Hydropower - Operation and Maintenance
International Technical Seminar and Study Tour
Denver, Colorado, USA, (with abbreviated exam of Hoover Dam located near Las Vegas, Nevada) -- October 16-24, 2006
Introduction|Seminar Objectives|Seminar Topics|Abbreviated Power Review|Who Should Attend|Costs and Registration|Lodging and Transportation|Climate/Clothing Suggestions/Medical Insurance|Further Information
Registration Form | International Affairs Index
Introduction
The availability of well-trained personnel is a key requirement in the hydropower sector. Aging facilities, abnormal outages, along with the need to enhance the reliability and long-term viability of power facilities has resulted in an increased emphasis on hydropower facility operation and maintenance.
The review of operation and maintenance is an integral part of the Bureau of Reclamation’s (Reclamation) power program quality control and performance monitoring processes. Periodic reviews ensure that management and staff understands and follows operation, maintenance, and management standards and practices. Those responsible for hydropower operation and maintenance must implement policies and procedures that warrant public confidence. A periodic review process ensures the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of a facility and incorporates the lessons of the past into a standard reporting process. The need for trained personnel is essential.
This seminar will provide professional personnel with a comprehensive guide to Reclamation’s hydropower review processes. It will also provide a venue for sharing best practices and ideas for improvement. Reclamation officials will provide the training for the seminar and are from Reclamation’s Denver Office, as well as from notable hydropower facilities such as Glen Canyon and Hoover Dams. They are among those staff at Reclamation that are responsible for the proper operation, maintenance, and structural safety of more than 50 power facilities, and 400 dams and distribution systems. Reclamation has conducted similar seminars for its own staff, as well as for more than 5,000 technical and administrative officials from other domestic and international agencies.
Seminar Objectives
- provide an overview of the institutional and technical requirements of a successful power review program
- provide a model for establishing a new program or improving an existing one
- increase the technical capabilities of those responsible for the conduct of power operation and maintenance reviews
Seminar Topics
The first portion of the seminar, from October 16 through 19, 2006, will take place in Denver,Colorado, and will consist primarily of classroom presentations and discussions. A tour of the Bureau of Reclamation Research Laboratories will also be featured. Presentations and an abbreviated inspection are used to present the multidisciplinary approach to an effective power review program.
Abbreviated Power Review (October 20-24, 2006)
Featured will be an abbreviated Power Review of the world-renowned Hoover Dam located near Las Vegas, Nevada. The Seminar will conclude with a close-out dinner and social evening on October 24 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Who Should Attend
The seminar is designed for managers, administrators, engineers, and public utility specialists responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of hydropower facilities. Policymakers and planners, as well as those with technical responsibilities, may also benefit from the seminar.
All presentations, discussions, and printed materials will be in the English language. Participants should have a good command of general and technical English usage.
Costs and Registration
The registration fee is US$4,000 per person. Various printed materials, lunch for most days, lodging for 10 nights (October 15-24), and domestic transportation during the study tour is included. International travel into Denver, Colorado, and out of Las Vegas, Nevada, is the responsibility of the participant and is not included in the registration fee. It is strongly recommended that individuals apply as soon as possible for visas and seek sponsorship, if necessary. Funding is not available from the seminar organizers.
Payment should accompany the registration form. Checks should be in U.S. dollars and made payable to the Bureau of Reclamation. Credit card payments and wire transfers are acceptable (see registration form). The registration form must be received before October 1, 2006.
Lodging and Transportation
Hotel accommodations will be provided by Reclamation from October 15 through the evening of October 24, 2006. Participants are expected to stay in the selected hotels.
International travel to and from the United States is not included and should be arranged into Denver, Colorado, no later than Sunday, October 15, 2006, and out of Las Vegas, Nevada, no sooner than
October 25, 2006.
Climate/Clothing Suggestions/Medical Insurance
Participants should expect warm days and cool nights whereby a light weight jacket may be necessary. Casual clothing and work boots/sturdy closed-toed shoes are required on field tours. Accidental injury/medical emergency insurance is recommended and should be purchased prior to traveling to the United States.
Further Information
A confirmation letter will be sent by fax or e-mail upon receipt of the registration form. You may contact: International Affairs Team, Bureau of Reclamation, Mail Code D-2100, P.O. Box 25007, Denver, Colorado 80225; telephone 1-303-445-2127, fax 1-303-445-6322, e-mail inquiries to Lprincipe@do.usbr.gov (Leanna Principe). Additional information can also be found at www.usbr.gov/international.