News Release Archive

Reclamation Awards $6.82 million Contract for Modernization of Pressure Relief Valves at Hoover Dam

Andritz Hydro Corp. of Charlotte, North Carolina, awarded the contract

Media Contact: Doug Hendrix, 702-293-8391, dhendrix@usbr.gov

For Release: December 28, 2016

Hoover DamBOULDER CITY, Nevada — The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that it has awarded a $6.82 million contract to Andritz Hydro Corp. of Charlotte, North Carolina, for the modernization and overhaul of the last three original pressure relief valves at Hoover Dam.

The pressure relief valves are part of the original turbine equipment in the dam's power plant. When the water flow to the turbines must be stopped quickly, the pressure relief valves divert the water around the turbine and directly into the river. This reduces the pressure rise that would otherwise occur in the penstock - the large pipes that carry the water from Lake Mead to the turbines.

"Ensuring the safety and reliability of Reclamation dams to protect the downstream public is a top priority for Reclamation," Commissioner Estevan López said today. "The new pressure relief valves will help to protect the life of the dam’s four penstocks.”

Beginning in October, construction crews monitored by Reclamation’s Lower Colorado Region will begin the process of disassembling the first of the three remaining pressure relief valves at Hoover Dam and refurbishing the units with new valves and related componentry – which will include installation of new valve head covers and hydraulic actuators.

Conversion and overhaul of the existing valves at Hoover Dam with installation of the new componentry is expected to be completed over the next three years when maintenance schedules allow. The rehabilitation work, like all operations and maintenance work at Hoover Dam, is funded by the dam's power customers.

ANDRITZ HYDRO is a global supplier of electromechanical systems and services for hydropower plants and one of the leaders in the world market for hydraulic power generation. The company’s corporate headquarters is located in Vienna, Austria and it maintains more than 50 sales and manufacturing locations in more than 25 countries worldwide.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States, and the nation's second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR.

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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.