TransAlta Centralia Generation LLC Responds to 2025 Dam Safety Inspection Follow-up

Strategic Insights -

TransAlta Centralia Generation LLC has submitted a response to the 2025 Dam Safety Inspection follow-up letter for the Skookumchuck Hydroelectric Project. The letter, dated September 10, 2025, was addressed to Kathleen Clarkson, Acting Portland Regional Engineer, Division of Dam Safety and Inspections, FERC - Portland Regional Office. The company's response was outlined in the letter by Paul Hoebing, Skookumchuck Dam Supervisor, who detailed the proposed actions to address the concerns raised by the inspection.

Key Takeaways:

  • TransAlta Centralia Generation LLC has acknowledged a concrete spall along the lower section of the spillway right approach wall, requiring evaluation and repair. The company plans to send a completion report with pictures once the repair is completed.
  • The company has also identified failed repairs of cracks and spalls along the spillway chute floor and walls, necessitating a plan and schedule for repair.
  • TransAlta Centralia Generation LLC has provided justification for not patching every crack, considering them small normal wear cracks not failed repairs.
  • The company has agreed to monitor the cracks annually and repair as needed.

Statistics:

  • A concrete spall was observed along the lower section of spillway right approach wall, upstream of the fish sluice.
  • Failed repairs of cracks and spalls were observed along the spillway chute floor and walls.
  • The company plans to send a completion report with pictures once the repair is completed.
  • TransAlta Centralia Generation LLC does not feel patching every crack is warranted, considering them small normal wear cracks not failed repairs.

Sources:

  • TransAlta Centralia Generation LLC, "Response to 2025 Dam Safety Inspection follow-up letter, Skookumchuck Hydroelectric Project", dated September 10, 2025.
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, "Skookumchuck Dam Safety Inspection", dated September 5, 2025.