Tetra Tech’s hydropower program combines two of our strongest areas of expertise—water and energy. We provide services for projects ranging from micro-hydro to utility-scale hydroelectric plants and transmission infrastructure for utilities, independent power producers, and government agencies throughout the United States and Canada.

Tetra Tech specializes in developing cost-effective, reliable, sustainable designs that optimize the full hydroelectric potential of each project while minimizing adverse environmental impacts. Our engineers have experience upgrading and expanding existing facilities—some in operation as long as 100 years—and managing multiple facility expansions in the same project. We also have designed new facilities using established technologies such as dam, run-of-river, and pumped storage, as well as experience with emerging technologies that capture tidal, wave, and ocean current energy.

Our depth of experience providing services for the full project life cycle allows us to minimize impacts of construction to ongoing operations, meet project budget and schedule requirements, and create designs that allow for future growth.

Our services for the hydropower industry include: 

Engineering

• Feasibility studies
• Performance specifications
• Conceptual and detailed design
• Mechanical (pumping stations, flood control gates)
• Electrical, switchgear, instrumentation and controls
• Structural (dam and powerhouse structures, fish bypass facilities)
• Dam break and flood analyses
• Hydraulic analyses
• Geotechnical services (earth structures, foundations, temporary and permanent dewatering)
• Civil (grading, paving, parks, water, sewer, utilities)
• Underwater imaging and land surveying services
• Ice mitigation and ice passage designs
• Constructability reviews
• Retrofits and upgrades
• Dam operation and safety studies, embankment stability, and safety analysis

Environmental

• Environmental review and permitting
• Resource planning
• Fisheries, aquatic and terrestrial habitats, wetlands, and cultural resources
• Watershed resources, hydrology, and water quality
• Greenhouse gas assessments

Construction

• Construction plans and permitting
• Construction management and quality assurance
• Startup/commissioning/operator training

Licensing and Relicensing

• FERC (USA) and CEAA (Canada) license and application amendment preparation
• Study plan development and execution
• Environmental studies
• Coordination with agencies, organizations, and public interest groups