Kleinschmidt Associates, an engineering and environmental consulting firm, has been chosen by Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, to conduct a comprehensive safety assessment of the Wallace Dam Pumped Storage Project. This assessment marks the Eighth Part 12D Comprehensive Assessment for the project.
The inspection is mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under Order 122, Paragraph 12.32, which requires evaluations to identify any potential safety risks, deficiencies in project maintenance, surveillance, or operational practices that could pose threats to public safety. This inspection will confirm the dam’s adherence to FERC’s stringent safety standards.
“We’re excited to partner with Georgia Power on this important assessment of the Wallace Dam Pumped Storage Project. Our in-house team is fully equipped to meet the latest FERC guidelines, providing expert facilitation and comprehensive engineering services across all disciplines,” said Nick Ciomei, Project Manager at Kleinschmidt Associates. “Our goal is to ensure that Georgia Power’s operations meet the highest standards of safety and compliance while continuing to support their commitment to reliable energy and public safety.”
Todd Barber, Dam Safety & Surveillance Supervisor at Southern Company, added, “Southern Company and our Dam Safety Group have a long, successful relationship working with Kleinschmidt on our hydroelectric projects, and this will continue as we move into a new era of FERC regulation with changes in the Part 12 process. They have supported us in all aspects of addressing dam safety, providing practical solutions to help us maintain our dams.”
The project commenced in July 2024, with completion expected by December 2025.
