Report of Findings on the Overtopping and Embankment Breach of the Upper Dam - Taum Sauk Pumped Storage Project, FERC No. 2277

Taum Sauk Pumped Storage Project (No. P-2277) Dam Breach Incident. FERC Staff Report, April 28, 2006. The purpose of this report is to present the findings of a team assembled by the Director, Division of Dam Safety and Inspections to investigate and document events surrounding the Breach of the Taum Sauk Pumped Storage upper reservoir on December 14, 2005. The team was charged with gathering all available information on the design and construction of the upper reservoir; the events leading to the overtopping; and the subsequent impacts affecting downstream lives, property, infrastructure, and the natural environment. Additional analyses were conducted, as necessary, to better understand the events and impacts of the incident. The process included visits to the project site, the Osage Missouri control center, the licensee headquarters control center and energy trading center, interviews with the owner’s management, engineering and operations staff. The report is intended to provide information and data to the independent Panel of Consultants engaged by FERC to investigate the breach.