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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

PGE Responds to FERC Comments on Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Washington-based energy company, PGE, has submitted a document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in response to the commission's comments on the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project (PRB). The comments addressed concerns regarding the dam's safety and operation, specifically the spillway and rock erosion. PGE's response highlights the company's plan to address these issues and restore joint sealant in the spillway and repair any erosion-prone areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • PGE has submitted a plan to inspect and repair the spillway at the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project by the end of 2025.
  • The inspection found minor deficiencies in the joint sealant, which will be restored by the end of December 2025.
  • PGE plans to provide a spillway inspection report with the 2025 Dam Safety Inspection and Report (DSSMR) due on March 31, 2026.
  • The company has provided a memo detailing the historical changes in condition of the rock and shotcrete downstream of the spillway chute, as well as the impacts of the June 9, 2025 spillway gate test.
  • PGE has been instructed to assess the area downstream of the chute and provide recommendations for any repairs, maintenance activities, or follow-up studies.

Statistics:

  • 2 feet upstream from the block drain and adjacent to a concrete patch, an unsealed joint was observed near the bottom of the ogee in spillway 2.
  • PGE plans to repair joint sealant by the end of December 31, 2025.
  • The spillway inspection report will be provided with the 2025 DSSMR due March 31, 2026.
  • A memo detailing the historical changes in condition of the rock and shotcrete downstream of the spillway chute has been provided.
  • PGE has submitted a plan to provide recommendations for any repairs, maintenance activities, or follow-up studies by August 11, 2025.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) - FERC Letter dated June 16, 2025 (FERC PRB-13.2025)
  • PGE - PRB-19.2025 - PN Erosion Below Spillway Chute Memo CUI//CEIIDavid Hendrix - https://elibrary.ferc.gov
  • PGE - Document submitted to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Portland Regional Office 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd, Suite 750 Portland, OR 97232 - PGE has submitted the document to the FERC on August 11, 2025.

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