Holtwood Redevelopment Project
Holtwood, LLC had considered redeveloping the Holtwood Project (built in 1910) in the past, but in 2004, interest in redevelopment resurged because of necessary fish passage improvements and financial incentives associated with the new Pennsylvania Renewable Portfolio Standards. The result is one of the largest new hydropower projects east of the Mississippi over the last two decades.
Holtwood retained Kleinschmidt to conduct a new redevelopment study and assist with all aspects of the license amendment and final engineering design processes. The final design incorporates a new 120-foot by 240-foot powerstation that contains two 65 MW, 23.5-foot diameter, vertical Kaplan units and ancillary equipment. The electrical design included automation, controls, and a new substation. Other engineering efforts included designing a new 600-foot skimmer wall; expanding the existing forebay and tailrace; diverting the discharge of Unit 1 in a 175-foot-long by 35-foot-wide tunnel under the existing diversion wall into the spillway channel; replacing auxiliary generating units for Units 11 and13; replacing three failed spans of Bridgestone rubber dam with Obermeyer gates; building a 90-foot-long access bridge over the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks; relocating the guardhouse, warehouses, and tour buildings; and designing the access roads, power and communication cables, wastewater treatment systems, and sewage treatment systems. Kleinschmidt acted as the owner’s on-site engineer during construction and provided related services including ecological, environmental, and regulatory compliance services.
Kleinschmidt’s focused, collaborative approach reduced design rework. Holtwood realized project efficiencies due to Kleinschmidt’s broad engineering capabilities, which eliminated the need for multiple design contractors.