Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project Environmental Assessment License Amendment
Cooper Lake, Alaska

As part of a nationwide contract with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Louis Berger Group, Inc. has been retained to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for an amendment application filed by Chugach Electric Association, Inc. for their Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project in Alaska. Two license amendments have been filed. The first consists of raising the dam crest and lowering the spillway channel to allow an increase in normal pool elevation near its licensed operating level while ensuring the safety of the dam during the probable maximum flood. The second amendment consists of increasing the generating capacity of the two units from 16.9 MW to 21.2 MW by replacing the turbine runners and wicket gates and rewinding the existing generators. Refurbishment of auxiliary equipment and the powerhouse is also proposed, but no changes would be made to the intake or penstock. The task assignment consists of performing a site visit, maintaining a mailing list, determining whether any additional information is needed, and preparing the draft and final EA's.