| North America
Left: Rock Island Dam, Columbia River, Washington State
Pumped storage is increasingly being investigated as the need for large-scale energy storage is growing in response to the continued development of large-scale intermittent renewable energy sources (e.g., wind and solar power).
What services do you provide for structural integrity and environmental protection? We are leaders in dam safety engineering, offering hydrologic and hydraulic modeling services, emergency action plans, and routine safety inspections. Our expertise helps safeguard communities and the environment, providing peace of mind for our clients. We manage dam removal projects when necessary, addressing structural, financial, safety, or regulatory concerns with our clients’ best interests in mind.
How do you integrate science and regulation? In fisheries engineering, we provide services that
mitigate environmental impacts and enhance aquatic ecosystems. Our team of biologists, engineers, and regulatory specialists offer unmatched expertise in fish passage design, habitat restoration, and regulatory compliance. Kleinschmidt has provided biological and engineering fisheries engineering consulting services for more than 250 projects throughout the US and Canada.
What other services do you offer? We offer wetland and habitat investigations, stream flow regulation studies, fisheries and aquatic organism assessments, steam electric 316(a) and (b) compliance, rare, threatened, and endangered species assessments, recreation facilities design, bridge and culvert hydraulic design, and watershed planning. We have found our clients often need a broad range of services to address their environmental and engineering challenges.
Navigating environmental challenges
The Deschutes Valley Water District (DVWD) faced a significant environmental challenge when ESA-listed steelhead and salmon were reintroduced into the Upper Deschutes Basin. Additionally, the presence of threatened bull trout intensified the scrutiny on DVWD’s Opal Springs Hydroelectric Project. Originally exempt from fish passage requirements, the impending expiration of their FERC license in 2032 necessitated compliance with new environmental regulations and innovative solutions for sustainable operations. DVWD needed a partner capable of navigating complex
regulatory landscapes while embodying a commitment to environmental stewardship. The primary objectives were to ensure regulatory compliance, enhance fish passage, and maintain operational efficiency without incurring prohibitive costs. As the Owner’s Representative, Kleinschmidt was instrumental in addressing these challenges. The firm’s expertise in regulatory compliance, engineering, and environmental management proved vital in developing a comprehensive strategy for DVWD. Kleinschmidt led the negotiation of a multi-party settlement
agreement and developed a non-capacity amendment with FERC. This included the 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. Kleinschmidt prepared an Applicant Prepared Environmental Assessment (APEA), comprehensively addressing FERC’s NEPA requirements. The firm also played a crucial role in securing outside funding and overseeing a value engineering process, which
significantly reduced construction costs. A critical component of the project was the decision to increase the pool elevation. This strategic move provided additional generation potential, offsetting capital costs and enhancing water flow management for successful fish passage. Notably, this solution avoided the need for major dam safety alterations, such as breaching the existing dam, thereby preserving the project’s structural integrity. The collaboration between DVWD and Kleinschmidt transformed
regulatory challenges into opportunities for innovation and sustainability. Key achievements included: Enhanced Generation Capacity: The increased pool elevation allowed for greater energy generation, contributing to the project’s financial viability. Improved Fish Passage: The new fish ladder and adaptive management program ensured compliance with ESA requirements, promoting ecological health. Cost Efficiency: Through effective regulatory planning and value engineering, significant cost savings were achieved without compromising project quality. The Deschutes Valley Water District’s partnership with Kleinschmidt exemplifies how environmental and regulatory challenges can be met with innovative and sustainable solutions. By navigating complex regulatory landscapes and implementing strategic engineering solutions, Kleinschmidt helped DVWD achieve compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and foster long-term environmental stewardship.
References
For more information on other successful projects, visit kleinschmidtgroup. com or contact solutions@
kleinschmidtgroup.com.
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