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What’s keeping you up at night?
FERC Guidelines: Are you ready for new Part 12D inspection requirements?
Timely Compliance: Do you need help addressing urgent dam safety concerns?
Critical Path Issues: Confident your team can resolve critical dam issues?
Don’t let dam safety concerns keep you up, we’ve got you covered.
Kleinschmidt staff performing dam safety inspections.
Guiding Dam Owners Through the Changing Landscape of Hydropower Safety and Compliance
With over five decades of expertise in the hydropower sector, Kleinschmidt Associates has built a reputation for supporting dam owners with safety, compliance, and engineering excellence. As federal regulations shift, such as the updated Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) standards, our dedicated team is poised to help clients navigate these changes confidently and efficiently.
Building Compliance and Confidence with FERC Regulations
As FERC mandates comprehensive assessments (CAs) and periodic inspections (PIs) for dam safety, our team offers clients the peace of mind that comes with 50 years of expertise and over 200 FERC Part 12 safety inspections nationwide. With Kleinschmidt Associates, dam owners aren’t merely compliant—they’re supported by a trusted partner focused on the reliability, security, and long-term sustainability of their hydropower projects.
Our experienced engineers specialize in performing detailed studies, thorough inspections, and tailored designs that are both comprehensive and cost-effective. We work closely with our clients to uncover solutions that meet the specific needs of each dam, ensuring its safety and integrity.
Dam Safety Inspections & Monitoring
For dam owners, routine inspections are essential, both for regulatory compliance and for maintaining public safety. Our team regularly conducts structural assessments and dam safety inspections to meet the strict requirements of federal, state, and provincial agencies. With an in-depth understanding of FERC’s Part 12 inspection protocols, we evaluate critical infrastructure elements—such as spillways, gates, and foundations—that are essential to the safe functioning of water-retaining facilities.
In Canada, our engineers provide dam safety reviews in line with the Canadian Dam Association’s guidelines, bringing our extensive experience across borders. To date, we’ve conducted over 200 dam inspections, ensuring our clients meet regulatory demands and maintain the utmost standards in dam safety.
Kleinschmidt staff performing dam safety inspections.
Tailored Engineering Solutions for Dams and Spillways
Modern dam management often requires an adaptable approach to engineering and design. Our team provides targeted inspections, studies, and designs that address the needs of today’s dam owners, considering factors such as equipment efficiency, water use optimization, and safety.
Whether modernizing existing structures or enhancing water control capabilities, our solutions encompass all aspects of dam safety, including emergency action plans and operational protocols. These efforts align with FERC’s Part 12 obligations, ensuring that all dam facilities meet the latest standards in safety and efficiency.
For many older dams, aging spillways and water control gates present unique challenges. We understand the complexities involved in rehabilitating these structures, from technical specifications to safety concerns. By conducting detailed inspections and engineering analyses, we help clients restore or replace gates and spillways to meet modern requirements.
Kleinschmidt staff performing dam safety inspections.
Advanced Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) Modeling
Predicting and managing water flow is a fundamental aspect of dam safety and operation. At Kleinschmidt, our hydrologic engineering team develops site-specific probable maximum flood (PMF) values and assesses flood frequency to help dam owners manage water levels and prevent potential overflow risks. With years of experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, our engineers provide comprehensive solutions that allow clients to foresee and mitigate risks associated with water inflow and storage.
By combining hydrologic and hydraulic models, we give clients a clear understanding of how site-specific factors impact water flow and potential flood conditions. This combined approach enables our clients to make informed decisions, whether about operating procedures, generation capacity, or regulatory compliance.
Our engineering center utilizes state-of-the-art tools like HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, and our proprietary McBreach software, giving us an edge in providing precise modeling services. These tools allow us to visualize potential scenarios, equipping dam owners with the information needed to make critical safety and operational decisions.
An example of a velocity model.
Preparing for the Unexpected with Emergency Action Plans & Dam Breach Analysis
Extreme weather events and unpredictable rainfall can threaten dam infrastructure and surrounding communities. Preparing for these events is essential for both safety and resilience. Our hydraulic engineering team brings extensive experience in developing emergency action plans (EAPs), performing dam breach studies, and conducting inundation mapping projects.
We employ a risk-informed decision-making process that includes both deterministic and probabilistic tools, allowing us to assess the potential impact of dam failures accurately. By integrating GIS mapping with breach modeling, we provide a unified planning and preparation platform that serves as a blueprint for building restrictions, flood response strategies, and emergency protocols.
Our team’s expertise in dam breach analysis and emergency planning not only helps our clients prepare for high-stakes situations but also strengthens community safety and regulatory compliance. With hundreds of completed EAPs and inundation maps, our clients can feel assured that they are prepared for any emergency scenario.
Kleinschmidt: Your Partner in Hydropower Safety and Sustainability
At Kleinschmidt, our commitment to hydropower extends beyond engineering. We are dedicated to ensuring that every client receives the tailored solutions they need to maintain safe, efficient, and compliant operations. From initial inspections to comprehensive emergency plans, we are here to support dam owners in meeting the highest standards in dam safety and environmental stewardship.
With over 50 years of experience and a passion for hydropower, we are more than consultants—we’re your partners in building a safer, more sustainable future. Let Kleinschmidt be the firm you turn to when navigating the complexities of dam safety, regulatory compliance, and hydropower engineering. We’re here to help you not just meet, but exceed, the standards that matter most.
Click here to learn more, or check out kleinschmidtgroup.com.
Reach out to solutions@kleinschmidtgroup.com for more information.
