20170502-5093 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 5/2/2017 11:37:38 AM

STATE OF CALIFORNIA- CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY

EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor

DEPARTMENT Of WATER RESOURCES
1416 NINTH STREET, P.0. BOX 942836
SACRAMENTO, CA 94236-0001
(916) 653-5791

April 28, 2017

Mr. David E. Capka, P.E.
Director, Division of Dam Safety and Inspections
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, N.E., Routing Code: PJ-123
Washington, D.C. 20426
FERG Project No. 2100
Independent Forensic Review of the Oroville Dam Spillway
Dear Mr. Capka:
In response to your February 21, 2017 letter, DWR contacted the United States
Society of Dams (USSD) and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials
(ASDSO) to select an independent team to conduct a forensic evaluation of the
failure of the spillways.
As a result of ongoing efforts between DWR and these organizations, an independent
forensic team was selected. However, the selected geologist could not fulfill his role
due to issues that arose during the contracting process. Accordingly, ASDSO and
USSD have identified a replacement geologist, Dr. Peter A. Dickson, to assume this
important position. Dr. Dickson's resume is enclosed for your review.
Upon your approval of the selected geologist, DWR will immediately engage him to
continue the efforts of the in place Forensic Team. If you have any questions or would
like to discuss this further, please contact me at (916) 502-2067.
Sincerely,

Ted Craddock, Project Manager
Oroville Emergency Recovery - Spillways
Executive Division
Enclosure

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Mr. David Capka, P.E.
April 28, 2017
Page 2

cc:

Ms. Sharon Tapia
Mr. Frank L. Blackett
Dr. Peter Dickson
Mr. William A. Croyle

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PETER A. DICKSON
POSITION IN FIRM:

Vice President, Global Geotechnical Practice Leader, Geotechnical Risk Manager

YEARS WITH FIRM: 39

TOTAL YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 44

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
Dr. Peter Dickson has broad experience on a large variety of water resource projects in many parts of the world mostly
involving dams for water supply and hydroelectric projects, spillways, power plants, penstocks, tunnels, caverns, and
flood control structures. His 39 years with MWH has involved a particular emphasis on large hydropower and
pumped storage projects. His experience includes project screening and ranking; design and supervision of geological
and geotechnical investigations; siting of project features and developing layouts and arrangements; dam type
selection, slope stability evaluations and slope design; foundation design for heavy civil works; criteria for planning,
design and construction of dams, spillways, and underground works; detailed design and contract document
preparation; hazard and risk analysis, including forensic investigations.
As Global Geotechnical Leader, his work involves coordination of work being done by geotechnical teams in offices
around the globe, including implementation of consistent practices, and establishing consistent communications
between offices. His responsibilities include assessment of technical risk on new pursuits, risk assessment on various
projects during implementation using PFMA and FMEA methods, independent technical review, and constructability
review.

EDUCATION:
PhD, Geology, University of Pittsburgh, 1977
MSc, Geology, University of Manchester (UK), 1974
BSc, Geology, University of Leeds (UK), 1971

Professional Registration:
Professional Geologist, Georgia, 1990
Professional Geologist, Virginia, 1984
Professional Geologist, Wyoming, 1993
Professional Geologist, Indiana, 1983

SELECTED DAM AND HYDROLECTRIC PROJECT EXPERIENCE:

Neelum-Jhelum Hydroelectric Project, Pakistan
Client: WAPDA
Currently serves as member of senior technical review team during detailed design and construction of 979-MW
hydroelectric project scheme in Himalaya foothills, Pakistan. Responsible for site visits, value engineering and
technical advice to design and construction teams, technical review of underground works (>56km tunnels,
underground powerstation complex, 300-m-high surge shaft), and concrete gravity dam, de-sanding chambers; tunnel
construction by drill-blast and TBM. Severe project challenges include major earthquake hazard, weak foundation
materials, active fault crossings for tunnels, highly deformed and complex tunnel geology. Technical lead in
evaluation of earthquake hazard and foundation design; development of seismic design parameters for final design
including ground motion estimates, response spectra and time histories.
Priest Rapids Dam, Washington
Client: Grant County Public Utility District

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Independent Technical Reviewer of investigations and detailed design of remedial works under right side of
embankment dam, where existing dam is founded on potentially liquefiable materials. Provided guidance to client and
design team in selection ofa preferred solution involving construction ofa new dam downstream of the existing dam
with a core tie-in by construction ofa cutoff wall; presented findings and design solution to FERC.

Wanapum Dam Spillway Remediation Project, Columbia River, Washington
Client: Grant County Public Utility District
Independent Technical Reviewer for repairs and stability improvements to the Wanapum Dam Spillway following
discovery of serous vertical and downstream movement in one of the 13 spillway monoliths. Provided independent
review and oversight of study of the root cause of the movements, foundation analysis, finite element static and
seismic stress analyses, and stability improvements to the entire spillway. Final solution included installation of 61
strand tendon post-tensioned anchors and 3" dia post-tensioned bar anchors in each spillway monolith.
Panama Canal 3rd Set of Locks Project, Panama
Client: GRUPO and Autoridad de! Canal de Panama (ACP)
Dr. Dickson served on technical review board for the designers of the design-build team for construction of new locks
expansion project. Responsible for review of all foundation and seismic aspects, geotechnical design criteria, design
procedures and analytical approaches, risk assessment, and submittals. Following successful bid, continued in this
role during construction in review of foundations and seismic aspects, including forensic examination ofroot cause of
foundation problems occurring during construction. At Client request, and prior to bidding period, served as peer
reviewer of seismic hazard and geologic data acquisition and interpretation, and advised client in approach to selection
of seismic design criteria. During design and construction, reviewed foundations, RFis, changed conditions issues,
and submittals. Independent reviewer during preparation of design and drawings for repair of cracked lockhead
structures; was involved in root cause analysis.
Tekeze Dam, Ethiopia
Client: Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation
Responsible for field inspection of project works and seismic hazard on 190-high thin-arch concrete dam under
construction, responsible for identification of foundation and rock slope stability critical issues, rock mechanics
evaluations (including 3-D rigid block and kinematic analyses, block theory, 2-D and 3-D FEM stress and deformation
analysis). Responsible for rock reinforcement and anchor design, including thrust-block design and left abutment
remedial works (abutment replacement), review of underground works (power tunnel system and powerhouse
cavern); QA of site engineering.
Iowa Hill Pumped-Storage Project, California
Client: SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utilities District)
Lead geological engineer in re-examination of project layouts and construction costs. Prepared new revised layouts
for underground works including powerstation complex, high pressure and low pressure waterways, power shaft, and
upper reservoir. Prepared risk assessment and conducted FMEA workshop. Participated in preparation of estimates of
construction costs, constructability analysis, and scheduling. Advised on development of scope of additional site
investigations. (Intermittent 1990 to 2013)
John Hart Hydroelectric Project and Ruskin Hydroelectric Project, British Columbia, Canada
Client: BC Hydro
Served on team providing a validation ofreplacement of the existing John Hart Project and Ruskin Project, both of
which exhibited serious technical deficiencies. Role included evaluation of geological conditions at sites, foundation
geotechnical assessment, potential seepage and piping issues, seismic hazard evaluation, and review of proposed
engineering solutions to deficiencies. With client staff, conducted detailed risk assessment and facilitated failure
modes workshops (FMEA).
Shandong Taian Pumped-Storage Project, China
Client: Shandong Taian Pumped-Storage Power Station Co. Ltd
Consultant responsible for checking review and technical advice on design and construction of upper reservoir CFRD
dam and underground works. Responsible for assessment of site investigations, check of design criteria, tunnel design,
independent analysis and assessment of stability of caverns and tunnels, and shafts; conducted numerical analysis,
excavation and support design, overall review of design and construction methods; review and advise construction

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design of underground works, including review construction procedures and specifications; check of project
construction schedule, implementation plan, and construction cost estimates; responsible for technical advice and
evaluation of geomembrane lining system for upper reservoir. (200 I - 2007)
Seneca Station Pumped-Storage Project, Pennsylvania
Client: First Energy
Served on Risk Evaluation Team during facilitated Probable Failure Modes Analysis (PFMA) workshop for
hydroelectric pumped storage project. The purpose was to evaluate risks associated with piping failure, slope
stability, structural concerns, and operations of the project. A total of 27 potential failure modes were evaluated,
including risk reduction measures; prepared report. Lead geological engineer and quality control engineer during
emergency investigations, development ofrepair program, drawings and specifications, and implementation ofrepairs
at lined upper reservoir of pumped storage project. Developed program to repair cracked asphaltic-concrete reservoir
floor lining. Responsible for supervision and review of design components, Health and Safety Plan, QCIP, and field
supervision.
International Panel of Experts, Iraq
Client: Ministry of Water and Energy Resources
Expert in geological engineering, karst, and seismicity serving on International Panel of Experts (POE) for Minister of
Water, to provide technical review, advice, and oversight of all dam projects in operation, under design, or
investigation for planning and future development. For three years the main focus of the panel was on the
management and safety of Mosul Dam, including subsurface and hydrogeological investigations, evaluation of
alternatives, review of on-going grouting programs and instrumentation/monitoring. The POE provided a long-term
solution to the Owners of this extreme risk project which they have now accepted and is in the process of being
implemented.
San Pedro Hydroelectric Project, Chile
Client: Colbun
Dr. Dickson served on Board of Consultants as technical expert on foundations and underground structures.
Assignments involved review of a $250-million 144-MW hydroelectric project in Chile with installed capacity of 144
MW. Review activities included site visits and detailed inspection of investigations and design with Owner and its
design team. The project is in early stages of construction and opinions were provided regarding constructability,
schedule, technical and construction risks.
Proyectos HidroAysen, Chile
Client: HidroAysen
Served on Board of Consultants as technical expert on foundations and underground structures. Assignment involved
review of five hydroelectric projects under various stages of development with total installed capacity of 2750 MW.
Review activities included site visits and detailed inspection of investigations and design review with Owner and its
design team. Helped in risk workshops using risk-informed decision-making processes (including development of
event trees and fragility curves in risk-based models) to assist in determining design criteria for critical project
components. Construction: On hold pending environmental studies financing. Project Cost: $3.5B
Sanchung Pumped-Storage Project, Korea
Client: Hyundai Engineering Company, Ltd., Seoul, and Saman Engineering Co.
Consulting geologist during construction of upper and lower reservoir dams and underground works. Responsible for
evaluation of rock support system, geologic mapping and detailed geologic data collection in newly excavated works.
Carried out stability and finite element analyses of stresses around PH cavern. Results used to check rock support
provisions and recommend modifications in support system, underground construction methods, grouting and
drainage. During planning and design phase, independent checking engineer responsible for assessment of site
investigations, design oversight of all geotechnical features including power tunnel system, PH, and surge shaft, two
concrete-faced rock fill dams, spillways, and material quarries; carried out numerical analysis of cavern and tunnels,
recommended underground layout revisions, additional investigations, design details, prepared rock support system,
and underground construction methods; dam foundation assessment, recommended additional investigations and
grouting requirements.
Al Wehdah Dam, Jordan

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Client: Jordan Valley Authority
Lead engineering geologist for the $400-million water supply dam project. Major structures include a 140-m-high,
concrete-faced rockfill dam (CFRD), which was later re-designed as a roller-compacted concrete dam (RCC);
400-m-long chute spillway; penstocks; irrigation tunnels; and power plant. The dam site has sensitive foundations
with karstic limestone, highly soluble altered rock, weak marls and clay layers. During final design and construction
bid document preparation, responsible for site investigations, selection of geologic design parameters including
foundation stability and treatment, evaluation of spillway foundation potential failure modes, earthquake hazard
evaluation, and input to cost estimate. During construction, evaluated foundations, conducted stability assessments
(including 3-D block analyses), rock mechanics analyses, proposed design and construction modifications, reviewed
foundation treatment and grouting works. Resident engineer during construction of diversion tunnel; provided
construction supervision for treatment of karst features in foundations; evaluated reservoir leakage potential and
reservoir rim stability.
El Cajon Hydroelectric Project, Mexico
Client: CFE and CJ/SA
Principal engineering geologist serving on Dispute Resolution Board retained by Owner (CFE) and contractor
consortium (CIISA) to provide expert opinion and resolve financial disputes upon completion of construction of major
hydroelectric project with high concrete-faced dam, underground powerstation complex. Activities included site visit,
meetings with Owner and Contractor, review of technical and contract information, and development of opinion on
validity of claims involving changed/unanticipated geologic conditions, scheduling interferences, cost impacts (2007)
Karahnjukar Hydroelectric Project, Iceland
Client: Landsvjirkjun
Lead geological engineer in review and finalization of seismic design for 200-m-high concrete-faced-rockfill dam in
Iceland; QA review of geology, foundations, and grouting. Presented findings and recommendations to independent
technical review Panel of Experts.
Diamer Basha Dam and Hydroelectric Project, Pakistan
Client: WAPDA
Project involves a 270-m-high dam on the Indus River in highly seismic region of the Himalayas. Responsible for
seismic hazard evaluation and preparation of seismic design parameters and criteria. Developed initial layouts and
basic design of underground works, including two 6-unit powerhouses, transformer/GIS caverns, surge chambers,
power tunnels, tailrace tunnels, and construction access tunnels. Provided technical review and input in geotechnical
investigations, foundation design, and detail design requirements of underground structures. Responsible for detailed
geotechnical and rock mechanics analyses including finite element modeling of caverns, rock support design
excavation design, stability assessment of spillway plunge pool, tunnel lining design parameters, rock slope analysis
and design, supervision of geotechnical design team, preparation and review of reports. Task leader in independent
study of optimizing project arrangements, dam type selection and criteria.
Boyabat Dam Project, Turkey
Client: Dogu~ Construction and Trading Co.
Lead geotechnical engineer during final design of project involving a 200-m high concrete gravity dam on Kizilirmak
River in north-central Turkey. The 3-unit project has an installed capacity of 528 MW. Significant issues related to
presence of faulted, karstic limestone in the foundation and abutments, and due to the proximity of the North
Anatolian Fault, capable ofM = 8.0 events. Responsible for site visits, directing a team of geologists and geotechnical
engineers in final design including foundation evaluation and stability analysis, foundation excavation and treatment
design, cofferdam design, instrumentation design, earthquake analysis, specifications and drawing preparation.
Bath County Pumped-Storage Project, Virginia
Client: Virginia Electric Power Company
Field geologist responsible for foundation investigations (lower reservoir dam and spillway, upper dam), stability
analysis of lower reservoir spillway foundation, detailed geologic mapping of excavations and power tunnels and site
inspection during construction; member of grouting team during emergency repairs to power tunnel system, included
review of geologic and grouting data in high-pressure tunnel and penstock areas; interpreted Thermal Infrared
Imagery to enable detection and monitoring of leakage and springs.

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Document Content(s)
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