent further activity.
  • A secondary containment system needs to be installed for the back-up generator located at Halsey Afterbay Dam.
  • The design dam crest elevation at Rock Creek South Wing Dam may need to be restored, and further evaluation is required.
  • Three PVC water pipes along the embankment on the west side of Wise Forebay Dam pose a potential dam safety risk and require relocation or mitigation measures.
  • The downstream low hazard potential of Lower Wise Canal and Bear River Canal requires re-evaluation, considering residential houses and commercial properties in the vicinity.

Statistics:

  • 6 action items were identified by FERC inspectors to address dam safety concerns.
  • 45 days were given to PG&E to address the comments or provide a plan and schedule to address the comments.
  • 5 dams were inspected as part of the Drum Spaulding project.
  • 3 PVC water pipes were observed along the embankment on the west side of Wise Forebay Dam.
  • Several residential houses were observed at locations along the toe of Lower Wise Canal.

Sources:

  • FERC Letter to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, October 16, 2025.
  • Document Accession #: 20251016-3134.
  • Filed Date: 10/16/2025.