FERC Issues General Correspondence on Stiles Hydroelectric Project Dam Safety Inspection

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has conducted the annual dam safety inspection of the Stiles Hydroelectric Project, which was conducted by Mr. Carsten Western on June 17, 2025. The inspection found no deficiencies that required immediate remedial action. However, the commission has provided additional comments and recommendations to address previous inspection reports and updates to the dam safety surveillance and monitoring plan. This includes revisions to the emergency action plan, public safety plan, and plan and schedule to address recommendations stemming from the Twelfth Part 12D Periodic Inspection Report.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Stiles Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 1981) underwent an annual dam safety inspection on June 17, 2025, conducted by Mr. Carsten Western.
  • The inspection found no deficiencies that required immediate remedial action.
  • The FERC provided additional comments and recommendations to address previous inspection reports and updates to the dam safety surveillance and monitoring plan.
  • The commission recommended revisions to the emergency action plan to include updated contact information for the FERC.
  • The public safety plan was reviewed and found to be in compliance with the requirements of 18 C.F.R., Part 12, Subpart F, SS 12.52(b).
  • The plan and schedule to address recommendations stemming from the Twelfth Part 12D PIR was superseded by a status report of corrective measures submitted on December 16, 2024.
  • The FERC recommended that the schedule for addressing recommendations be revised based on comments in a review of embankment modification designs and licensee budget projections.
  • An evaluation report of the functional exercise of the emergency action plan for the Stiles Hydroelectric Project and the Oconto Falls Upper Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2523) was provided on July 17, 2024.

The FERC's annual inspection and recommendations highlight the importance of regular maintenance and updates to dam safety plans and procedures to ensure public safety and compliance with federal regulations.

Statistics:

  • The Stiles Hydroelectric Project underwent an annual dam safety inspection on June 17, 2025.
  • No deficiencies were observed during the inspection that required immediate remedial action.
  • The updated dam safety surveillance and monitoring plan meets the requirements of Chapter 14, Monitoring the Performance of Dams, Appendices J and K of the FERC Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects.
  • The updated public safety plan was reviewed and found to be in compliance with the requirements of 18 C.F.R., Part 12, Subpart F, SS 12.52(b).
  • The plan and schedule to address recommendations stemming from the Twelfth Part 12D PIR was superseded by a status report of corrective measures submitted on December 16, 2024.
  • The FERC recommended that the schedule for addressing recommendations be revised based on comments in a review of embankment modification designs and licensee budget projections.
  • The evaluation report of the functional exercise of the emergency action plan for the Stiles Hydroelectric Project and the Oconto Falls Upper Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2523) was provided on July 17, 2024.

Sources:

  • FERC (2025) - Annual Dam Safety Inspection Report for the Stiles Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 1981)
  • FERC Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects (2020) - Chapter 14, Monitoring the Performance of Dams, Appendices J and K.
  • 18 C.F.R., Part 12, Subpart F, SS 12.52(b) - Requirements for Public Safety Plans.