EP 1165-2-1
30 Jul 99
b. Adjoining Plants. Reports also take note of other possible
adjoining pumped storage plants which might be developed near a
Federal project but which do not appear to require operation as an
integral part of the proposed Federal project. They are not generally
included as part of a Federal plan. Non-Federal interests may wish to
consider the construction of adjoining plants that could be operated
relatively independently of Federal project operations. Such action
requires application to the FERC for license under the provisions of
the Federal Power Act. The potential effect of such proposals on
Federal project operations is considered incidental to processing of
license applications. Non-Federal interests may, however, be
furnished readily available information concerning such possibilities
to facilitate their preparation of applications for licenses.
16-7. Provision for Future Power. Under continuing Congressional
authorities, penstocks and other facilities adapted to possible future
use in the development of power may be installed in any dam when
approved by the Secretary of the Army on the recommendation of the
Chief of Engineers and FERC. The decision to recommend provisions for
future power requires consideration of the additional cost involved,
the probability of future installation and other factors concerning
the potential and feasibility of the power development and
marketability of its output. The investigation should indicate the
minimum provisions, if any, required to avoid precluding future
development. If the minimum provision is a block-out at a dam to
accommodate future hydropower installation, then it is good
engineering practice to incorporate a block-out in the design and
construction of the authorized project in coordination with FERC.
Field level coordination is undertaken with FERC concerning economic
feasibility and with the appropriate Department of Energy marketing
agency for hydropower provision other than a block-out. The actual
costs for this type of provisions plus interest (compounded, at the
initial Corps project construction rate) shall, if power is ultimately
developed, be included in the investment costs allocated to that
function and subject to repayment (see paragraphs 16-3a and b). If
the power is developed under FERC license (see paragraph 16-9), an
equivalent amount will be assessed to the licensee as a precondition.
This is separate from the charge assessed by FERC for use of the
Federal dam as required by the Federal Power Act.
16-8.
Control of Releases from Power Plants.
a. Effects of Releases. Reservoir releases to provide peak
power service may result in a substantial change in the regimen of a
stream. In some cases, the change from relatively steady rates of
flow to frequent fluctuation may cause undesirable effects.
Fluctuation may reduce the benefits from other reservoir functions,
such as recreation, pollution abatement, and water supply.
b. Mitigation. Positive means to prevent or reduce adverse
effects are considered in planning and project operation phases.
Tangible and intangible benefits may be obtained with measures such
as: modification in power output; location of a re-regulating
reservoir downstream; or acquisition of additional interest in lands.
c. Minimum Releases. Determination of the project power
capabilities will involve consideration of rates and volume of minimum
releases required for downstream purposes. Consideration of
downstream effects will also include requirements for limiting the
range and rate of stage and discharge fluctuations. Continued
attention is given to the effects of releases downstream and to
16-4
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