Renew Hydro, LLC, Dam Safety Consultant
Integrated Dam Safety Solutions for a Complex Hydropower Portfolio
LaBella is providing comprehensive dam safety consulting services to Renew Hydro for a portfolio of five FERC-regulated hydroelectric facilities across New York State. Following Renew Hydro’s acquisition of these assets, LaBella was engaged to strengthen and standardize the dam safety program, serving in the role of Chief Dam Safety Engineer.
Investigation & Assessment
Our team initiated the effort with a thorough desktop review of historical records, followed by detailed on-site inspections and engineering investigations at each facility. Fieldwork included condition assessments, critical measurements, and comprehensive photographic documentation of dams and associated appurtenant structures.
Dam Safety
Leveraging these findings, along with federal regulatory guidance and industry best practices, LaBella developed a robust Owner’s Dam Safety Program (ODSP) tailored to the portfolio.
Compliance
In support of ongoing compliance, LaBella also prepared Dam Safety Surveillance and Monitoring Plans (DSSMPs) and Annual Dam Safety Surveillance and Monitoring Reports (DSSMRs) for submission to FERC, establishing a consistent and defensible framework for monitoring and reporting across all five facilities.
Inspection Recommendations
Two of the facilities are classified as high hazard dams and underwent Part 12D Independent Consultant inspections in 2023. As the program advances, LaBella is addressing recommendations from the inspections, including refining hydrologic and hydraulic models to update design storm criteria and breach parameters. The team is also expanding stability analyses to incorporate additional loading conditions and dam configurations.
Emergency Response
In parallel, LaBella is updating Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for the high hazard facilities and supporting Renew Hydro through annual EAP seminars and emergency response drills.
Through this phased and proactive approach, LaBella is helping Renew Hydro enhance dam safety, maintain regulatory compliance, and establish a resilient, portfolio-wide program for long-term asset management.
