The project, targeted for completion in spring 2012, will create many construction jobs for Montanans during its two-year schedule, starting with preconstruction work later in 2009.
“We appreciate FERC’s thorough review of our request to amend our Rainbow operating license, an important step in the redevelopment of our Rainbow hydroelectric plant,” PPL Montana’s Director of External Affairs David Hoffman said.
“This project will add renewable energy, enhance river fisheries and help meet the region’s need for new sources of clean, reliable electricity generation,” Hoffman said. “It’s part of our commitment to make sound financial investments, while operating our generating plants safely and conserving river resources.”
In addition, the new larger turbine offers a significantly more fish friendly design than the current small turbine configuration, including wider flow passages, fewer rotating surfaces and improvements to the turbine intake screens.
“PPL Montana is working closely with state and federal fish and wildlife agencies and takes responsibility for not only improving the efficiency of this plant but also for implementing an improved turbine design that protects Montana’s valuable fish habitat,” Hoffman said.
As part of the project, a new powerhouse will be built on the hillside about 200 feet downstream of the existing powerhouse, which will be shut down upon completion of the project.
