Rebuild of Ten Mile Intake Flume Structure for Electron Hydropower Project

by Marvin E. Perala, Sverdrup Corp, Bellevue, WA, USA,
Wayne H. Hopman, Sverdrup Corp, Bellevue, WA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

In 1984 the Puget Sound Power and Light Company began a rebuild of what is popularly referred to as the 'world's crookedest railroad. ' The 'railroad' is actually a 10-mile wooden flume that carries water to the company's Electron Hydroelectric Generating Plant. It got its nickname from all the curves in the flume and the 'speeder cars' that travel on rails along the top of the flume. Built in 1903, the flume has a rich history, as well as being an important component of the Electron plant. It became evident in the early 1980's that the flume was deteriorating and in need of repair. Puget Power made a decision to conduct an extensive restoration so it could continue to operate as it was originally designed. That decision proved to be a prudent one, since an 80-foot section of the flume collapsed shortly before the restoration work began. The flume rebuild was a once-in-a-career project, offering a unique blend of engineering and construction logistical challenges, and the historical significance of a 1903 hydroelectric plant.

Subject Headings: Hydro power | Flumes | Power plants | Water intakes | Wood structures | Rail transportation | Project management

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