As the Owner’s Representative, Kleinschmidt was instrumental in responding to these regulatory challenges. Our team skillfully negotiated a multi-party settlement agreement and developed a noncapacity amendment with FERC. This included authorization for a new fish ladder, an increase in the project’s normal surface elevation, and the implementation of an adaptive management program to ensure ESA coverage.

Risk Management and Operational Improvements: The negotiated settlement and the adaptive management approach strategically positioned DVWD to manage risks associated with fish passage. This foresight enabled the avoidance of significant operational modifications, such as screening intakes, and reduced the likelihood of further costly fish protection measures.

Enhanced Generation and Safety Measures: The decision to increase the pool elevation was a game-changer. It not only provided additional generation potential to offset capital costs but also enhanced the project’s ability to manage water flow for successful fish passage. Most importantly, it negated the need for major dam safety alterations, like breaching the existing dam, a critical win for DVWD.