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Independent regulatory commissions

Pacific Gas and Electric Company Requests FERC Authorization to Replace McCloud Dam Debris Boom

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has submitted a document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requesting construction authorization to replace the debris boom at McCloud Dam, part of PG&E's McCloud-Pit Hydroelectric Project. The request comes after an engineering inspection and evaluation found the boom to be in poor condition, necessitating replacement. PG&E has provided a comprehensive project package, including a work plan, design criteria memorandum, design calculations, design drawings, and specifications, prepared by Black & Veatch and dated July 7th, 2025. The project is scheduled to be released to construction on June 29th, 2026, with a final construction report to be submitted within 90 days of completion.

Key Takeaways:

  • PG&E has submitted a construction authorization request to FERC to replace the debris boom at McCloud Dam, part of the McCloud-Pit Hydroelectric Project.
  • The boom's poor condition was discovered during an engineering inspection and evaluation on July 19th, 2022.
  • The inspection and evaluation recommended that a short-term repair be made to the boom-to-boom connections to increase the working load.
  • The project package includes a Project Work Plan, Design Criteria Memorandum, Design Calculations, Design Drawings, and Specifications, all prepared by Black & Veatch and dated July 7th, 2025.
  • PG&E plans to release the project to construction on June 29th, 2026, with a final construction report to be submitted within 90 days of completion.
  • PG&E will provide updates on the project status and a plan and schedule for further action by November 8th, 2026, if the final construction report is not submitted.

Statistics:

  • The McCloud Dam debris boom was found to be in poor condition after an engineering inspection and evaluation on July 19th, 2022.
  • The boom-to-boom connections were recommended to be short-term repaired to increase the working load.
  • The project package was prepared by Black & Veatch and dated July 7th, 2025.
  • The project is scheduled to be released to construction on June 29th, 2026.
  • PG&E will submit a final construction report within 90 days of project completion.

Sources:

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company. (2025). September 12, 2025. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Division of Dam Safety and Inspections. (2025, September 12). Power Generation 300 Lakeside Drive Oakland, CA 94612 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 28209 Oakland, CA 94604.

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