LIHI Certificate # 36 - Tieton Dam Hydroelectric Project, Washington
DECEMBER 1,2011 - The Southern California Public Power Authority (“SCPPA”) purchased this facility in late 2009.
Since then Burbank Water and Power has been SCPPA’s operating agent for the plant. Apparently, the previous owners haven’t been clear with you that their sale of the facility didn’t involve passing on a membership obligation in your organization to SCPPA which they apparently held to make their facility more marketable.
Over the past several years circumstances have changed with respect to what can be counted in California towards renewable energy procurement. Currently, a facility needs to be certified by the California Energy Commission (“CEC”) and the output tracked through WREGIS. The plant has been certified by both of these organizations. So it is not apparent what benefit membership in your organization would bring to SCPPA at this time. Should circumstances change and the value of membership in your organization again become apparent, we would like to keep the option open of joining.
Bruno Jaider
Southern California Public Power Authority (“SCPPA”)
The Tieton Hydroelectric Project is a "run-of the reservoir" facility located at the base of the U.S Bureau of Reclamation dam on the Tieton River at river mile (RM) 21.2, in Yakima County approximately 40 miles west of the city of Yakima, Washington. Releases from the project are set by the Bureau of Reclamation based on minimum flow, irrigation, flood control, or late season "flip flop" requirements. During minimum flow, releases are made thru a Jet Flow gate. Flows from 140 cfs to approximately 1300 cfs will be made through one or both Turbines. Flows above 1300 cfs will be made through a combination of Turbines and Jet Flow Gates.The powerhouse is located on the left abutment of the dam and incorporated into the existing outlet works.
Principal project features are on lands of the United States administered by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and on private property easements.
The USBR's Tieton Dam on the Tieton River was constructed during the period of 1917-25. The dam is an earth fill structure with a concrete core wall diaphragm. It created Rimrock Lake, a reservoir with a storage capacity of 198,000 acre-feet at normal water surface elevation. The dam creates 198 feet of head to drive the turbines in the powerhouse.
Major components of the USBR Project are:
The Dam which is earth filled with a concrete core. This USBR facility although not owned by the Applicant, provides the hydraulic head for operation of the hydropower project.
The Reservoir forms Rim Rock Lake. The lake has a drainage area 187 square miles and a surface area of 2,526 acres creating an active capacity of 198,000 acre feet.
General Description of the Hydropower Project - The Tieton Hydroelectric Project is comprised of a Powerhouse constructed in front of the existing valve house. The powerhouse has space for two Turbines each with a rated output of 6.8 MW. Space to house the 60 inch jet flow gates are provided on each side of the power module, Two 72 inch Turbine Inlet Valves (Butterfly Type) were installed just upstream of the Turbines. The Powerhouse is reinforced concrete with a steel frame, metal sided building above grade.