Pushing the Industry Forward

By Kris Polly

In our cover story this month, we interview Dave Culligan, who is a vice president of HDR and leads its national hydropower practice. HDR, Mr. Culligan tells us, is a one-stop shop for the hydro industry, providing services than span licensing, permitting, engineering, dam safety, construction management and more. In our wide-ranging conversation, we talk about how HDR is pushing the industry forward through participation in initiatives including the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower Vision program.

Then, we highlight another industry champion: the National Hydropower Association (NHA). Marla Barnes, NHA’s vice president of member and industry engagements, and Chris Hayes, its senior advisor of technical programs and training, tell us about the new Hydropower System Principles Course. A 1‑day version of the course will be co-located with NHA’s Clean Currents conference, which will take place October 7–10 in Portland, Oregon.

The Upper Waitaki Power Development, which was constructed in the mid-20th century in New Zealand’s South Island, involves numerous hydropower dams and canals. Among its additional benefits, however, are irrigation water supply and excellent facilities for salmon farming. We learn more from Rick Ramsay, who recently retired after 32 years with Mount Cook Alpine Salmon.

Multidisciplinary consulting firm GZA provides a wide array of services for the hydropower industry. This month, we speak with Principal and Senior Vice President Matthew Taylor about one of its new offerings: comprehensive assessments required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s new part 12 engineering regulations.

Next, we speak with Eddie Swanepoel of Vesconite Bearings about the company’s wide range of advanced parts for hydropower facilities.

Our final story highlights the versatility, longevity, and possibilities of hydro. Breitenbush Hot Springs in Oregon was a popular resort from the 1920s to the 1960s and was resurrected in the 1970s as an off-grid wellness center. During its 1970s renewal, the new owners found and repaired an old Leffel turbine of a type designed in 1895. Today, that is still the resort’s off-grid source of electricity.

As regulations evolve, industry service providers are evolving, too, with new services, new educational courses, and new technologies. I hope you enjoy reading this month about all the ways in which our hydro leaders are pushing the industry forward.

Kris Polly is the editor-in-chief of Hydro Leader magazine and the president and CEO of Water Strategies LLC, a government relations firm he began in February 2009 for the purpose of representing and guiding water, power, and agricultural entities in their dealings with Congress, the Bureau of Reclamation, and other federal government agencies. He may be contacted at kris.polly@waterstrategies.com.