N.Y. Power Authority Statement On Vischer Ferry Power Dam
August 30, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHITE PLAINS— The New York Power Authority (NYPA) this morning terminated the “Type B” emergency at its Vischer Ferry Plant as a result of receding Mohawk River levels and NYPA’s fortifying of an earthen embankment that is a small part of the water-retaining structure of the Vischer Ferry Power Dam.
Seepage of water at the embankment, or berm, is now controlled, with the river elevation—currently at 215 feet—continuing to drop. The current level is two feet below the concrete wall crest of the embankment.
NYPA engineers remain at the embankment to monitor the situation.
Area emergency response organizations are being notified that the “Type B” emergency—the lowest of two emergency categories for hydroelectric plants—is no longer in effect.
An engineering consultant with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the regulatory entity for hydroelectric projects, is expected to be at the site today.
Historic high river flows from Tropical Storm Irene led to the water seepage. The fortified embankment is separate from other parts of the power dam.
■ The New York Power Authority uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation's largest state public power organization, with 17 generating facilities in various parts of New York State and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. ■ Approximately 80 percent of the electricity it produces is clean renewable hydropower. Its lower-cost power production and electricity purchases support hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the state. ■For more information, www.nypa.gov.