Stantec has announced the early completion of the Priest Rapids Right Embankment Improvement Project in Washington. The project, a partnership with Grant County Public Utility District No. 2 (Grant PUD) and IMCO General Construction, was completed one month ahead of schedule.
The upgraded embankment is now capable of withstanding a 7.1-magnitude earthquake, significantly enhancing the safety and resilience of the Priest Rapids Dam. The dam, located in Mattawa, Washington, is critical to the region’s hydroelectric power, with a capacity of 950MW.
Concerns over the dam’s seismic resistance prompted the improvement project. Stantec designed and constructed a new downstream replacement dam using roller-compacted concrete (RCC) to address potential liquefaction risks. The firm has extensive experience with RCC, having designed over 25 dams and rehabilitation structures.
“We are thrilled to have successfully completed the Priest Rapids Right Embankment Improvement Project ahead of schedule,” said Mario Finis, executive vice president of Energy & Resources at Stantec. “Our collaboration with Grant PUD exemplifies our commitment to dam safety and community resilience.”
Dale Campbell, senior manager of power production at Grant PUD, highlighted the project’s importance, stating: “Completion of the Priest Rapids Right Embankment Improvement Project enhances the protection and preservation of the Wanapum people’s culture who live immediately downstream of the dam. This investment in Priest Rapids Dam is strategically critical for our customers as it reduces Grant PUD’s public safety and financial risk for the foreseeable future.”
