WSP09122

• File Number: 8040.100
• Description: Section D General Studies-Power
• Date: 1/1/1981
• Author: DOI
• Title: Dunham Point-Peaking Power Unit-Plan of Study-Colorado River Storage Project Power Peaking Capacity
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WATER AND POWER RESOURCES SERVICE
UPPER COLORADO REGION
NOTICE OF INITIATION OF INVESTIGATION

Name of Investigation:
Colorado

CRSP Power Peaking Capacity, Dunham Point Unit,

Location of Investigation: Two miles northeast of McPhee Darn on the Dolores
River in Southwestern Colorado, ten miles northwest of Dolores, Colorado

Date Investigations Initiated: Feasibility investigations were authorized
by P.L. 89-561, dated September 7, 1966. Scheduled date of completion
of the feasibility report and draft environmental statement is September
1984.

I. Scope of Investigations: The studies will investigate the possibility
of a pumped storage hydroelectric facility being constructed at the pro-
posed McPhee Reservoir for the purpose of providing up to 1,500 MW of
peaking power. The investigation is being conducted to determine the
engineering and economic feasibility and associated environmental and
social impacts of the Dunham Point Unit. The study will address prob-
lems and needs, evaluate resources available, evaluate alternative
plans, select a plan, conduct specific evaluations of the plan, address
environmental impacts, and produce the appropriate reports.

2. Problems and Needs: The Colorado River Storage Project service area is
expected to need additional hydroelectric power to help meet peak elec-
rical demands.

3. Prospective Solutions: Construct the proposed Dunham Point Unit pumped
storage hydroelectric facility with a combined unit capacity of up to
1,500 MW. The facility would utilize the proposed McPhee Reservoir as
an afterbay and would require construction of a higher elevation forebay
reservoir on Dunham Point.

4. Participation: The investigation will he done in accordance with the
principles and standards for multiple-objective water resources plan-
ning. Interested persons, organizations, and agencies are requested to
forward, within 30 days, an expression of interest in the investigations,
to inform us of pertinent data that can be made available for our use,
to furnish comments and suggestions as may be considered appropriate, and
to express possible interest in participating on the planning team. Tn
most cases expenses incurred during participation on the planning team
would not be reimbursible. Expressions of interest should be sent to
the Regional Director, P.O. Box 11568, Salt Lake City, Utah 84147 or to
the Projects Manager, Durango Projects Office, P.O. Box 640, Durango,
Colorado 81301.

Prepared:

February 4, 1981

Transmitted: February 4, 1981
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. Regional Director

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Regional Planning Officer