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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Ford Lake Hydroelectric Project Experiences Water Quality Equipment Issues

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Charter Township of Ypsilanti submitted a report to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) detailing equipment issues with the Ford Lake Hydroelectric Project. On September 7, 2025, the downstream monitoring station reported erratic dissolved oxygen (DO) readings, prompting the operator to remove the sensor and notify the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Further investigation revealed that the sensor was failing, and a new one was recommended. The operator will continue to take manual readings until the new equipment is deployed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ford Lake Hydroelectric Project's downstream monitoring station experienced erratic dissolved oxygen (DO) readings on September 7, 2025.
  • The operator removed the sensor and notified the Michigan DNR and EGLE.
  • Investigation revealed that the sensor was failing due to age, with a recommended replacement cost of $3,500-$11,000.
  • The operator will continue to take manual readings until a new sensor is deployed, with the goal of obtaining reliable DO readings.
  • The Township's Operations Manager, Michael Saranen, is working with the service provider to replace the sensor.
  • The repair or replacement of the sensor will impact the project's ability to meet its water quality monitoring obligations.
  • The Township has consulted with the service provider and determined that the repairs are not cost-effective, making it necessary to order a new sensor.
  • The likely cause of the sensor failure is age, and the new sensor is expected to arrive within six weeks.
  • The Township will continue to monitor the situation and take action to ensure reliable DO readings.

Statistics:

  • The dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the river and lake were near 90% saturation at the time of the malfunction.
  • The Township plans to continue taking manual readings twice a day until the new sensor is deployed.
  • The sensor failure is expected to cost between $3,500 and $11,000 to replace.
  • The new sensor is expected to arrive within six weeks.
  • The Township has a water quality monitoring plan in place to ensure compliance with FERC regulations.

Sources:

  • Charter Township of Ypsilanti to FERC: "Ford Lake Dam NATDAM # MI00194" (September 9, 2025)
  • Michael Saranen to DNR and EGLE: "Ford Lake Dam- WQ equipment issues" (September 7, 2025)
  • OBrien, Kesiree (DNR) to Michael Saranen: "RE: Ford Lake Dam- WQ equipment issues" (September 8, 2025)
  • Michael Saranen to DNR and EGLE: "Ford Lake Dam- WQ equipment issues" (September 7, 2025)
  • Fondriest Environmental, Inc. Purchase Requisition (September 9, 2025)

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