Pacific Gas and Electric Company Requests Extension of Time for Drum-Spaulding Hydroelectric Project Inspection

Strategic Insights -

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company has submitted a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for an extension of time to address Recommendation 6 (R-6) from the 12th Part 12D safety inspection report for Lake Fordyce Dam, part of the Drum-Spaulding Hydroelectric Project. The request is due to ongoing seepage mitigation project activities, which are causing delays in accessing the gates. PG&E plans to install a guide similar to the one on the left gate, but requires substantial coordination to ensure safe access for maintenance teams to make the repairs in 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • PG&E submitted a request to FERC on January 26, 2024, to evaluate and implement means for preventing the right seal on the right gate from catching on the adjacent spillway pier railing.
  • The extension of time request and reason for the request were enclosed with the letter to FERC, dated October 14, 2025.
  • PG&E anticipates that substantial coordination will be required to ensure safe access for maintenance teams to make the repairs in 2026.
  • The original plan and schedule for R-6, submitted to FERC on January 26, 2024, is still in effect.
  • PG&E plans to install a guide similar to the one currently in place on the left gate.
  • Maintenance crews continue to experience delays in accessing the gates due to ongoing activities related to the seepage mitigation project.
  • The seepage mitigation project is still under construction.

Statistics:

  • The 12th Part 12D safety inspection report for Lake Fordyce Dam was dated August 2023.
  • PG&E submitted its original plan and schedule for addressing R-6 in a letter to FERC dated January 26, 2024.
  • The extension of time request and reason for the request were submitted on October 25, 2024.
  • PG&E plans to complete the maintenance by December 15, 2026.
  • The Drum-Spaulding Hydroelectric Project has FERC No. 2310.
  • Lake Fordyce Dam has NATDAM No. CA00357.

Sources:

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company, "Extension of Time Request for Recommendation 6 from the 12th Part 12D Inspection - Periodic Inspection Report"
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, "12th Part 12D Safety Inspection Report for Lake Fordyce Dam"
  • FERC Electronic Submittal (E-File) # October 14, 2025
  • Letter from Michael Dydiw, P.E., Deputy Chief Dam Safety Engineer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, to Frank L. Blackett, P.E., Regional Engineer, FERC, dated October 14, 2025.