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Dead River Information

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UPPCO to Request License Amendment for Dead River Hydros

After months of study, UPPCO intends to pursue amendments to its operating license to make rebuilding Silver Lake feasible. See news release for complete details.

The Silver Lake Reservoir Rebuild Consultation Document is available for review or downloading.

UPPCO is soliciting written comments on the proposed amendments to its operating license by the end of business day February 16, 2007. Comments may be mailed to Upper Peninsula Power Company, c/o Shawn Puzen, PO Box 19002, Green Bay WI 54307-9002 or emailed to SCPuzen@integrysgroup.com.


Decision Delayed on Rebuilding Silver Lake

Although UPPCO planned to make a decision on rebuilding Silver Lake by spring 2006, that date proved to be unrealistic in light of the many issues to be resolved. See news release for complete details.


Additional Studies Needed Before UPPCO Makes Final Decision on Restoring Silver Lake.

At best, additional study is needed that will delay the decision until spring 2006. See news release for complete details.


UPPCO Board approves funding to rebuild Silver Lake.

Project subject to FERC approval. See news release for complete details.


Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Releases Silver Lake Findings

The FERC's report on the Dead River flood supports UPPCO's key findings. The full report is available online.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today released its technical report on the cause of the Dead River flood of May 14-15, 2003.

The report supports the key findings of an independent investigation performed last October by The Washington Group, a leading provider of scientific, engineering and construction services, based in Boise, ID. The FERC report suggests that:

  1. The fuse plug in the Silver Lake Reservoir dam contained some critical design flaws;
     
  2. The design caused the fuse plug's foundation materials and spillway channel to erode faster and deeper than a proper design would have, causing the release of Silver Lake.

"We are still reviewing the FERC's report but are satisfied with what we've seen so far," said Tom Meinz, WPS Resources' senior vice president of Public Affairs. "While the key findings are consistent with the earlier report, there are some operational issues that may need to be addressed, too. It had a major impact on residents and companies in the area. The FERC report will help us understand what led to the event so we can work to prevent any future incidents."

Gary Erickson, UPPCO vice president and COO, added, "Because the FERC report is quite comprehensive and detailed, it will take time for us to complete a thorough review and analysis. However, it does seem to reaffirm the findings of the Washington Group study that was released this fall."


Dead River Recovery Environmental Assessment Reports


Dead River Hydroelectric Project

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