FERC Issues Follow-Up on 2025 Dam Safety Inspection for Broadwater Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently issued a follow-up on the 2025 dam safety inspection for the Broadwater Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2853. During the inspection on August 19, 2025, no conditions were found that would require immediate remedial action to protect the safety of the project. However, one item was discussed with Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) staff during the inspection and will require follow-up actions. The issue is related to the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) notification flow charts, which are out of date with the contact information in the Portland Regional Office. FERC is requesting that the contact information for Mr. Douglas Johnson be crossed out on all posted notification charts and in hardcopy binders at the project.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FERC performed an inspection of the Broadwater Hydroelectric Project on August 19, 2025, and no conditions were found that would require immediate remedial action.
  • The inspection identified one item that will require follow-up actions, related to the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) notification flow charts.
  • The EAP notification flow charts are out of date with the contact information in the Portland Regional Office.
  • FERC is requesting that the contact information for Mr. Douglas Johnson be crossed out on all posted notification charts and in hardcopy binders at the project.
  • The interim contact information for the Portland Regional Office is provided as Eric Kennedy (Branch Chief), Katie Clarkson (Branch Chief), Kristie Hartfeil (Branch Chief), and their respective phone numbers.
  • The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) staff was informed of the need to update the internal copies of the EAP.
  • The annual EAP update is due by December 31, 2025.
  • Authorized personnel should file their submittal using the Commission's eFiling system at https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview.

Statistics:

  • The inspection was performed on August 19, 2025.
  • The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) notification flow charts are out of date with the contact information in the Portland Regional Office.
  • The interim contact information for the Portland Regional Office is provided as Eric Kennedy (Branch Chief), Katie Clarkson (Branch Chief), Kristie Hartfeil (Branch Chief), and their respective phone numbers.
  • The annual EAP update is due by December 31, 2025.

Sources:

  • FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections - Portland Regional Office (August 20, 2025).
  • FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659 (TTY).