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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Moretown Hydroelectric LLC's Moretown #8 Dam Operation and Maintenance

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Moretown #8 dam, owned and operated by Moretown Hydroelectric LLC, has undergone significant changes since its original construction in 1910. After being decommissioned in 1959, the site was purchased in 1977 and later repowered in 1988 under new ownership. The project suffered damages during Hurricane Irene in 2011 but was rehabilitated and restored to operation by 2012. The dam's infrastructure, including the intake, penstock, and powerhouse, is located within the town of Moretown, Vermont.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Moretown #8 dam was originally constructed in 1910 as a storage-release electrical power generation plant and operated for nearly 50 years before its decommissioning in 1959.
  • The site was purchased in February 1977 by Richard J.J. Hungerford and Kris A. Dyrland and later repowered in 1988 under their ownership.
  • The project suffered significant damages during Hurricane Irene in August 2011, causing it to become idle, but was subsequently rehabilitated and restored to operation by 2012.
  • Ampersand Moretown Hydro LLC purchased the project in December 2011, invested extensively in its rehabilitation, and restored the dam's structures and equipment to operational condition.
  • In January 2022, the Licensee name changed to Moretown Hydroelectric LLC, and the project has remained operational since then.
  • The dam's infrastructure includes a 12-meter dam, forebay, intake structure, penstock, powerhouse, and underground transmission line, with a total impoundment area of approximately 17.5 acres.
  • The dam's discharge capacity is 13,721 cfs, and the intake structure has a trashracks replacement planned by 2040.

Statistics:

  • The project operated for nearly 50 years before its decommissioning in 1959 (1949-1959).
  • The site was purchased in February 1977.
  • The project was repowered in 1988.
  • The project suffered damages during Hurricane Irene in August 2011.
  • Ampersand Moretown Hydro LLC purchased the project in December 2011.
  • The dam's rehabilitation and restoration were completed by December 2012.
  • The Licensee name changed to Moretown Hydroelectric LLC in January 2022.
  • The total impoundment area is estimated to be approximately 17.5 acres.

Sources:

  • Moretown Hydroelectric LLC, "Moretown #8 Dam License Application" (document submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission).
  • United States Fish and Wildlife Service design criteria.

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