Pacific Gas and Electric Company Addresses Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Concerns on Wise Forebay Dam Probable Maximum Flood Study

Strategic Insights -

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has submitted a document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) addressing concerns related to the probable maximum flood study (PMFS) for the Wise Forebay Dam, part of the Drum-Spaulding Hydroelectric Project. The company completed its efforts to address FERC's Comment 4, a component of the PMFS, and submitted its original plan and schedule on October 30, 2023. A recent update was provided on April 16, 2025, with a partial summary and conclusion of PG&E's efforts enclosed with the letter. A 2025 flood stability analysis, prepared by PG&E and dated March 25, 2025, is also provided.

Key Takeaways:

  • PG&E submitted a document to FERC addressing concerns on the probable maximum flood study for the Wise Forebay Dam.
  • The company completed its efforts to address FERC's Comment 4, with the original plan and schedule submitted on October 30, 2023.
  • A recent update was provided on April 16, 2025, with a partial summary and conclusion of PG&E's efforts enclosed with the letter.
  • A 2025 flood stability analysis, prepared by PG&E and dated March 25, 2025, is included in the submission.
  • PG&E believes Comment 4 has been partially addressed based on the information enclosed with the letter.
  • The company has made efforts to address technical questions through Autumn Eberhardt, dam safety engineer, and general questions through Jackie Pope, license coordinator.

Statistics:

  • The submission was made to FERC on [no specific date mentioned].
  • The original plan and schedule were submitted on October 30, 2023.
  • A recent update was provided on April 16, 2025.
  • The 2025 flood stability analysis is dated March 25, 2025.
  • The Wise Forebay Dam is part of the Drum-Spaulding Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2310).

Sources:

  • Frank L. Blackett, P.E., Regional Engineer Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Division of Dam Safety and Inspections 100 First Street, Suite 2300 San Francisco, CA 94105-3084
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company submission to FERC, dated [not provided]