Black & Veatch to Perform Hydropower Study for Army Corps of Engineers

Black & Veatch has been selected to perform an Automation Evaluation Feasibility Study of six U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, hydroelectric plants along the Missouri River.

The study will evaluate each plant from an operational perspective and determine the feasibility for increased efficiency and automation. The study will include a cost/benefit analysis of the options evaluated and an overall recommended option for operation of all plants.

The options to be considered for each plant range from the status quo to remote operation of all plants from a single remote control center. Black & Veatch's goal is to explore options for efficiency while ensuring that plant safety, reliability and availability requirements are still met. The automation of hydropower and pumping plants, including their remote control, is an area in which Black & Veatch has significant experience and seeks to increase its market share.

"With our depth of experience and ability to understand the technical and business side of the project and centralization of operations, we are uniquely qualified in this market segment," said Bruce Benson, project engineer in Black & Veatch's Hydropower Department. "Our combination of plant engineering and strategic business capabilities is virtually unmatched in the industry."

Black & Veatch will also evaluate the feasibility of providing local fire and security plant information to the remote SCADA system and/or to a contracted fire and security company. "The study findings will help the Omaha District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers enhance the operational efficiency of its hydroelectric facilities," said Benson.

The Automation Evaluation Feasibility Study Project began April 28, 2004 and will be completed by November 2004.

Source: B&V