HIGLEY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Erie Boulevard Hydropower L.P.
Town of Colton, Saint Lawrence County, NY
The Higley Hydro Project, currently owned and operated by
Brascan Power, is one of the facilities comprising the Middle
Raquette River Project, FERC No. 2320. The original project
was constructed in 1913 and consisted of three horizontal
Francis turbines with a total licensed capacity of 4,480 KW.
The units had reached the end of their service life. At the
request of Reliant Energy, the previous owner, Kleinschmidt
conducted feasibility studies for a new powerhouse and new
generating equipment. The selected alternative consisted of a
new intake structure adjacent to the existing intake. A new
powerhouse was constructed adjacent to the existing
powerhouse which was on the Historic Register. The existing
units remained in service during construction of the new
powerhouse. Four new eight foot diameter penstocks connected
the intake to four vertical propeller turbines, two of which were
double regulated. The turbines and generators have a total
installed capacity of 6200 KW.
Construction started in April 2002 and the project was placed in service in September of 2003. The new facility is expected to produce 38,000 MWh annually. Kleinschmidt conducted feasibility studies, assisted in procuring permits, prepared construction drawings and specifications and provided technical support during construction.
For more information contact Paul Williams, P.E.