FERC relicensing
Jersey Central Power and Light Company and PSEG Fossil, LLC required a relicensing consultant for their 420 MW Yards Creek Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project (Project). The Project consists of an upper and lower reservoir, a powerhouse with three reversible pump turbines, and associated electrical and water conveyance features.
Kleinschmidt assisted in evaluating potential project improvements (e.g., raising the operating level of the Project reservoirs), selecting the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP), preparing the Pre-Application Document (PAD), scoping and conducting studies required to address agency issues, and preparing a Preliminary Licensing Proposal and Final License Application. Kleinschmidt conducted studies including a water quality study, stream and lake fisheries surveys, macroinvertebrate collections, Rare, Threatened and Endangered (RTE) species surveys, terrestrial and riparian habitat mapping, shoreline vegetation surveys, hydrological modeling, and an analysis of recreation enhancement feasibility. Kleinschmidt also identified potential designs for an overflow structure at the upper reservoir and provided related engineering services. Kleinschmidt filed the Final License Application in February 2011 and the Licensees received a new license from FERC in May 2013.
Kleinschmidt’s cost effective approach to study scoping greatly reduced overall relicensing costs and generation at the Project will be enhanced by changes in operating levels of the reservoirs.
Regional Vice President
Kevin Cooley, P.E.
Kevin Cooley specializes in the evaluation, planning, design, and rehabilitation of hydroelectric projects. He has been with Kleinschmidt for over 24 years and is currently Regional Vice President of the Northeast US and Canada, formerly serving as Director of Kleinschmidt’s Engineering Division. As Regional Vice President, Kevin is responsible for Kleinschmidt’s project execution in the...