Hydropower Services

Hydrology Studies

These include studies associated with water availability for electrical power generation and flooding potential for sizing reservoir storage and freeboard allowances, determining spillway capacity, and evaluating downstream incremental hazards. Services include evaluation of watershed evaluation, hydrograph development, USGS gauging station data investigation, Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) development, Inflow Design Flood (IDF) determination, dam breech analyses using the National Weather Service FLOODWAV program, and preparation of Emergency Action Plans and associated inundation mapping.

Licensing, Permitting and Environmental Studies

These studies involve overall project management and coordination of services for licensing and environmental activities associated with hydroelectric project development, including interfacing with federal, state, and local agencies; preliminary permits; supporting design reports; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licenses and license amendment applications; license compliance monitoring and plan development; licensing exemptions; US Army Corps of Engineers permits; special use permits; fish, wildlife, and wet-land mitigation plans; water quality studies; sediment and erosion control plans; and other federal, state, and local permits typically required for project implementation and construction.

Facility Design

Services for new construction or rehabilitation projects include preliminary engineering, detailed design, construction drawings and specifications, and construction support services related to hydroelectric projects, including dams, spillways, water conveyance systems, powerhouses, and hydro electrical-mechanical equipment and systems. Services also include technical specifications and evaluations for the selection and procurement of hydro turbine-generator units associated with the optimal output and generation capability for a specific site. Also available are assessments and studies relating to hydrology and environmental work, as well as dam safety inspections.

Power Generation

Power generation services involve preliminary engineering, detailed design, construction drawings and specifications, and construction support services related to hydroelectric projects, including dams, spillways, water conveyance systems, powerhouses, and hydro electrical-mechanical equipment and systems. Services include technical specifications and evaluations for the selection and procurement of hydro turbine-generator units associated with the optimal output and generation capability for a specific site.

Tidal Energy

Tidal power has the potential to generate electricity in a similar fashion to hydroelectric power. A dam-like structure or barrage can be constructed across an estuary to harness a high tide of water and then let it pass through turbines to generate electricity. The water flow can generate electricity on the falling tide only, or on the falling and rising tide. There are relatively few sites available for tidal power application. Black & Veatch experts can help assess the viability of this renewable energy option.