Sulphur Creek Dam (Washington)
| Company type | Partnership |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hydroelectric power |
| Founded | October 1990 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | Washington state |
Key people | Covanta Energy and Atlantic Power (owners) |
| Products | Electricity |
Koma Kulshan Hydroelectric Project
The Koma Kulshan Project is a 13.3 MW run-of-river hydroelectric installation located on the slopes of Mount Baker within Washington state's North Cascades region. Since commencing operations in October 1990, ownership has been held by a partnership between Covanta Energy and Atlantic Power, with electricity supplied to Puget Sound Energy under a Power Supply Agreement. The facility utilizes a single Sulzer Escher Wyss Pelton wheel turbine.
Positioned inside the boundaries of the Mount Baker National Forest, it stands as one of six small hydroelectric projects licensed by FERC on federal lands in Washington. The project’s name, "Koma Kulshan," originates from the Lummi language, denoting Mount Baker.
Dams
Water intake structures are installed at diversion dams on Rocky Creek and Sulphur Creek, both tributaries feeding into Lake Shannon. A penstock measuring in diameter and extending in length transports water from a bifurcation point at an elevation of above sea level to the powerhouse.[1] After passing through the powerhouse, water is released into Sandy Creek via a short channel before entering Baker Lake.[2][3][4][5] The facility diverts up to of flow to generate power.[6][7]
The Rocky Creek diversion dam stands at a height of and stretches in length at an elevation of above sea level.[1]
The Sulphur Creek diversion dam measures high and long, situated at an elevation of above sea level.[1]
The alteration of creek flow has impacted the visual characteristics of Upper and Middle Sulphur Creek Falls.[8][9]
Peak generation
Electricity production reaches its highest levels between May and July, coinciding with snowmelt runoff, followed by a secondary peak during November’s rainy season.[10]
Further reading
External links
- FERC document archive pertaining to permit 3239 for Koma Kulshan
- — topographic map
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