YORK HAVEN HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
FERC NO. 1888
FINAL LICENSE APPLICATION
EXHIBIT A - PROJECT DESCRIPTION
August 2012
© Copyright 2012. York Haven Power Company, LLC. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
1.0
GENERAL PROJ ECT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................ 1
1.1
1.2
2.0
Project Overview .................................................................................................... 1
Project Location ...................................................................................................... 2
PROJ ECT FACILITIES.................................................................................................. 2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
Main Dam and Headrace Wall................................................................................ 2
East Channel Dam................................................................................................... 4
Impoundment .......................................................................................................... 4
Spillway .................................................................................................................. 4
Powerhouse ............................................................................................................. 4
Turbines-Generators ............................................................................................... 4
Tailrace ................................................................................................................... 6
Transformer and Switchyard................................................................................... 6
Transmission ........................................................................................................... 6
Fish Passage Facilities ............................................................................................ 6
Recreation Facilities................................................................................................ 7
3.0
LANDS OF THE UNITED STATES .............................................................................. 8
4.0
COMMENTS ON DRAFT LICENSE APPLICATION ............................................... 8
5.0
LITERATURE CITED .................................................................................................... 9
Page i
Exhibit A – Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
List of Tables
Table 2.6-1 York Haven Project turbine and generator information. ........................................ 5
Table 2.8-1 York Haven Project switchyard equipment. ........................................................... 6
Table 2.11-1 Project owned recreation facilities. ......................................................................... 8
Page ii
Exhibit A – Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
List of Figures
Figure 1.2-1
York Haven Project location................................................................................... 3
Page iii
Exhibit A – Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
EXHIBIT A - PROJ ECT DESCRIPTION
The following excerpt from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 18 CFR § 4.51(b)
describes the required content of this Exhibit.
Exhibit A is a description of the project. This exhibit need not include information on project
works maintained and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of
Reclamation, or any other department or agency of the United States, except for any project
works that are proposed to be altered or modified. If the project includes more than one dam
with associated facilities, each dam and the associated component parts must be described
together as a discrete development. The description for each development must contain:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
The physical composition, dimensions, and general configuration of any dams, spillways,
penstocks, powerhouses, tailraces, or other structures, whether existing or proposed, to be
included as part of the project;
The normal maximum surface area and normal maximum surface elevation (mean sea
level), gross storage capacity, and usable storage capacity of any impoundments to be
included as part of the project;
The number, type, and rated capacity of any turbines or generators, whether existing or
proposed, to be included as part of the project;
The number, length, voltage, and interconnections of any primary transmission lines,
whether existing or proposed, to be included as part of the project (see 16 U.S.C. 796(11));
The specifications of any additional mechanical, electrical, and transmission equipment
appurtenant to the project; and
All lands of the United States that are enclosed within the project boundary described
under paragraph (h) of this section (Exhibit G), identified and tabulated by legal
subdivisions of a public land survey of the affected area or, in the absence of a public land
survey, by the best available legal description. The tabulation must show the total acreage
of the lands of the United States within the project boundary.
Page iv
Exhibit A - Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
1.0
GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1.1
Project Overview
York Haven Power Company, LLC (YHPC), owns and operates the York Haven Project
(Project) on the Susquehanna River in York, Dauphin, and Lancaster counties in Pennsylvania.
The Project is licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as Project
No. 1888. Construction of the Project began in 1901. Initial construction of the hydroelectric
plant was completed on August 18, 1904, with the last of the 20 units placed in service in 1914.
The Project powerhouse is located at river mile (RM) 55 of the Susquehanna River,
approximately 17 miles downstream from the City of Harrisburg.
The Project has 20 generating units operating in a run-of-river mode with an installed capacity of
19.62 megawatts (MW) and an estimated maximum hydraulic capacity of 17,000 cubic feet per
second (cfs) under optimum head conditions. The Project is capable of maintaining run-of-river
operations and impoundment water level under low to moderate streamflow conditions. During
periods of moderate to high runoff (>17,000 cfs), the Project cannot control water levels. The
York Haven powerhouse is located on the western side of the Susquehanna River, parallel to the
western river bank. The 20 individual generating units range in size from 700 to 1,600 kilowatts
(kW) and are described in more detail in Section 2.6. of this Exhibit.
The Project works include a stone masonry headrace wall, which extends 3,000 feet upstream
from the north end of the powerhouse in a northerly direction parallel to the west bank of the
river. This headrace wall serves to direct water to the powerhouse. The Main Dam is attached to
the headrace and runs from the north end of the headrace wall, diagonally, across the main
channel of the river approximately 4,970 feet to the west shore of Three Mile Island. The Main
Dam is constructed of concrete-covered rock fill and rock fill/timber crib sections with a
maximum height at the crest of 18 feet and an average height of 10 feet. The East Channel Dam
is a concrete gravity overflow dam, which extends approximately 928 feet in an easterly
direction, from the east shore of Three Mile Island to the east bank of the river, with an average
height of 9 feet from foundation level.
The East Channel Dam incorporates a vertical slot fishway constructed in 2000 to support the
upstream passage of anadromous fish, primarily American shad. Two wheel gates, each with a
hydraulic capacity of 1,000 cfs, are located just to the east of the fishway to provide the required
2,000 cfs East Channel attraction flow during fish passage operations. Fishway operations for
upstream passage occur annually from mid-April to mid-June with the specific dates for each
year determined jointly by dam operators, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).
At the normal maximum water surface elevation of 277.9 1 feet (NGVD29) 2, Lake Frederic, the
Project impoundment, is approximately 3.5 miles long with a surface area of 2,218 acres and
1
The value of 277.9 represents the low point of the Main Dam, which under current operations is considered the
normal elevation when river flows are less than maximum turbine capacity.
2
All elevations in the Final License Application are presented in with reference to the 1929 National Geodetic
Vertical Datum.
Page 1
Exhibit A - Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
approximately 9,600 acre-feet of gross storage capacity and a usable storage capacity within its
allowable 1.1 feet of fluctuation of about 1,700 acre-feet, or approximately 1 hour of storage at
the plant’s maximum hydraulic capacity. The Project is operated with a year-round continuous
minimum flow requirement of 1,000 cfs and an average daily minimum flow requirement of
2,500 cfs, or inflow, whichever is less, both of which can be delivered through the powerhouse.
YHPC currently maintains the minimum flow requirement through spillage over the existing
dam structures in combination with the operation of a minimum of two turbine-generator units.
Additionally, YHPC is required to provide a minimum flow of 2,000 cfs at the East Channel
Dam and spill 4,000 cfs at the Main Dam during the American shad passage season while the
upstream fish passage facility is operating.
1.2
Project Location
The Project is located on the Susquehanna River in York, Dauphin, and Lancaster counties in
south central Pennsylvania as shown on Figure 1.2-1. The Susquehanna River basin above the
York Haven Dam has a drainage area of approximately 24,973 square miles. The Project
powerhouse is located approximately 17 miles downstream of the City of Harrisburg.
There are four FERC-licensed hydroelectric facilities downstream of York Haven on the
Susquehanna River— Safe Harbor at RM 32, Holtwood at RM 24, Muddy Run at RM 22, and
Conowingo at RM 10. The Muddy Run Project is a pumped-storage project owned and operated
by Exelon Corporation (Exelon) located near the upper end of the Conowingo reservoir. The
Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, also owned by Exelon, is situated on Three Mile Island in
Lake Frederic, the impoundment formed by the York Haven Dam. PPL’s Brunner Island
Station, a coal-fired steam electric generating plant, is located approximately 1.5 miles
downstream of the Project.
2.0
PROJECT FACILITIES
Descriptions of the major Project facilities and components are provided below. YHPC will
preserve the integrity of the existing facilities and will continue normal operations and
maintenance into the future. YHPC is not proposing any changes to the power generation
equipment at this time.
2.1
Main Dam and Headrace Wall
The Main Dam acts as the primary spillway for the Project. It extends from TMI on the east side
of the river to the headrace wall on the west side. The Main Dam is a concrete-covered rock fill
and rock fill/timber crib structure with a maximum height of 18 ft. The headrace wall extends
3,000 feet in the downstream direction from the Main Dam to the north end of the powerhouse.
The headrace wall directs water to the powerhouse.
Page 2
Exhibit A - Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
Figure 1.2-1
York Haven Project location.
Page 3
Exhibit A - Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
2.2
East Channel Dam
The East Channel Dam is a concrete gravity overflow dam, which extends approximately 928
feet in an easterly direction from the east shore of Three Mile Island to the east bank of the river.
It has an average height of 9 feet.
The East Channel Dam incorporates a vertical slot fishway constructed in 2000 to support the
upstream passage of anadromous fish, primarily American shad. Fishway operations for
upstream passage occur annually from mid-April to mid-June with the specific dates for each
year determined jointly by dam operators, the USFWS, and the PFBC.
2.3
Impoundment
The Project impoundment, Lake Frederic, is approximately 3.5 miles long with approximately
29 miles of total shoreline length within the Project Boundary, including the shoreline of the
islands located in Lake Frederic. The maximum depth of Lake Frederic is approximately 18 feet
with a mean depth of about 6 feet (GPU Nuclear Corporation 1988). Lake Frederic has a surface
area of 2,218 acres and approximately 9,600 acre-feet of gross storage capacity. Usable storage
capacity is limited to the allowable 1.1 feet of fluctuation providing about 1,700 acre-feet of
storage, or approximately 1 hour of storage at the plant’s maximum hydraulic capacity.
2.4
Spillway
The Project operates in a run-of-river mode. During periods of moderate to high runoff in the
Susquehanna River that exceed the station’s maximum hydraulic capacity (17,000 cfs), the
Project cannot control water levels and spills water. Spills can occur at the Main Dam, Headrace
Wall, and East Channel structures.
2.5
Powerhouse
The brick and stone masonry powerhouse is approximately 472 feet long and 48 feet wide
located parallel to the west bank of the Susquehanna River. This structure contains the turbines,
generators, and appurtenant power generating equipment. Steel trashracks with four-inch clear
spacing are installed at the intakes at each of the 20 turbine-generator units. The forebay
includes a trash sluice gate at its downstream end with dimensions of 14 feet wide by 10.5 feet
high. The sluice gate is capable of releasing approximately 600 cfs.
2.6
Turbines-Generators
The powerhouse contains 20 turbine units and an installed capacity of 19.62 MW. The estimated
maximum hydraulic capacity of the Project is 17,000 cfs (under optimum head conditions).
Table 2.6-1 contains information on each of the 20 turbine-generator units at the Project
including type, rated unit capacity, rated flow capacity, head, and rotational speed.
Page 4
Exhibit A - Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
Table 2.6-1
Unit
Type
York Haven Project turbine and generator information.
Turbine
Rated Unit
Capacity
(kW)
1
Propeller
1,600
2
Propeller
1,600
3
Propeller
4
5
Nameplate
Generator
Capacity at Unity
Power Factor
(kW)
2,000
Flow at
Turbine Rated
Capacity
(cfs)
Rated
Head
(feet)
Turbine
Speed
(rpm)
1,100
23
200
2,000
1,100
23
200
1,600
2,000
1,100
23
200
Propeller
1,600
2,000
1,100
23
200
Propeller
1,600
2,000
800
23
200
6
Propeller
1,320
1,650
800
23
200
7
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
8
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
9
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
10
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
11
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
12
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
13
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
14
Francis
1,200
1,500
700
20
120
15
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
16
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
17
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
18
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
19
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
20
Francis
700
875
785
20
84
The generators for Units 1 through 5 are vertical-shaft units with a rotational speed of 200 rpm.
Each machine is 60-cycle, three-phase, 4,800 volt, 2,000 kilovolt ampere (kVA) unit with
Kingsbury thrust bearings and static exciters, manufactured by Westinghouse.
The generator for Unit 6 is a vertical-shaft, 200 rpm, 60-cycle, three-phase, 4,800 volt,
1,650 kVA machine, with Kingsbury thrust bearing and static exciter, manufactured by
Westinghouse.
Units 7 to 13 and 15 to 20 are horizontal shaft, 84 rpm, 60-cycle, three-phase, 2,400 volt,
875 kVA generators manufactured by the Stanley Electric Manufacturing Company. Machine
excitation is provided to circumferential stator windings (rather than the typical rotor field
winding of modern synchronous generators) by a DC rectifier and rheostat-type excitation
system.
Unit 14 is a vertical-shaft, 120 rpm, 60-cycle, three-phase, 2,400 volt, 1,500 kVA General
Electric Company generator, with spring-mounted thrust bearing. Excitation is provided by a
DC rectifier and rheostat-type excitation system.
For the purposes of establishing the authorized installed capacity for the new license, generation
at the Project is turbine-limited at each of the 20 units, as summarized above in Table 2.6-1.
Page 5
Exhibit A - Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
2.7
Tailrace
The Project does not include a traditional tailrace and each of the units discharge directly into the
Susquehanna River.
2.8
Transformer and Switchyard
The Project includes an outdoor switchyard that contains the station’s transformers, referred to as
GSU units, station service transformers, and manual switching structures. Table 2.8-1
summarizes the switchyard equipment:
Table 2.8-1
York Haven Project switchyard equipment.
Name
Purpose
Type
Voltage
(kV)
Capacity
(MVA)
Bank #6
GSU; U1-U6
3PH; OA/FA/FA
115 (Y) /
16.8/22.4/28
65C Rise
4.8 (D) /
8.4/11.2/14
2.4(D)/4.16(Y)
9.96/13.28/16.6 // 16.8/22.4/28
3PH; OA
115 (D) /
10/11.2
55/65C Rise
2.4(D)/4.16(Y)
10/11.2
Backup Station
3 - 1PH; OA
13.2 /
0.2 Ea; Total capacity 0.6 MVA
Service
55C Rise
2.4
0.2 Ea; Total capacity 0.6 MVA
Bank #10
Bank #12
GSU; U7-U20
Bank #6 is a three-winding transformer with configurable connections on the low voltage
winding to switch from delta to wye. The low voltage winding is currently not in use. The
intermediate (4.8 kV) winding serves to step up generators #1-#6 to 115 kV for connection to the
grid.
2.9
Transmission
There are no primary transmission lines included as part of the Project. The Project
interconnects with the 115 kV grid at the substation located immediately downstream of the
Project’s downstream forebay wall.
A secondary service feed comes into the Project substation via Line No. 722 at 13.2 kV.
2.10
Fish Passage Facilities
YHPC entered into a Settlement Agreement in 1993 (67 FERC ¶ 62,291) with other
hydroelectric operators on the Susquehanna River, Federal and State resource agencies and local
organizations to provide both upstream and downstream fish passage facilities. This Agreement
was subsequently modified by a 1997 Settlement Agreement approved by FERC (81 FERC
¶61,214). The present upstream fish passage facility (the East Channel Fish Passage Facility),
which is located at the western end of the East Channel Dam, became operational in April 2000.
The current fishway includes two sections: a “weir cut” and a vertical-slot fish ladder. The “weir
cut” section provides supplemental attraction flows to the fishway and the upper portion of the
“weir cut” includes three, 25-foot-diameter cofferdam cells between which two 20-foot fixedwheel gates are installed, with each gate having a 1,000 cfs discharge capacity. The lower
section of the “weir cut” includes a 67-foot adjustable weir and a stop gate. The 250-foot-long
Page 6
Exhibit A - Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
fish ladder has an entrance diffuser, serpentine baffles that form eight pools, and an exit flume.
The design capacity of the fish ladder is 500,000 shad equivalents per year, where ten river
herring are considered to equal one shad.
Attraction flows for the present East Channel fishway are provided through the gated openings
and a 17-foot-high by 67-foot-long weir constructed on the East Channel Dam immediately
adjacent to the fish passage facility. A total of 200 cfs of flow is passed at the fishway
(approximately 40 cfs through the ladder itself and 160 cfs in supplemental attraction flow
through a rectangular conduit located under the ladder). The serpentine baffles enclose eight,
four-foot-deep, pools that form the fish ladder leading to the impoundment. A counting station is
located in the exit channel just upstream of the last fish ladder pool. A minimum flow of 2,000
cfs is required to be passed at the East Channel Dam during the period when the facility is
providing upstream passage, generally from mid-April to mid-June. Specific dates for each year
are determined jointly by dam operators, USFWS, and the PFBC. The fishway is operable for
flows up to 150,000 cfs. Due to safety concerns, the fish passage facility is closed when flows
exceed 150,000 cfs. During operation of the facility, YHPC maintains the lake level at an
elevation no lower than 277.8 feet as measured at the entrance to the headrace.
Under the terms of the 1993 and 1997 Settlement Agreements, the Project is required to provide
a minimum flow of 2,000 cfs in the East Channel and spill 4,000 cfs at the Main Dam, as well as
maintaining the lake level at 277.8 feet or above while the upstream fish passage facility is
operating for passage of American shad. In addition, YHPC and the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection (PADEP) entered into a Consent Order and Agreement dated June 10,
2010, under which the Project committed to (1) operate and maintain the East Channel Fish
Passage Facility to allow passage of resident fish species each year from April 1 through the
earlier of December 15 or until the average daily river temperature is ” 40° F for three
consecutive days; (2) after the American shad upstream passage season and during the resident
fish passage period, provide a minium stream flow of 400 cfs in the East Channel; (3) after the
American shad upstream passage season, and when river flows exceed the Project’s hydraulic
capacity, provide flows over the Main Dam and through the East Channel in accordance with
objectives and details to be developed through further consultations between YHPC and the
PFBC; (4) during the period of operation of the East Channel Fish Passage System, manage
debris to maintain the functioning and operability of the passage system; and (5) conduct certain
monitoring and allow the resource agencies with access to the East Channel Fish Passage System
counting room to conduct fish monitoring.
2.11
Recreation Facilities
Lake Frederic is a popular recreation site and provides numerous recreational opportunities
including fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming. Lake Frederic contains five significant
islands (Battery, Beshore, Goodling, Goosehorn, and Shelley) with picnic facilities and nature
trails provided and maintained by YHPC. In addition, Lake Frederic contains several smaller
islands which do not have facilities, but may be accessed by boaters. Fishing platforms and
designated fishing areas are provided in the headrace and tailrace areas. Portage for canoes and
small boats is provided around the dams. Through a licensing program administered by YHPC,
recreational lot sites are available on which annual license holders may place trailers or
recreational vehicles.
Page 7
Exhibit A - Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
The Project also provides a recreation site adjacent to the York Haven powerhouse that contains
a large grassy area with playground and picnic facilities as well as tennis and basketball courts
and ample parking.
Table 2.11-1 provides a summary of the Project recreation facilities that will be operated and
maintained by YHPC during the term of the new license.
Table 2.11-1
Project owned recreation facilities.
Site Name
York Haven Power Plant Recreation Area
Battery Island Picnic Area
Goodling Island Picnic Area
Shelley Island Recreation Area
Goosehorn Island Picnic Area
East Shore Boat Launch and Canal Lock
3.0
Recreation Facilities and Opportunities
Tailwater fishing, canoe portage, playground, picnic area, sport
courts
Picnic area
Picnic area
Nature trail, picnic area
Picnic area
Boat launch, trail, picnic areas, abandoned canal lock
LANDS OF THE UNITED STATES
There are no lands of the United States within the Project Boundary.
4.0
COMMENTS ON DRAFT LICENSE APPLICATION
Comments received on Exhibit A of the Draft License Application are listed below together with
a YHPC response.
Comment by FERC staff:
“In section 1.1, you state that the gross storage capacity of the impoundment is 10,205 acre-feet
at the normal maximum water surface elevation of 277.9 feet; however, the elevation versus
storage curve in figure 2.5.3-1 in Exhibit B shows that the storage capacity is less than 10,205
acre-feet at that same elevation. In the final license application, please clarify this discrepancy
between exhibits.”
YHPC response:
YHPC has revised the gross storage capacity of the impoundment to 9,600 acre-feet at the
normal maximum water surface elevation of 277.9 feet to correspond to the Figure 2.5.3-1 in
Exhibit B.
Comment by FERC staff:
“Section 4.51(b)(3) of the Commission’s regulations requires the number, type, and rated
capacity of any turbines or generators, whether existing or proposed, to be included as part of the
project. On page 5, some descriptions of the turbines do not correspond to the contents of table
2.6-1. In the final license application, please correct the descriptions for the turbines.”
YHPC response:
YHPC has revised the Project’s authorized installed capacity to 19.62 MW. The exact hydraulic
capacity of each unit is not known precisely; therefore, it is appropriate to characterize the station
hydraulic capacity as estimated to be approximately 17,000 cfs. A new column has also been
Page 8
Exhibit A - Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
added to Table 2.6-1 showing the corresponding generator nameplate capacities at unity power
factor to demonstrate that all of the installed units are turbine-limited.
5.0
LITERATURE CITED
GPU Nuclear Corporation. 1988. Hydrographic Survey, Three Mile Island Nuclear Station,
May 17, 1988. Prepared by Thomas Starosta, Corporate Environmental Controls, R&EC
Division, GPU Nuclear Corporation. July 1988.
Page 9
Exhibit A - Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
YORK HAVEN HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
FERC NO. 1888
FINAL LICENSE APPLICATION
EXHIBIT B – PROJECT OPERATIONS AND RESOURCE UTILIZATION
August 2012
© Copyright 2012. York Haven Power Company, LLC. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
1.0
BACKGROUND AND PROJECT PURPOSE .............................................................. 1
2.0
CURRENT AND PROPOSED OPERATION OF THE YORK HAVEN
PROJECT.......................................................................................................................... 3
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
Agreements Affecting Current Project Operations................................................. 3
Agreements Affecting Future Project Operations................................................... 4
Day-to-Day Plant Operations and Control.............................................................. 5
2.3.1
Operations during Normal, Dry, and Wet Years .......................................7
2.3.2
Spillway Operations ..................................................................................7
Fishway Operation .................................................................................................. 8
Project Flows and Generation................................................................................. 8
2.5.1
Project Flows .............................................................................................8
2.5.1.1 Mean and Median Flows ..........................................................8
2.5.1.2 Critical Period Flows ................................................................9
2.5.1.3 Flows Downstream of the Main Dam and East Channel
Dam...........................................................................................9
2.5.2
Project Generation ...................................................................................10
2.5.2.1 Average Energy Production and Utilization...........................10
2.5.2.2 Annual Plant Factor ................................................................10
2.5.2.3 Estimate of Dependable Capacity...........................................11
2.5.2.4 Plant Capability Versus Head.................................................11
2.5.2.5 Tailwater Rating Curve...........................................................12
2.5.3
Impoundment Operations ........................................................................12
Proposed Future Project Operations ..................................................................... 13
3.0
RESOURCE UTILIZATION AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT............................. 14
4.0
COMMENTS ON DRAFT LICENSE APPLICATION ............................................. 14
5.0
LITERATURE CITED .................................................................................................. 16
ATTACHMENT
Attachment B-1 - Annual and Monthly Flow Duration curves for USGS gage 01570500
(1931 to 2010)
Page i
Exhibit B – Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
List of Tables
Table 2.5.1-1
Table 2.5.2-1
Table 2.5.2-2
Estimated monthly flows at the York Haven Project. .............................. 9
York Haven’s average annual energy production, 2001-2011. .............. 10
York Haven tailwater rating data. .......................................................... 12
Page ii
Exhibit B – Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
List of Figures
Figure 1.0-1
Figure 2.3.1-1
Figure 2.5.2-1
Figure 2.5.2-2
Figure 2.5.3-1
York Haven Project location................................................................................ 2
York Haven river flow in normal, wet and dry years. ......................................... 7
York Haven power plant capacity versus net head under normal
headwater of 277.9 feet...................................................................................... 11
York Haven tailwater rating curve..................................................................... 12
York Haven elevation and storage curve. .......................................................... 13
Page iii
Exhibit B – Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
EXHIBIT B – PROJECT OPERATIONS AND RESOURCE UTILIZATION
The following excerpt from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 18 CFR § 4.51(c) describes the
required content of this Exhibit.
Exhibit B is a statement of project operation and resource utilization. If the project includes more than
one dam with associated facilities, the information must be provided separately for each such discrete
development. The exhibit must contain:
(1)
(2)
A statement whether operation of the powerplant will be manual or automatic, an estimate of the
annual plant factor, and a statement of how the project will be operated during adverse, mean, and
high water years;
An estimate of the dependable capacity and average annual energy production in kilowatt-hours
(or a mechanical equivalent), supported by the following data:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
The minimum, mean, and maximum recorded flows in cubic feet per second of the stream or
other body of water at the powerplant intake or point of diversion, with a specification of
any adjustments made for evaporation, leakage, minimum flow releases (including duration
of releases), or other reductions in available flow; monthly flow duration curves indicating
the period of record and the gauging stations used in deriving the curves; and a
specification of the period of critical streamflow used to determine the dependable capacity;
An area-capacity curve showing the gross storage capacity and usable storage capacity of
the impoundment, with a rule curve showing the proposed operation of the impoundment
and how the usable storage capacity is to be utilized;
The estimated hydraulic capacity of the powerplant (minimum and maximum flow through
the powerplant) in cubic feet per second;
A tailwater rating curve; and
A curve showing powerplant capability versus head and specifying maximum, normal, and
minimum heads;
(3)
A statement, with load curves and tabular data, if necessary, of the manner in which the power
generated at the project is to be utilized, including the amount of power to be used on-site, if any,
the amount of power to be sold, and the identity of any proposed purchasers; and
(4)
A statement of the applicant's plans, if any, for future development of the project or of any other
existing or proposed water power project on the stream or other body of water, indicating the
approximate location and estimated installed capacity of the proposed developments.
Page iv
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
1.0
BACKGROUND AND PROJECT PURPOSE
York Haven Power Company, LLC, (YHPC) owns and operates the York Haven Project
(Project) on the Susquehanna River in York, Dauphin, and Lancaster counties in Pennsylvania.
The Project is licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as Project
No. 1888. The Project is located at river mile (RM) 55 of the Susquehanna River, approximately
17 miles downstream from the City of Harrisburg (Figure 1.0-1). The current license is
scheduled to expire on September 1, 2014.
The Project was originally built by York Haven Water and Power Company, which was
incorporated on January 16, 1895, for the purpose of supplying water and power to the public
and to firms, individuals, and corporations in the Borough of York Haven, Pennsylvania and in
adjacent towns. Construction of the Project began in 1901. Initial construction of the
hydroelectric plant was completed on August 18, 1904, with the last of the original 20 turbinegenerator units placed in service in 1914.
The Susquehanna River basin above York Haven Dam has a drainage area of approximately
24,973 square miles. Average monthly flows at York Haven range from approximately 12,000
cubic feet per second (cfs) in August to 75,000 cfs in April. There are four FERC-licensed
hydroelectric facilities downstream of York Haven on the Susquehanna River — Safe Harbor,
Holtwood, Muddy Run, and Conowingo. The Muddy Run Project is a pumped-storage project
operated by Exelon Corporation (Exelon) and located near the upper end of the reservoir formed
by Conowingo Dam. The Three Mile Island Nuclear Station, also owned and operated by
Exelon, is situated on Three Mile Island along the impoundment formed by the York Haven
Dam. Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL) owns and operates the Brunner Island Station, a
coal-fired steam electric generating plant located approximately 1.5 miles downstream of the
York Haven Project.
The York Haven powerhouse is located on the western side of the Susquehanna River, parallel to
the western river bank. The Project powerhouse contains 20 generating units operating in a runof-river mode with an installed capacity of 19.62 megawatts (MW) and an estimated maximum
hydraulic capacity of 17,000 cfs under optimum head conditions. The Project is capable of
maintaining run-of-river operations and impoundment water level under low to moderate flow
conditions. During periods of moderate to high flow conditions (>17,000 cfs), the Project cannot
control impoundment water levels. The 20 individual generating units range in size from 700 to
1,600 kilowatts (kW).
The Project works include a stone masonry headrace wall, which extends 3,000 feet upstream
from the north end of the powerhouse in a northerly direction parallel to the west bank of the
river. This headrace wall serves to direct water to the powerhouse. The Main Dam is attached to
the headrace and runs from the north end of the headrace wall, diagonally, across the main
channel of the river approximately 4,970 feet to the west shore of Three Mile Island. The Main
Dam is constructed of concrete-covered rock fill and timber, and has a maximum height at the
crest of 18 feet and an average height of 10 feet. The East Channel Dam located on the east side
of Three Mile Island, is a gravity overflow structure, which extends approximately 928 feet in an
easterly direction, from the east shore of Three Mile Island to the east bank of the river. It has an
average height of 9 feet. Exhibit A of this Final License Application presents a detailed
description of the York Haven Project facilities.
Page 1
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
Figure 1.0-1
York Haven Project location.
Page 2
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
The East Channel Dam incorporates a vertical slot fishway constructed in 2000 to support the
upstream passage of anadromous fish, primarily American shad. Fishway operations for
upstream passage occur annually from mid-April to mid-June with the specific times of
operation for each year determined jointly by YHPC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).
2.0
CURRENT AND PROPOSED OPERATION OF THE YORK
HAVEN PROJECT
Descriptions of the current and proposed operation of the project are provided below. YHPC
will preserve the integrity of the existing facilities and will continue normal operations and
maintenance into the future.
2.1
Agreements Affecting Current Project Operations
YHPC is subject to a number of requirements which affect current Project operations. YHPC is
currently subject to Articles 1 through 28 set forth in Form L-3 (Revised October 1975) entitled
“Term and Conditions of License for Constructed Major Project Affecting Navigable Waters of
the United States” and Articles 29 through 43 set forth in FERC’s Order Issuing a New Major
License for the Project issued on August 14, 1980. The articles directly affecting Project
operations are Article 30 and Article 41.
Article 30 of the current FERC license requires YHPC to discharge from the powerhouse a
continuous minimum flow of 1,000 cfs and an average daily flow of not less than 2,500 cfs,
except if the inflow to the impoundment is less than these amounts, in which case the discharge
from the Project shall not be less than the inflow. These flows may be temporarily modified if
required by operating emergencies beyond the control of YHPC. The license requirement with
regard to continuous flow is accomplished by maintaining at least two of the York Haven
turbines operating at full gate providing approximately 1,000 cfs to 1,500 cfs downstream and
supplementing the turbine discharge with spill over the Main Dam spillway.
Article 41 addresses the disposition of river-borne debris. Based on a study conducted by
YHPC, an agreement on debris handling was reached among the Army Corps of Engineers, the
Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Conowingo Project (FERC No. 405), Safe Harbor
Project (FERC No. 1025), and the Holtwood Project (FERC No. 1881). Currently, almost all of
the debris arrives at the Project during high flow events when river flows far exceed the
hydraulic capacity of the Project. Much of that debris simply passes over the Main Dam. A
relatively small percentage of the debris accumulates in the forebay. Non-natural debris is
removed from the accumulated debris in the forebay and the remaining organic debris material is
sluiced downstream through a gated opening in the masonry non-overflow “cable alley” wall
located at the downstream end of the forebay. Prior to opening the sluice gate, YHPC notifies
PPL’s Brunner Island Station that debris is to be sluiced.
In addition, in 2010 YHPC and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
(PADEP) reached an agreement that is reflected in the Project’s current National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit providing for an annual payment to a county
Page 3
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
conservation district or other entity designated by PADEP for purposes of financing debris
removal in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed.
The York Haven Project also addresses fish passage requirements, including during both
attended and unattended fish passage operation. When the current East Channel Fish Passage
Facility is operated to support the upstream migration of adult American shad, YHPC is required
to spill 4,000 cfs at the Main Dam and to release 2,000 cfs at the East Channel Dam which
includes 67 cfs that is provided directly through the fishway facilities as needed for fish ladder
operation (typically mid-April to mid-June). At the conclusion of the American shad upstream
fish passage season, the Project returns to volitional unattended passage to accommodate the
movement of resident fish. YHPC entered into a Consent Order and Agreement with PADEP in
June 2010 regarding flow in the East Channel. Under that agreement, after the American shad
upstream passage season and during the resident fish passage period, the Project will maintain a
minimum flow of 400 cfs in the East Channel during the period that the fishway is operated to
enhance passage of resident fish species until the seasonal closure of the fishway. Fishway
closure occurs the earlier of December 15th or when average daily river water temperature is
equal to or less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days.
2.2
Agreements Affecting Future Project Operations
YHPC is not proposing any substantial modifications to the operations of the York Haven
Project at this time. YHPC is committed to implementing fish passage enhancements at the
Project. YHPC and resource agencies have been working actively and collaboratively for more
than a year on investigations of fish behavior and engineering investigations of alternative
fishway configurations. YHPC and resource agencies are currently focusing on developing
concepts for a potential nature-like fishway located at the apex of the Main Dam where it abuts
Three Mile Island. Feasibility investigations are well along and refinements to design criteria
and configurations are in process. Exhibit E, Section 3.5.4.3 provides details of the feasibility
investigations and current status. The most recent activities related to refining the fishway
configuration occurred on July 27, 2012 when YHPC, HDR, and Dr. Luther Aadland met on
site during non-spill conditions to investigate the suitability of river channel rock between the
powerhouse and Main Dam to construct the fishway. The results of that site visit are
encouraging, suggesting sufficient good quality rock material may be available on-site. During
that same field visit, a revised conceptual layout of the in-channel option and modifications to
delivering attraction flows were reviewed and vetted. A refined configuration is currently under
development based on this field visit.
YHPC is fully committed to the development of a final configuration for a nature-like fishway
which meets the goal of providing safe, timely, and effective fish passage that is economically
feasible for the Project. YHPC believes that a nature-like fishway at the apex location can
achieve this goal. All parties recognize that this innovative approach to fish passage will require
additional time to finalize the investigations and fishway details. YHPC has already embarked
on the next stage in the feasibility process and expects to share with agencies by the end of
September 2012 a refined fishway configuration. YHPC then intends, upon resource agency
concurrence, to prepare the full fishway functional design as a basis for a fish passage
agreement. As the final fishway plan is developed, YHPC recognizes that final plan and
schedule for installation will have to be coordinated with the overall final plan for restoration of
American shad on the Susquehanna River.
Page 4
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
2.3
Day-to-Day Plant Operations and Control
The Project is operated in a run-of-river mode. The estimated maximum hydraulic capacity of
the turbines is 17,000 cfs under optimum head conditions. River flow constrains daily power
generation, and during periods when river flow is less than 17,000 cfs the impoundment is
maintained at the normal pool elevation of 277.9 1 feet (NGVD29). 2 During periods of high
runoff, the Project turbines cannot control water levels and the impoundment elevation will vary
above normal pool elevation depending upon river flow. Under lower flow conditions, YHPC
has the ability to draw down the impoundment by up to 1.1 feet, generally for purposes of dam
maintenance.
The plant contains 20 hydroelectric turbines which have an aggregate discharge capacity of
approximately 17,000 cfs under full station load. The hydraulic capacity of the turbines range
from 700 to 1,100 cfs at normal operating head (Units 1-4 are 1,000 cfs while Units 5-20 are
700-800 cfs). The forebay sluice gate has a discharge capacity of approximately 600 cfs. At the
East Channel Dam, there are two wheel gates adjacent to the fish ladder with a combined
hydraulic capacity of 2,000 cfs (1,000 cfs each). The East Channel fish ladder itself has a
hydraulic capacity of approximately 67 cfs. River inflow beyond the hydraulic capacity of these
Project structures cannot be controlled and all excess water spills over the Project’s spillways in
the main channel and the east channel.
The Project uses the Susquehanna River gage at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (USGS 01570500) to
estimate the inflows to the Project (Figure 2.3-1). The gage is located 17 miles upstream of the
Project resulting in an approximate travel time of 6 hours (depending on river flow) for flows
measured at Harrisburg to reach the York Haven Project. Inflow to Lake Frederic can be
estimated by multiplying the Harrisburg gage flow by a factor of 1.04 to account for the
additional drainage area between Harrisburg and York Haven. The proration factor of 1.04 is
based on a direct ratio of the drainage area of the USGS Susquehanna River gage at Harrisburg
(24,100 square miles) and the drainage area of the York Haven Project (24,973 square miles).
The closest downstream gage, USGS 01576000 Susquehanna River gage at Marietta,
Pennsylvania, is located approximately 12 miles downriver (Figure 2.3-1). Project outflow can
also be estimated by multiplying the Marietta gage flow (25,990 square mile drainage) by a
factor of 0.96 to account for additional water entering the river between York Haven and
Marietta.
The York Haven station is manually operated at all times with two operators on duty during the
day and one operator on duty at night. During normal operations, units are brought on-line based
on anticipated flow rates given that the only available method of flow control at the Project is
through on/off operation of each of the 20 generating turbines. Project outflow adjustments
typically occur in 700 to 1,100 cfs increments, up to the station hydraulic capacity. Historically,
adjustments are made during the day-shift or at a shift change. Project operators assure run-ofriver operation through a series of checks and balances, monitoring operations and streamflow
gage data, observing impoundment elevations, and applying Project operational experience.
1
The value of 277.9 represents the low point of the Main Dam, which under current operations is considered the
normal elevation when river flows are less than maximum turbine capacity.
2
All elevations in the Final License Application are presented in 1929 National Geodetic Vertical Datum.
Page 5
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
Figure 2.3-1
Location of USGS gages utilized by the York Haven Project.
Page 6
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
The York Haven Project is operated to meet a year-round continuous minimum flow requirement
of 1,000 cfs and an average daily minimum flow requirement of 2,500 cfs, or inflow, whichever
is less, both of which can be delivered through the powerhouse. YHPC maintains the minimum
flow requirement through a combination of keeping at least two units in operation and allowing
spill to occur over the existing Main Dam spillway. Additionally, YHPC is required to maintain
minimum flows at the East Channel and Main Dam while the upstream fish passage facility is
operating to support the upstream migration of American shad, and at the East Channel Dam
during all fish passage operations.
At this time, YHPC is proposing to continue the current plant operations. Discussions of future
fishway facilities are continuing among resource agencies and YHPC. Current operations may
be modified to accommodate the development and operation of any new fishway facilities.
YHPC has provided a proposed schedule in Exhibit E, Section 3.5 for the completion of the
ongoing discussions with resource agencies related to future fish passage at the Project.
2.3.1
Operations during Normal, Dry, and Wet Years
As indicated previously in this Exhibit, the York Haven Project operates in a run-of-river mode.
The Project is capable of maintaining run-of-river operations and impoundment water levels
under low to moderate stream flow conditions. During periods of moderate to high runoff
(>17,000 cfs), the Project turbines cannot control water levels. Figure 2.3.1-1 depicts typical
hydrology of the York Haven Project during normal (2010), wet (1996), and dry (2001) years.
2.3.2
Spillway Operations
The Project operates in a run-of-river mode under low to moderate streamflow conditions.
During periods of moderate to high runoff (>17,000 cfs), river flow and spill is intended to be
discharged at the Main Dam, East Channel Dam, and headrace walls. The headrace wall also
contains three notches used to help pass ice and debris over the wall during high flows as
follows: (1) spill section number 1 is approximately 95 feet long with a crest elevation of
278 feet; (2) spill section number 2 is approximately 480 feet long with a crest elevation of
279.2 feet; and (3) spill section number 3 is approximately 250 feet long with an elevation of
279.5 feet.
Figure 2.3.1-1
York Haven river flow in normal, wet and dry years.
Page 7
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
2.4
Fishway Operation
The operation of the current fishway located at the East Channel Dam is part of a cooperative
private, state, and federal effort to restore American shad (Alosa sapidissima) and other
migratory fish to the Susquehanna River. In 1997, YHPC and the resource agencies reached a
settlement agreement to revise the type and location of the York Haven fish passage facility.
The fishway is located in Dauphin County, PA at the Three Mile Island end of the East Channel
Dam at the York Haven Project. The fishway was first placed into service by YHPC in April
2000.
Fishway operation for American shad passage includes the provision of certain additional
minimum flow releases at the Project. As part of the 1997 agreement, YHPC agreed to maintain
a spill of 4,000 cfs over the Main Dam and a minimum release of approximately 2,000 cfs at the
East Channel Dam during operation of the fishway for the upstream passage of American shad.
In addition to the minimum required release of 2,000 cfs in the East Channel, the fishway
operational protocol flows through the fishway itself are 67 cfs. River flow in excess of spring
minimum flow requirements and station capacity is spilled over the Main and East Channel
Dams. Spring minimum flows are maintained 24 hours a day during the entire American shad
upstream passage operating season. When river flow is less than 23,000 cfs during the shad
passage season, East Channel flows are maintained through the wheel gates at the dam and a
minimum spill of 4,000 cfs is maintained over the Main Dam by curtailing operation of
powerhouse turbines as necessary to maintain the 4,000 cfs spillway flow.
YHPC entered into a Consent Order and Agreement with PADEP in June 2010 regarding
resident fish passage operations and flow in the East Channel. Under this arrangement, after the
American shad upstream passage season ends, the East Channel fishway is operated for the
purpose of resident fish passage through the earlier of December 15 or when river temperature is
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during this resident fish passage period, the Project maintains a minimum stream flow of 400 cfs
or greater in the East Channel below the East Channel fishway through the end of the resident
fish passage period. At the end of the resident fish passage season, the fishway is closed for the
winter. Annual maintenance and repairs are made as needed prior to April 1st of the following
year.
2.5
Project Flows and Generation
2.5.1
Project Flows
The Project uses the USGS 01570500 Susquehanna River gage at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to
estimate flows to the Project. Inflow to Lake Frederic can be estimated by multiplying the
Harrisburg gage flow (24,100 square mile drainage) by a factor of 1.04 to account for the
additional drainage area and flows entering the river between Harrisburg and York Haven.
2.5.1.1
Mean and Median Flows
The mean annual flow at the Project based on the discharge records at USGS gage 01570500, as
adjusted for differences in drainage area, for the period of record 1931 to 2010 is 35,469 cfs.
The lowest annual mean flow of 19,523 cfs occurred in 1965 and the highest annual mean flow
Page 8
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
of 61,662 cfs occurred in 1972. As shown in Table 2.5.1-1, the mean monthly flows at the
Project for the period October 1, 1931 through December 31, 2010 ranged from 11,625 cfs
(August) to 74,407 cfs (April). Monthly and annual Project flow duration curves for the period
1931 to 2010 are provided in Attachment B-1.
Table 2.5.1-1
Estimated monthly flows at the York Haven Project.
January
Adjusted Monthly Flows 1931 to 2010
(cfs)
Mean
Median
39,877
25,906
February
41,913
Month
28,807
March
72,585
54,609
April
74,407
57,459
May
45,197
35,335
June
26,829
18,445
July
14,876
10,984
August
11,625
7,761
September
13,177
6,839
October
17,739
9,067
November
29,082
21,450
December
39,200
27,978
2.5.1.2
Critical Period Flows
The lowest annual streamflow for the period of record of 1931 to 2010 occurred in the calendar
year 1965. The mean annual flow in that year was 19,523 cfs, compared to the period of record
mean annual flow of 35,469 cfs. This year represented the lowest mean annual Project flow
recorded at the USGS gage.
2.5.1.3
Flows Downstream of the Main Dam and East Channel Dam
The York Haven Project is operated with a year-round continuous minimum flow requirement of
1,000 cfs and an average daily minimum flow requirement of 2,500 cfs, or inflow, whichever is
less, both of which can be delivered through the powerhouse. These flows may be temporarily
modified if required by operating emergencies beyond the control of YHPC. The Project is also
required to provide an average daily minimum flow of 2,000 cfs at the East Channel Dam and
spill 4,000 cfs at the Main Dam during the upstream fish passage of American shad. The Project
also provides an average daily minimum flow of 400 cfs at the East Channel Dam throughout the
resident fish passage season. Additionally, although not specifically required, YHPC provides
a minimum flow of 1,000 cfs on the west side of the river for the benefit of the Brunner Island
cooling water intake located downstream of the Project. When river inflow exceeds the
hydraulic capacity of the Project structures, the available water above the hydraulic capacity
spills over the Project spillways at the Main Dam and East Channel Dam.
Page 9
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
2.5.2
Project Generation
The Project has 20 generating units operating in a run-of-river mode with an installed capacity of
19.62 MW and an estimated maximum hydraulic capacity of 17,000 cfs under optimum head
conditions. The 20 individual generating units range in output from 700 to 1,600 kW. The
Project is capable of maintaining run-of-river operations and impoundment water level under low
to moderate streamflow conditions. Since the installed units are all fixed gate units, the Project’s
minimum hydraulic capacity is 700 cfs, which represents operation by Unit 14 alone.
The Project is operated in coordination with the operation of other generating facilities on the
Susquehanna River and the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM) Interconnection. Aside
from coordinating regionally, the York Haven Project consults and coordinates with two
downstream hydroelectric projects on the Susquehanna River - Holtwood (P-1881) and Safe
Harbor (P-1025). York Haven Power Company coordinates with these projects on Project
operations, including fish passage, minimum flow releases, and river debris management.
2.5.2.1
Average Energy Production and Utilization
As shown in Table 2.5.2-1, the average annual energy production of the York Haven Project for
the period of 2001 to 2011 was 132,271 megawatt hours (MWh).
Table 2.5.2-1
2.5.2.2
York Haven’s average annual energy production, 2001-2011.
Year
Average Energy Production
(MWh)
2001
116,880
2002
136,128
2003
142,955
2004
140,469
2005
117,849
2006
156,613
2007
119,072
2008
127,350
2009
155,590
2010
124,196
2011
117,878
Average Annual 2001-2011
132,271
Annual Plant Factor
Based on the Project’s installed capacity of 19.62 MW and historic average annual plant
generation of 132,271 MWh (2001-2011), the Project has an annual plant factor of 0.77.
Page 10
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
2.5.2.3
Estimate of Dependable Capacity
The Project is estimated to have a dependable capacity of 17.57 MW. This number represents
equivalent forced outage rate demand (EFORd) values assigned to the Project by the PJM
Interconnection. This performance based value is the average of the PJM’s issuances for the
Project for the years 2007 through 2015. The number is a calculation of a variety of factors
including service hours, full forced outage hours, equivalent derated hours, full “f” factors, and
partial “f” factors. These “f” factors are statistical values that approximate how many full forced
outage hours and equivalent derated hours, respectively, were high-demand hours.
2.5.2.4
Plant Capability Versus Head
The normal pool elevation of the Project is 277.9 feet and the impoundment is only able to be
drawn down 1.1 feet from this elevation. Under current operations, when available water flow
to the turbines is less than maximum hydraulic capacity for any hour, the operators at the Project
monitor headwater to ensure pool elevations remain at the target elevation required by the FERC
license. Under these conditions, headwater variation is typically in the range of +/- 0.2 feet but
actual values can vary somewhat. When available flows exceed Project hydraulic capacity, as is
the case approximately 60% of the year, water will spill over the Main Dam, East Channel Dam,
and headrace walls. The estimated powerhouse capacity at various values of net head is shown
in Figure 2.5.2-1. Under a flow of 17,000 cfs and at the normal headwater elevation of 277.9
feet, the net head is approximately 21.3 feet, although this can vary along the length of the
powerhouse. The maximum net head is estimated to be about 22.5 feet under low flow
conditions and the minimum net head can be limited to just several feet under flood flow
conditions.
Figure 2.5.2-1
York Haven power plant capacity versus net
headwater of 277.9 feet.
Page 11
head under normal
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
2.5.2.5
Tailwater Rating Curve
The York Haven Project tailwater rating values are shown in Table 2.5.2-2 and Figure 2.5.2-2.
Table 2.5.2-2
York Haven tailwater rating data.
Flow
(cfs)
1,000
2,000
4,000
8,000
17,000
30,000
50,000
100,000
238,000
Tailwater Elevation
(feet)
251.1
251.3
251.6
252.3
253.6
255.0
256.5
259.3
264.6
266
264
Tailwater Elevation (ft)
262
260
258
256
254
252
250
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
Flow (cfs)
Figure 2.5.2-2
York Haven tailwater rating curve.
2.5.3
Impoundment Operations
The Project’s impoundment, Lake Frederic, is approximately 3.5 miles long with a surface area
of 2,218 acres and approximately 9,600 acre-feet of gross storage capacity. The usable storage
capacity within the allowable 1.1 feet of fluctuation is about 1,700 acre-feet, or approximately
Page 12
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
1.2 hours of storage at the plant’s maximum hydraulic capacity. The reservoir surface area is
estimated to be reduced to approximately 1,990 acres at the maximum draw down of 1.1 feet.
Figure 2.5.3-1 provides information on the elevation-storage characteristics of the impoundment
(GPU Service Corporation, 1979). No data exist to establish a reliable elevation-water surface
area curve.
Because of the unique physical configuration of the Project, hydraulic gradients also exist within
the impoundment. For example, headwater elevation in the East Channel is driven more by
inflow than by main channel conditions, with the entrance to the channel, at the upstream end of
Three Mile Island, located approximately five miles upriver from the powerhouse. Elevation
gradients can exist from one end of the Main Channel Dam at Three Mile Island to the other at
the headrace wall, and also from the upper to the lower portions of the headrace channel. As the
powerhouse is long and oriented in an upriver to downriver position, elevation gradients can
even exist within the forebay from Unit 1 to Unit 20.
280
279
278
Reservoir Elevation (ft)
277
276
275
Storage Volume Data
274
Normal Water Elevation
273
272
271
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
Storage Volume (ac-ft)
Figure 2.5.3-1
York Haven elevation and storage curve.
2.6
Proposed Future Project Operations
YHPC is proposing to continue current plant operations related to power generation at the
Project.
Page 13
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
3.0
RESOURCE UTILIZATION AND FUTURE
DEVELOPMENT
An analysis of resource utilization was conducted by YHPC. Results of this study were included
in the Initial Study Report (ISR) filed with FERC on April 4, 2011. The objective of the study
was to evaluate the feasibility of increasing the hydraulic capacity of the plant by replacing
existing turbine-generator units with new units. Three capacity expansion alternatives were
investigated for increased hydropower potential at the site. The incremental energy production
provided by each alternative was estimated using monthly flow duration curves developed from
mean daily flow data.
The results of the engineering evaluations of the three options are summarized below:
Option 1 increased annual generation by approximately 9,300 MWh, or 7.2 percent, from
129,900 to 139,200 MWh at a cost in 2011 dollars of $26.8 million.
Option 2 increased annual generation by approximately 24,800 MWh, or 19.1 percent,
from 129,900 to 154,700 MWh at a cost in 2011 dollars of $93.4 million.
Option 3 increased annual generation by approximately 4,700 MWh, or 3.6 percent, from
129,900 to 134,600 MWh at a cost in 2011 dollars of $15.2 million.
None of the alternatives were deemed feasible nor are they expected to be in the near term.
Therefore, YHPC is not proposing any new development for the Project at this time.
4.0
COMMENTS ON DRAFT LICENSE APPLICATION
Comments received on Exhibit B of the Draft License Application are listed below together with
YHPC’s response.
Comment by FERC staff:
“In section 2.5.1.3, you state that the project is required to provide a minimum flow of 2,000
cubic feet per second (cfs) at the East Channel dam and spill 4,000 cfs at the Main dam during
the American shad upstream passage season, and 400 cfs at the East Channel dam throughout the
resident fish passage season. In the final license application, please specify if these flows are
continuous or on an average daily basis.”
YHPC response:
Flows currently released at the Project for fish passage are on an average daily basis, but YHPC
is in discussions with the fishery agencies exploring options for improving fish passage at the
Project and these flow releases may be modified during development of the final fishway plan.
Comment by FERC staff:
“In section 2.5.2, you provide the maximum hydraulic capacity of the project. In the final
application, please also provide the minimum hydraulic capacity of the project as required by
section 4.51(c)(2) of the Commission’s regulations.”
Page 14
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
YHPC response:
Because the installed units are all fixed gate units, Section 2.5.2 has been revised to note that the
Project’s minimum hydraulic capacity is 700 cfs, which represents operation using only Unit 14.
Comment by FERC staff:
“Although figure 2.5.3-1 in Exhibit B presents the reservoir storage capacity versus head curve,
you do not provide a curve showing impoundment areas with varying heads in the reservoir. In
the final application, please provide a reservoir area versus head curve for the project as required
by section 4.51(c)(2) of the regulations.”
YHPC response:
Although the current license allows a 1.1 foot drawdown in impoundment elevations, the Project
actually operates in run-of-river mode and as such, has no usable storage capacity that is used to
enhance power production. Because there is no use of Project storage, no data were obtained to
determine the area of the impoundment under draw down conditions. The area of the
impoundment under the 1.1 feet of allowable drawdown used for maintenance purposes is
provided in Section 2.5.3.
Comment by FERC staff:
“In section 2.5.3, table 2.5.3-1 presents tailwater rating data for the project with figure 2.5.3-2
showing the tailwater rating curve; however, the values in the table do no seem to match the
values shown in the rating curve. Please correct this discrepancy in the final application.”
YHPC response:
Table 2.5.2-2 has been revised.
Comment by FERC staff:
“In section 2.5.2.4, you provide a power plant capacity versus head curve in figure 2.5.2-1, and
state that the normal pool elevation is 277.9 feet, with the impoundment only drawn down 1.1
feet from this even during periods of low flow; however, it is not clear what would be the net
head shown in figure 2.5.2-1 at the elevation of 277.9 feet. In the final license application,
please specify the maximum, minimum, and normal heads in figure 2.5.2-1.”
YHPC response:
The maximum, minimum, and normal net heads are provided in Section 2.5.2.4.
Comment by FERC staff:
“Section 4.51(c)(2)(ii) of the Commission’s regulations requires an area-capacity curve showing
the gross storage capacity and usable storage capacity of the impoundment, with a rule curve
showing the proposed operation of the impoundment and how the usable storage capacity is to be
utilized. On page 12, figure 2.5.3-1 shows the York Haven elevation and storage curve;
however, the figure does not include a surface area curve within the capacity curve. In the final
license application, please add the surface area versus reservoir elevation curve to the capacity
curve shown in figure 2.5.3-1.”
YHPC response:
Data do not exist to develop an elevation-area curve because the only allowed drawdown is 1.1
feet and this is used for maintenance purposes. The estimated water surface area at the
drawdown of 1.1 feet is provided in Section 2.5.3 above.
Page 15
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
Comment by PPL Brunner Island, LLC staff:
“PPL Brunner Island, LLC (PPL BI) requests that the continuous minimum flow requirements be
changed to 1,500 cfs to be discharged through the powerhouse and that such continuous flows be
directed down the west (York County) side of the river. PPL BI further requests that inflows for
the purposes of meeting this continuous minimum flow requirement be natural river flow as
measured at the Harrisburg USGS gauging station.”
YHPC response:
PPL BI filed comments with FERC on August 6, 2012. Comments on the DLA were due to be
filed with FERC by July 3, 2012. Currently, no proposed minimum flow modifications have
been presented. YHPC will engage in discussions with PPL BI to discuss minimum flows.
Comment by PPL Brunner Island, LLC staff:
“PPL BI requests that YHPC be required to provide a minimum one-hour notification to the
Brunner Island Steam Electric Station Operations staff prior to debris sluicing so that the plant
can adequately prepare the intake structure for potential debris and minimize any impacts to
plant operations.”
YHPC response:
Prior to opening the sluice gate, YHPC notifies PPL’s Brunner Island Station that debris is to be
sluiced. Absent extraordinary or emergency circumstances, YHPC will provide this notification
at least one-hour prior to debris sluicing.
5.0
LITERATURE CITED
GPU Service Corporation. 1979. York Haven Project, FERC License No. 1888. Letter to GPU
Service Corporation to Susquehanna River Basin Commission. January 12, 1979.
Page 16
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
ATTACHMENT B-1
ANNUAL AND MONTHLY FLOW DURATION CURVES
FOR USGS GAGE 01570500 (1931 TO 2010)
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
ANNUAL
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
JANUARY
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
FEBRUARY
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
MARCH
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
APRIL
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
MAY
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
JUNE
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
JULY
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
AUGUST
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
SEPTEMBER
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
OCTOBER
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
NOVEMBER
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
DECEMBER
Exhibit B- Final License Application
York Haven Hydroelectric Project – FERC No. 1888
Photo 1: Project powerhouse viewed from the east side of the river.
Photo 2: Project powerhouse looking upstream from the west side of the river.
Photo 3: Main Dam viewed from the west side of Three Mile Island looking south-west.
Photo 4: Main Dam viewed from the west side of Three Mile Island looking south-west.
Photo 5: East Channel Fishway.
Photo 6: East Channel Fishway.
Photo 7: East Channel Fishway.
Photo 8: East Channel Dam viewed from East Channel Fishway.
Photo 9: Project powerhouse and headrace wall viewed from east side of river.
Photo 10: Project forebay viewed from west side of river.
Photo 11: Interior of Project powerhouse.
Photo 12: Catwalk on eastern side of Project powerhouse above the tailrace viewed from
the south.
Photo 13: Catwalk on eastern side of Project powerhouse above the tailrace viewed from
the north.
Photo 14: Headrace wall viewed from the south.
Photo 15: Headrace wall viewed from the south.
Photo 16: Project powerhouse viewed from the north.
Photo 17: Portage trail.
Photo 18: Portage trail.
Photo 19: Picnic area adjacent to Project powerhouse.
Photo 20: Picnic area adjacent to Project powerhouse.
Photo 21: Representative Project island recreational facilities.
Photo 22: Representative Project island recreational facilities.
Photo 23: Representative Project island recreational facilities.