HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.16.25 Board Correspondence - FW_ Compliance Directives issued in FERC P-803-000From:Clerk of the Board
To:Clerk of the Board; Connelly, Bill; Cook, Holly; Cook, Robin; Durfee, Peter; Jessee, Meegan; Kimmelshue, Tod; Kitts, Melissa; Krater, Sharleen; Lee,
Lewis; Little, Melissa; Pickett, Andy; Ritter, Tami; Stephens, Brad J.; Sweeney, Kathleen; Teeter, Doug; Zepeda, Elizabeth
Cc:Loeser, Kamie; Nuzum, Danielle
Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: Compliance Directives issued in FERC P-803-000
Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 3:34:10 PM
Please see Board Correspondence -
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Subject: Compliance Directives issued in FERC P-803-000
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On 9/16/2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Washington D.C., issued this document:
Docket(s): P-803-000
Lead Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Filing Type: Compliance Directives
General Correspondence
Description: Letter to Pacific Gas and Electric Company providing comments on the 06/26/2025 authorization request to modify the dam weir
BW-44A at the Philbrook dam, part of the DeSabla Centerville Hydroelectric Project under P-803.
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FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
Office of Energy Projects
Division of Dam Safety and Inspections –San Francisco Regional Office
September 16, 2025
In reply refer to:
Project No. 803-CA
VIA FERC Service
Mr. Russell Cruzen, P.E., Director
Power Generation, Asset Excellence
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
300 Lakeside Dr.
Oakland, CA 94612-3534
Re:Authorization Request for Weir Modification Project
Dear Mr.Cruzen:
This is in response to a letter dated June 26, 2025,from Mr. Robert Ellis,that
submitted an authorization request to modify the dam weir BW-44A at Philbrook Dam,
which is a part of the DeSabla Centerville Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No.803.
We have reviewed the submittal,and we have the following comments considering that
the work is taking place in a historical leakage area and there was an internal erosion
Potential Failure Mode identified for the left groin in the previous Part 12D report:
1.Most of the resumes for those with stop work authority contain project lists with
generic descriptions of the scope of the projects listed. Their resumes must be
customized to match the specific work being performed for this project with direct
active descriptions of the work performed by the individuals on those similar
projects. The resumes should demonstrate experience with embankment dam
excavations/design/potential failure modes in areas susceptible to seepage and
internal erosion. Revise all resumes accordingly.
2.Drawing S1 has limited dimensions, scales, elevations, maximum excavation /
over-excavation limits, and other information to direct the contractor on the size of
any of the work elements. It also does not clearly indicate existing versus new
elements. Update the drawing to provide the appropriate information.
3.Drawing S1 indicates the wing wall has a minimum thickness of 8 inches.
However, the Basis of Wall design document indicates that a 12-inch wall
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thickness was assumed. Clarify this apparent discrepancy. All design elements
shown on the drawings should match the design calculations.
4.B.1. Scope of Work of Project Description states “anticipated reservoir elevation
for September-October 2025 is 5375’ to 5365’,” which appears to be based on the
PG&E datum. However, Drawing C1,which indicates the area of excavation,
shows an elevation of approximately 5480 ft, which does not seem to correspond
with the PG&E datum. Update the documents and add the vertical datum used in
all documents,ensure that the drawings are using a consistent datum (e.g., USGS),
and provide accurate information regarding the proposed reservoir water elevation
during excavation.
5.The specifications for backfilling and compacting the over-excavation areas, and
restoring the groin drain, pipe zone bedding, etc.should be specific for the
earthwork activities for this project.Update these specifications.
6.The submittal does not address any potential impacts to dam safety. Provide a
discussion regarding what impacts could result from excavating in an active
seepage area. This should include, but not be limited to the following:
a.Clarify what proposed internal erosion protection measures will be in place
while performing all excavation for the potholes and concrete wall
excavation.
b.Provide an emergency contingency plan to promptly backfill any
excavation if adverse seepage conditions are encountered during
exploration for the drainpipe and excavations for the construction of the
weir wall.
Within 45 days of the date of this letter, address our comments or provide a plan
and schedule to address our comments.File your submittal using our eFiling system at
https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview. When eFiling, select Hydro: Dam Safety;
San Francisco Regional Office from the eFiling menu. The cover page of the filing must
indicate that the material was eFiled. For assistance with eFiling, contact FERC Online
Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659
(TTY).
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We appreciate your continued efforts in this aspect of our dam safety program. If
you have any questions, contact Ms. Eunhye Kim at (415) 369-3321.
Sincerely,
Frank L. Blackett, P.E.
Regional Engineer
cc:
Erik Malvick -Division Manager
CA Dept. of Water Resources
Division of Safety of Dams
P.O. Box 942836
Sacramento, CA 94236-0001
c/o Shawn.Jones@water.ca.gov