Hungry Horse Power Plant Modernization

The Bureau of Reclamation issued the final environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact for the Hungry Horse Power Plant Modernization and Overhaul project in November 2018.

The 10-year project involves modernizing and overhauling the powerplant to provide electrical power generation for an additional 30 years, while maintaining operations for flood risk management and fisheries resources. Many of the powerplant’s principal components have reached or exceeded their intended service life. They show problems stemming from age related wear that could potentially result in increased failures and longer forced outages, more-challenging repairs due to obsolescence and lack of spare parts, and higher operation and maintenance costs.

To meet current industry and life-safety standards, Reclamation will install new fire prevention and protection safety features; inspect and repair power plant elevators; and replace or repair five of the six overhead cranes.

The 2018 final EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

Update: Demolition of the gantry crane on top of Hungry Horse Dam Road is delayed due weather conditions. Work is anticipated to resume Nov. 28, 2022, and the contractor anticipates completing the demolition within a week, weather permitting. The public may experience intermediate traffic flow interruptions on Hungry Horse Dam Road over the dam during construction. Flaggers will direct traffic on top of the dam; both lanes will remain open. Traffic will not be stopped on the dam for any road closures.

Documents
11/2018 Hungry Horse Powerplant Modernization and Overhaul Project Final EA and FONSI PDF 13.03 mb
10/2017 Hungry Horse Powerplant Modernization & Overhaul Project Draft EA PDF 9.73 mb

Contact

Pam Druliner
Natural Resource Specialist
(208) 378-6214
pdruliner@usbr.gov

Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region
Bureau of Reclamation
1150 N. Curtis Road
Boise, Idaho 83706-1234


Last Updated: 9/11/23