News Release Archive

Reclamation modernizes the nation’s largest hydropower facility

Media Contact: Lynne Brougher, (509) 633-9503, lbrougher@usbr.gov
Erika Lopez, 208-378-5101, ealopez@usbr.gov

For Release: February 20, 2019

Grand Coulee Third Power Plant and Dam
Grand Coulee Third Power Plant and DamGRAND COULEE, Wash. — The Bureau of Reclamation has issued the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for modernizing three generators in the Third Power Plant at Grand Coulee Dam. The project is being undertaken to replace generating units G-19 through G-21 that have been in service for 30-years and have surpassed their life expectancy. “This modernization project in the Third Power Plant will result in higher efficiency and reliability, ensuring another 40 years of service and enabling Reclamation to meet its contractual obligations for power generation,” said Grand Coulee’s Deputy Power Manager Doug Anderson.

In this EA, the Proposed Action and No Action alternative for any potential environmental impacts were analyzed. The Proposed Action—Third Power Plant Units G19 through G21 modernization with potential for full replacement of major unit systems—was selected. The Proposed Action includes a design-build option for the contractor to provide up to a full component replacement of each generating unit if necessary. Construction work is expected to begin as early as 2023.

The final EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/wash/tpp/. For more information or to request a copy, please contact Mr. Brian Clark, GCPO-1102, Bureau of Reclamation, P.O. Box 620, Grand Coulee, WA 99133 or via email at bdclark@usbr.gov.

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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.

Relevant Link:

https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/wash/tpp/

bdclark@usbr.gov