News Release Archive

Reclamation Awards $1.6 Million Contract for Replacement of Shaft Seals

Media Contact: Lynne Brougher, (509) 633-9503
John Redding

For Release: June 17, 2010

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $1.6 million contract to replace the shaft seals on the three 805-megawatt generating units in the Third Powerplant at Grand Coulee Dam.

The contract was awarded to SM Seals Ltd. of Great Britain on June 9, 2010. The work is necessary to replace the existing shaft seals which have experienced numerous failures and leaks resulting in untimely and costly generator shutdowns. The shaft seal is necessary to prevent water from flowing into the powerhouse from the turbine area.

The Third Powerplant generators are a vital source of electrical power to the Northwest Power Grid which is then marketed by the Bonneville Power Administration. BPA is funding the shaft seal replacement project to ensure that the Grand Coulee facility remains a reliable source of power production in the Pacific Northwest.

"The new shaft seals will feature state-of-the-art materials and technology to reduce maintenance and improve hydroelectric dependability at Grand Coulee," said Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor.

Grand Coulee Dam is located on the Columbia River in north central Washington. It was completed in 1941, and today serves as a multipurpose facility providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power production, flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.