rr2

Work on the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project has resumed on the upstream side of the Red Rock Dam as water levels have receded. Those levels were more than 775 feet above sea level as of June 1, but have since dropped much closer to normal conservation pool and below the level of the upstream work platform. According to Missouri River Energy Services, work continues on the downstream side of the dam. Final equipment installation, verification, and equipment checks are in full swing and the switchyard located between the dam and the powerhouse is nearly complete. The underground transmission cable from the powerhouse to the overhead transmission line has been installed and final testing started earlier this week. The transmission line is expected to be energized in August. When RRHP becomes operational, currently scheduled for 2020 barring additional flood events, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrology Department will continue to be responsible for scheduling water releases from the Dam into the river as it has been for the past 50 years. These releases could be directed through the existing gates on the Dam, through the new hydroelectric facility, or through a combination of these depending on the reservoir elevation and desired flow release.