Investing in the future
The Don Pedro Project has been an extremely reliable, well-designed, well-built and well-maintained piece of critical infrastructure. As with all infrastructure projects, components of Don Pedro have a useful lifespan and must be maintained, repaired and eventually replaced in order to prolong the integrity of the project.
With the cooperation of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), the Don Pedro Project embarked upon a Life Extension and Upgrade Project in 2010. Once complete, the structure will essentially be in an “As New” condition and ready to serve clean energy for another 50-plus years.
Life Extension
TID, along with Project partner Modesto Irrigation District, felt that replacement of some major mechanical components of the Dam and Powerhouse were prudent given the 50-year age of the project despite the fact they were functioning properly. The Districts made the proactive decision to begin the multi-year project to refurbish and upgrade the entire facility before any major failures occurred. The objective of the Project is to achieve a 50-year life expectancy.
Two examples of the Project include:
- All six Diversion Tunnel slide gates were replaced with stainless steel versions. The replacement gates allow TID to adjust the water releases whereas the old design which was either fully open or fully closed. These new gates also use bio-compatible oil. (2014 and 2015)
- The Power Tunnel fixed wheel gate and bulkhead gate were replaced. This included new gates, hoists and hydraulic power units being replaced with new equipment and retrofitted to use bio-compatible oil. (2015-2017).
Upgrade
This Life Extension Phase of the Project is ongoing and is anticipated to continue for several years. An Upgrade Phase will begin soon, which is anticipated to include replacement and/or upgrade of generation facilities and a conversion to a digital control system.
For an overview of the Don Pedro Project as a TID facility, please visit our Don Pedro Reservoir page.