Power Creek is a small stream outside of Cordova, Alaska. In 1997, work began on construction of a 6 MW hydropower generating facility at the site, consisting of a small dam, about 7,000 feet of 7-foot-diameter steel penstock, 3,100 feet of tunnel, a powerhouse with two 3 MW turbine/generator sets, and a new, 7-mile-long 24 kV transmission line. The work was being performed under a design-construct contract for the local utility, Cordova Electric Cooperative.

In late 1997, Cordova Electric retained the services of EES Consulting staff to perform as Owner’s Engineer and to provide construction management services. The role of EESC staff included overall design reviews, review of final plans and specifications, and construction-related services. Beginning in May 2000, EESC staff began acting as the FERC-designated QCIP Inspector for the project (Jack Snyder). EESC staff monitored construction progress, reviewed pay applications, and handled quality control testing and documentation for concrete and backfill, for example. EESC staff also provided start-up assistance when the project construction was complete (December 2001). Jack Snyder reviewed the project dam design, monitored construction, and handled dam commissioning and initial reservoir filling and start-up.