Download - Middle Fork Project Project Description
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Middle Fork Project Middle Fork Project
Project Description Project Description
April 25, 2006April 25, 2006
April 2006April 2006 2
Middle Fork American River Middle Fork American River Hydroelectric ProjectHydroelectric Project
Provide a Project OverviewProvide a Project Overview Describe Major Project FeaturesDescribe Major Project Features Describe Supporting InfrastructureDescribe Supporting Infrastructure Discuss Operating ConstraintsDiscuss Operating Constraints Describe General Operations and Describe General Operations and
MaintenanceMaintenance Summary of Recreation FacilitiesSummary of Recreation Facilities Questions Questions
April 2006April 2006 3
MFP - OverviewMFP - Overview Developed as a Water Supply and Developed as a Water Supply and
Generation ProjectGeneration Project
Initial Operation 1967Initial Operation 1967
224 MW Nameplate Generating Capacity224 MW Nameplate Generating Capacity
120,000 Acre-Feet Water Supply120,000 Acre-Feet Water Supply
Operated by Placer County Water AgencyOperated by Placer County Water Agency
PG & E Acquires Power OutputPG & E Acquires Power Output
April 2006April 2006 4
Major Project FeaturesMajor Project Features
Two Large Dams and Storage Two Large Dams and Storage ReservoirsReservoirs
Two Medium Dams and ReservoirsTwo Medium Dams and Reservoirs
Three Small Dams and Diversion PoolsThree Small Dams and Diversion Pools
Five PowerhousesFive Powerhouses
Five TunnelsFive Tunnels
April 2006April 2006 5
Supporting InfrastructureSupporting Infrastructure
Electrical Switchyards and SubstationElectrical Switchyards and Substation
Access Roads and TrailsAccess Roads and Trails
Communication and Power LinesCommunication and Power Lines
Stream GagesStream Gages
Maintenance and Dormitory FacilitiesMaintenance and Dormitory Facilities
April 2006April 2006 6
Duncan Creek DiversionDuncan Creek Diversion
Spillway Crest - 5,265 ft Elevation Spillway Crest - 5,265 ft Elevation
Diversion - Concrete Gravity - 165 ft LongDiversion - Concrete Gravity - 165 ft Long
Diversion Capacity - 400 cfsDiversion Capacity - 400 cfs
Surface Area - Approximately 1 AcreSurface Area - Approximately 1 Acre
Gross Storage - 20 Acre-Feet Gross Storage - 20 Acre-Feet
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Duncan Creek - Middle Fork Duncan Creek - Middle Fork TunnelTunnel
1.5 Miles Long1.5 Miles Long
10 ft Horseshoe Cross-Section10 ft Horseshoe Cross-Section
Capacity 400 cfs*Capacity 400 cfs*
Intake With Trash RackIntake With Trash Rack
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French Meadows DamFrench Meadows Damand Reservoirand Reservoir
April 2006April 2006 9
French Meadows DamFrench Meadows Damand Reservoirand Reservoir
Spillway Crest at 5,273 ft ElevationSpillway Crest at 5,273 ft Elevation
French Meadows Dam - Gravel and French Meadows Dam - Gravel and Earthfill - 2,700 ft LongEarthfill - 2,700 ft Long
Surface Area - 1,404 Acres Maximum,Surface Area - 1,404 Acres Maximum,434 Minimum434 Minimum
Gross Storage - 134, 993 Acre-Feet Gross Storage - 134, 993 Acre-Feet
Shoreline - 9 MilesShoreline - 9 Miles
April 2006April 2006 10
French Meadows - Hell Hole French Meadows - Hell Hole TunnelTunnel
2.6 miles long2.6 miles long
12.3 ft Horseshoe Cross-Section12.3 ft Horseshoe Cross-Section
Capacity 400 cfs*Capacity 400 cfs*
Intake in French Meadows Reservoir and Intake in French Meadows Reservoir and Trash RackTrash Rack
Terminates in a 6.25 ft Diameter - 691 ft Terminates in a 6.25 ft Diameter - 691 ft Long Penstock to the French Meadows Long Penstock to the French Meadows PowerhousePowerhouse
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French Meadows PowerhouseFrench Meadows Powerhouse
April 2006April 2006 12
French Meadows PowerhouseFrench Meadows Powerhouse
Located on Hell Hole ReservoirLocated on Hell Hole Reservoir
Water Supply - Discharge from French Water Supply - Discharge from French Meadows - Hell Hole TunnelMeadows - Hell Hole Tunnel
Single Francis TurbineSingle Francis Turbine
15.3 MW / 60,000 Volts15.3 MW / 60,000 Volts
Discharges to Hell Hole Reservoir Discharges to Hell Hole Reservoir
April 2006April 2006 13
Hell Hole Dam and ReservoirHell Hole Dam and Reservoir
April 2006April 2006 14
Hell Hole Dam and ReservoirHell Hole Dam and Reservoir
Spillway Crest at 4,650 ft ElevationSpillway Crest at 4,650 ft Elevation
Hell Hole Dam - Rockfill - 1,570 ft LongHell Hole Dam - Rockfill - 1,570 ft Long
Surface Area - 1,253 Acres Maximum, 185 Surface Area - 1,253 Acres Maximum, 185 Acres MinimumAcres Minimum
Gross Storage - 207,500 Acre-Feet Gross Storage - 207,500 Acre-Feet
Shoreline - 11 MilesShoreline - 11 Miles
April 2006April 2006 15
Hell Hole PowerhouseHell Hole Powerhouse
April 2006April 2006 16
Hell Hole PowerhouseHell Hole Powerhouse
Located at Outlet from Hell Hole DamLocated at Outlet from Hell Hole Dam
Water Supply - Hell Hole Dam Discharge Water Supply - Hell Hole Dam Discharge ConduitConduit
Single Francis TurbineSingle Francis Turbine
0.725 MW / 12,000 Volts0.725 MW / 12,000 Volts
Discharges to Rubicon River Discharges to Rubicon River
April 2006April 2006 17
Hell Hole - Middle Fork TunnelHell Hole - Middle Fork Tunnel
10.4 Miles Long10.4 Miles Long
13.5 ft Horseshoe Cross-Section13.5 ft Horseshoe Cross-Section
Capacity 920 cfs*Capacity 920 cfs*
Intake in Hell Hole ReservoirIntake in Hell Hole Reservoir
Terminates in a 9 - 7.5 ft dia. - 3,653 ft Terminates in a 9 - 7.5 ft dia. - 3,653 ft Long Penstock to the Middle Fork Long Penstock to the Middle Fork PowerhousePowerhouse
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North Fork Long Canyon Creek North Fork Long Canyon Creek DiversionDiversion
April 2006April 2006 19
North Fork Long Canyon Creek North Fork Long Canyon Creek DiversionDiversion
Dam Crest at 4,720 ft Elevation Dam Crest at 4,720 ft Elevation
Diversion - Concrete Gravity - 120 ft LongDiversion - Concrete Gravity - 120 ft Long
Diversion Capacity 100 cfsDiversion Capacity 100 cfs
Surface Area - Less than 1 AcreSurface Area - Less than 1 Acre
Pipe and Shaft to the Hell Hole - Middle Pipe and Shaft to the Hell Hole - Middle Fork TunnelFork Tunnel
April 2006April 2006 20
South Fork Long Canyon Creek South Fork Long Canyon Creek DiversionDiversion
April 2006April 2006 21
South Fork Long Canyon Creek South Fork Long Canyon Creek DiversionDiversion
Dam Crest at 4,650 ft Elevation Dam Crest at 4,650 ft Elevation
Diversion - Concrete Gravity - 145 ft LongDiversion - Concrete Gravity - 145 ft Long
Diversion Capacity 200 cfsDiversion Capacity 200 cfs
Surface Area - Less than 1 AcreSurface Area - Less than 1 Acre
Pipe and Shaft to the Hell Hole - Middle Pipe and Shaft to the Hell Hole - Middle Fork TunnelFork Tunnel
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Middle Fork PowerhouseMiddle Fork Powerhouse
April 2006April 2006 23
Middle Fork PowerhouseMiddle Fork Powerhouse
Located on Middle Fork Interbay ReservoirLocated on Middle Fork Interbay Reservoir
Water Supply- Hell Hole - Middle Fork Water Supply- Hell Hole - Middle Fork TunnelTunnel
Two Pelton WaterwheelsTwo Pelton Waterwheels
122.4 MW / 60,000 Volts122.4 MW / 60,000 Volts
Discharges to Middle Fork Interbay Discharges to Middle Fork Interbay Reservoir Reservoir
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Middle Fork Interbay DamMiddle Fork Interbay Damand Reservoirand Reservoir
April 2006April 2006 25
Middle Fork Interbay DamMiddle Fork Interbay Damand Reservoirand Reservoir
Dam Crest at 2,536 ft Elevation Dam Crest at 2,536 ft Elevation
Interbay Dam - Concrete Gravity - 233 ft Interbay Dam - Concrete Gravity - 233 ft LongLong
Surface Area - 7 AcresSurface Area - 7 Acres
Gross Storage - 175 Acre-FeetGross Storage - 175 Acre-Feet
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Middle Fork TunnelMiddle Fork TunnelRalston TunnelRalston Tunnel
6.7 Miles Long6.7 Miles Long
13.5’ Horseshoe Cross-Section13.5’ Horseshoe Cross-Section
Capacity 924 cfs*Capacity 924 cfs*
Intake in Middle Fork Interbay Reservoir / Intake in Middle Fork Interbay Reservoir / Trash RackTrash Rack
Terminates in a 9.5 - 8 ft dia. - 1,670 ft Terminates in a 9.5 - 8 ft dia. - 1,670 ft Long Penstock to the Ralston PowerhouseLong Penstock to the Ralston Powerhouse
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Ralston PowerhouseRalston Powerhouse
April 2006April 2006 28
Ralston PowerhouseRalston Powerhouse
Located on Ralston Afterbay ReservoirLocated on Ralston Afterbay Reservoir
Water Supply - Middle Fork Tunnel - Water Supply - Middle Fork Tunnel - Ralston TunnelRalston Tunnel
Single Francis TurbineSingle Francis Turbine
79.2 MW / 60,000 Volts79.2 MW / 60,000 Volts
Discharges to Ralston AfterbayDischarges to Ralston Afterbay
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Ralston Afterbay and Afterbay Ralston Afterbay and Afterbay DamDam
April 2006April 2006 30
Ralston Afterbay and Afterbay Ralston Afterbay and Afterbay DamDam
Dam Crest at 1,189 ft Elevation Dam Crest at 1,189 ft Elevation
Ralston Afterbay Dam - Concrete Ralston Afterbay Dam - Concrete Gravity - 560 ft LongGravity - 560 ft Long
Gross Storage - 2,782 Acre-FeetGross Storage - 2,782 Acre-Feet
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Ralston - Oxbow TunnelRalston - Oxbow Tunnel
0.1 Miles Long0.1 Miles Long
13.25 ft Horseshoe Cross-Section13.25 ft Horseshoe Cross-Section
Capacity 1,075 cfs*Capacity 1,075 cfs*
Intake in Ralston Afterbay Reservoir / Intake in Ralston Afterbay Reservoir / Trash RackTrash Rack
Supplies Oxbow PowerhouseSupplies Oxbow Powerhouse
April 2006April 2006 32
Oxbow PowerhouseOxbow Powerhouse
April 2006April 2006 33
Oxbow PowerhouseOxbow Powerhouse
Located on Middle Fork American RiverLocated on Middle Fork American River
Single Francis TurbineSingle Francis Turbine
Generator - 6.1 MW / 60,000 VoltsGenerator - 6.1 MW / 60,000 Volts
Discharges to Middle Fork American River Discharges to Middle Fork American River below Ralston Afterbay Dambelow Ralston Afterbay Dam
April 2006April 2006 34
Other Project ComponentsOther Project Components
Project Power and Communication LinesProject Power and Communication Lines
Stream Gaging StationsStream Gaging Stations
Project Roads and TrailsProject Roads and Trails
Microwave Reflector Stations and Radio Microwave Reflector Stations and Radio TowersTowers
Support FacilitiesSupport Facilities
April 2006April 2006 35
Project Operations Project Operations
Operating ConstraintsOperating Constraints
Water Rights (Storage and Diversion Water Rights (Storage and Diversion Allowances)Allowances)
Minimum Pool RequirementsMinimum Pool Requirements
Stream Maintenance Flows (i.e. Stream Maintenance Flows (i.e. Minimum Instream Flows)Minimum Instream Flows)
Dam / Diversion Discharge CapacitiesDam / Diversion Discharge Capacities
April 2006April 2006 36
Minimum Pool RequirementsMinimum Pool RequirementsMINIMUM POOL
French MeadowsReservoir
Forecast / FolsomReservoir (a/f)
> 2,000,0001,200,000 – 2,000,000
< 1,200,000
Minimum Pool (a/f)June-Sept Oct-May
60,000 50,00060,000 25,00028,000 8,700
Hell HoleReservoir
Forecast / FolsomReservoir (a/f)
> 2,000,0001,200,000 – 2,000,000
< 1,200,000
Minimum Pool (a/f)June-Sept Oct-May
70,000 50,00070,000 25,00026,000 5,500
Duncan CreekDiversion Maintain water surface elevation at 5,259 feet elev.
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MINIMUM INSTREAM FLOW
Duncan Creek
Forecast / Folsom ReservoForecast / FolsomReservoir (a/f)> 1,000,000< 1,000,000
Release (cfs)Lessor of 8 or natural flowLessor of 4 or natural flow
French MeadowsReservoir
Forecast / Folsom ReservoForecast / FolsomReservoir (a/f)> 1,000,000< 1,000,000
Release (cfs)8 at all times4 at all times
Hell HoleReservoir
Forcast / FolsomReservoir (a/f)> 1,000,000 a/f
< 1,000,000 a/f
Release (cfs)20 May 15 – Dec 1410 Dec 15 – May 14
10 June 1 – Oct 14 6 Oct 15 – May 31
Minimum Instream Flow Minimum Instream Flow RequirementsRequirements
April 2006April 2006 38
MINIMUM INSTREAM FLOW
South Fork LongCanyonDiversion Dam
Forecast / FolsomForecast / FolsomReservoir (a/f)
> 1,000,000< 1,000,000
Release (cfs)
lesser of 5 or natural flowlesser of 2.5 or natural flow
North Fork LongCanyonDiversion Dam
Releases to maintain streamflow of 2 cfs or the naturalflow, whichever is less, shallbe made at all times.
Minimum Instream Flow Minimum Instream Flow RequirementsRequirements
April 2006April 2006 39
Minimum Instream Flow Minimum Instream Flow RequirementsRequirements
MINIMUM INSTREAM FLOW
Middle ForkInterbay
Forecast / FolsomReservoir (a/f)> 1,000,000< 1,000,000
Release (cfs)lesser of 23 or natural flowlesser of 12 or natural flow
Oxbow
Releases shall be 75 cfs at all times as measureddownstream of the confluence with the North Forkof the Middle Fork.
Such releases shall not cause vertical fluctuations(measured in representative section) greater than 3feet per hour.
April 2006April 2006 40
Dam and Diversion DischargesDam and Diversion Discharges
Duncan Creek Diversion
Stream Maintenance Pipe10 inch diameter8 cfs*
Sluice Pipe60 inch diameter
French Meadows Dam
Stream Maintenance Pipe8 inch diameter8 cfs*
Low Level Outlet6 feet diameter1,430 cfs60 inch diameter ring jet valve
April 2006April 2006 41
Dam and Diversion Dam and Diversion DischargesDischarges
Hell Hole Dam
Stream Maintenance Pipe16 Inch diameter20 cfs*Howell-Bunger Valve
Discharge Conduit48 inch Diameter852 cfs*Howell-Bunger Valve
Powerhouse Water Supply20 inch diameter30 cfs*
April 2006April 2006 42
Dam and Diversion DischargesDam and Diversion Discharges
North Fork Long Canyon Creek Diversion Stream Maintenance Pipe
12 Inch diameter2 cfs*
South Fork Long Canyon Diversion
Stream Maintenance Pipe12 Inch diameter5 cfs*
Middle Fork Interbay
Stream Maintenance Pipe20 inch diameter23 cfs*Howell-Bunger Valve
Sluice Pipe60 inch diameter890 cfs
April 2006April 2006 43
MFP OperationsMFP Operations
Operated to Meet Water Supply Operated to Meet Water Supply RequirementsRequirements
Operated to Meet Minimum Operated to Meet Minimum Instream Flow RequirementsInstream Flow Requirements
Operated to Optimize Value of Operated to Optimize Value of GenerationGeneration
April 2006April 2006 44
Operations OverviewOperations Overview
Operations Governed By:Operations Governed By:
MF Project FERC License Conditions MF Project FERC License Conditions
Water Rights PermitsWater Rights Permits
Contractual Obligations (Delivery of Contractual Obligations (Delivery of Water and Power)Water and Power)
Physical Constraints (Size of Tunnels, Physical Constraints (Size of Tunnels, Capacity of Powerhouses)Capacity of Powerhouses)
Power Market – High Value Periods of Power Market – High Value Periods of OperationOperation
April 2006April 2006 45
Seasonal Pattern of OperationsSeasonal Pattern of Operations Reservoir Storage: Reservoir Storage:
French Meadows and Hell Hole Reservoirs, French Meadows and Hell Hole Reservoirs, 343,000 Acre-Feet Total Storage343,000 Acre-Feet Total Storage
Seasonal Pattern of Operations:Seasonal Pattern of Operations: Store Water During Winter and Spring Store Water During Winter and Spring
Precipitation and Runoff Periods (Refill Period)Precipitation and Runoff Periods (Refill Period) Releases During the Dry Summer and Fall Releases During the Dry Summer and Fall
Months (Drawdown Period)Months (Drawdown Period) Reservoirs are Operated to Maintain Relative Reservoirs are Operated to Maintain Relative
Balance between ReservoirsBalance between Reservoirs Dec. 31 Carry-Over Target for Dec. 31 of Dec. 31 Carry-Over Target for Dec. 31 of
150,000 Acre-Feet (Two Reservoirs)150,000 Acre-Feet (Two Reservoirs)
April 2006April 2006 46
Reservoir OperationsReservoir Operations Operations during refill period to meet Operations during refill period to meet
demands, fill reservoirs, avoid spilldemands, fill reservoirs, avoid spill Operations during drawdown to meet demands, Operations during drawdown to meet demands,
hit end-of-year storage targethit end-of-year storage target Reservoir storage targets through the year:Reservoir storage targets through the year:
Generally based on historic practice Generally based on historic practice Refined during refill period based primarily Refined during refill period based primarily
on hydrologic conditions, with some on hydrologic conditions, with some consideration of power market conditionsconsideration of power market conditions
Storage managed during drawdown period Storage managed during drawdown period based on consumptive obligations and based on consumptive obligations and power market trends power market trends
At all times meet minimum release obligations At all times meet minimum release obligations
April 2006April 2006 47
Generation SchedulingGeneration Scheduling
Watershed provides sufficient water to Watershed provides sufficient water to operate about half of the time at full load operate about half of the time at full load (50% capacity factor)(50% capacity factor)
Full-load operations are most efficient for Full-load operations are most efficient for generationgeneration
Project typically operates in “peaking” Project typically operates in “peaking” mode: 8-16 hours per day, during the mode: 8-16 hours per day, during the most valuable time periodsmost valuable time periods
Annual generation approximately 1 Annual generation approximately 1 million MW hours.million MW hours.
April 2006April 2006 48
Scheduling and OperationsScheduling and Operations Project operations have been much the Project operations have been much the
same since the construction of the Projectsame since the construction of the Project
Variation in specific operations practices Variation in specific operations practices through time in response to:through time in response to:
Project maintenance requirementsProject maintenance requirements
Changes in California power marketsChanges in California power markets
Recreation demands downstream of the Recreation demands downstream of the ProjectProject
April 2006April 2006 49
MaintenanceMaintenance Facility Testing (powerhouse equipment Facility Testing (powerhouse equipment
testing and maintenance, gate and valve testing and maintenance, gate and valve testing)testing)
Debris Removal ManagementDebris Removal Management
Sediment ManagementSediment Management
Vegetation and Pest ManagementVegetation and Pest Management
Facility PaintingFacility Painting
Road MaintenanceRoad Maintenance
April 2006April 2006 50
Recreation FacilitiesRecreation Facilities
Recreation Plan developed as required by Recreation Plan developed as required by the licensethe license
Recreation Facilities include campgrounds, Recreation Facilities include campgrounds, picnic areas, boat launch areas, and one picnic areas, boat launch areas, and one scenic vistascenic vista
Operated by the Tahoe and Eldorado Operated by the Tahoe and Eldorado National ForestsNational Forests
April 2006April 2006 51
Recreation SitesRecreation Sites
French Meadows ReservoirFrench Meadows Reservoir
Reservoir North Shore - picnicking, Reservoir North Shore - picnicking, camping, boat ramp and parking camping, boat ramp and parking (McGuire, Poppy)(McGuire, Poppy)
Reservoir East end - single-unit and Reservoir East end - single-unit and group campgrounds (Lewis, Coyote group campgrounds (Lewis, Coyote Group, gates Group and Ahart)Group, gates Group and Ahart)
Reservoir South Shore - picnicking, Reservoir South Shore - picnicking, camping, boat ramp and parking (French camping, boat ramp and parking (French Meadows Complex)Meadows Complex)
April 2006April 2006 52
Recreation SitesRecreation Sites Hell Hole ReservoirHell Hole Reservoir
Hell Hole Reservoir - scenic vista, picnicking, Hell Hole Reservoir - scenic vista, picnicking, camping, boat ramp and parkingcamping, boat ramp and parking
Big Meadows CampgroundBig Meadows Campground Upper Hell Hole (boat-in/hike-in campground)Upper Hell Hole (boat-in/hike-in campground)
Ralston / OxbowRalston / Oxbow Ralston Picnic AreaRalston Picnic Area
South Fork Long CanyonSouth Fork Long Canyon One single-unit and one group campground (Big One single-unit and one group campground (Big
Meadows and Middle Meadows Group)Meadows and Middle Meadows Group)