Enosburg Falls Hydroelectric Facility
Project Overview
Location: Ennosburg Falls, VT
Owner: Village of Enosburg
Engineer: The H.L. Turner Group Inc.
Completed: 2017
Meeting the challenge of a difficult job
The Village of Enosburg Falls Water & Light Department owns and operates two power plants at the project site in Enosburg Falls, Vermont. The project involved some control modifications to the Kendall Plant and major upgrades to the Village Plant. As all of the Bids came in well above the budget, Kingsbury Companies, LLC, as the low bidder, was selected to assist in reducing costs. The project was split into phases so additional studies could be performed to prioritize repairs/upgrades to maximize dollars spent for power generated and plant life extended. The first step for Phase I was to remove and refurbish the hydraulic flow control gates so the Village Power House could be dewatered for a detailed inspection. The gates were removed, repaired, and new bulb type seals attached (an upgrade over the material specified) before being reinstalled at the Forebay. Once dewatered, the Turbine and Generator were inspected and tested to determine the most cost-effective repairs and upgrades. The final report prepared at the conclusion of Phase I provided direction for Phase II upgrades that fall within budget.
Innovation in construction techniques, materials and scheduling
We performed work in winter months to maximize power production, Phase I consisted of inspecting the turbine and generator equipment, the dam and powerhouse for leaks and structural and functional deficiencies. As soon as possible, the Village Plant was put back on-line to resume making power. Phase I identified a number of areas requiring immediate attention and recommended a number of upgrades for better performance. The seals on the Hydraulic Gates, Turbine, Generator, and Controls will all receive upgrades by the completion of Phase II.
Projects contribution to the community
The town is proud to be producing renewable energy for its residents since 1944. As the plant nears its 75th year of service, time and the force of water have taken a toll on the plant. Phase II will refurbish worn out parts and new technologies will be employed to increase the efficiencies of the turbine and generator to increase power production so the plant will continue to be a viable part of the power infrastructure well into the year 2044.
Sensitivity to the environmental surroundings
During Dewatering and Gate repair, temporary controls were employed to protect the River.
Outstanding safety record
For the duration of the diving portions of the project, the dive team consistently met requirements for redundancy, supervision, communication and reporting. Over the span of the 4 months of Phase I, there were zero accidents or injuries. Phase II will begin in July 2017.
