Abstract:
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Office of Energy Projects (OEP) is comprised of six Divisions which deal with Natural Gas and Hydropower. The Division of Dam Safety and Inspections is responsible for developing and implementing policies, programs, and standards to ensure the safety of about 2, 500 non-Federal hydropower producing dams. This includes oversight of the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the dams and water conveyance structures. Examples of these tasks include reviewing license applications for developing new hydropower projects, overseeing modifications of existing dams to create ones capable of producing hydropower, or ensuring the performance of dams that have been in existence for decades. No matter the task we are involved with, our goal is to complete our mission while ensuring the safety of the lives and economic well-being of those at potential risk downstream of the projects. The types of structures regulated by FERC vary greatly as do the measures required to ensure their safe operation. The grouting methods used within our inventory are nearly all inclusive and require us to have a broad-based understanding of the various applications in order to perform a knowledgeable assessment of proposed work. Current case histories and on-going projects will be used to illustrate the role that grouting practices serve to promote FERC’s dedication to achieve a successful Dam Safety Program.