Carmen-Smith Hydro Electric Facility - Eugene, OR

Coblaco technicians stripe coat the stay vanes from the outside the spiral case.

The Carmen Smith Hydro Electric facility is located an hour east of Eugene, Oregon. In December of 2021, Coblaco mobilized a highly-qualified team to perform lead abatement, specialty surface preparation and high-performance industrial coatings for the interior of the spiral case and architectural coatings on the interior of the powerhouse. Safe lead removal from the spiral case demanded extensive experience and knowledge in abatement in a confined space. As a certified AMPP QP-1 & QP-2 contractor, Coblaco is the right choice. We worked closely with General Electric to closely manage the work area for safety, efficiency and ensuring adequate safe operating areas for facility staff.

Spray application to the stay vanes and spiral case.

Coblaco’s ability to adapt, problem-solve and quickly flex and scale was tested during the early stages of the project. Both extreme weather and revealed damage under the removed coating presented the Coblaco team with challenges we are uniquely suited to solve.  The project location which is typically rainy this time of year, was pounded by snow, making travel and access to the site difficult. The unanticipated extent of damage to the spiral case impacted production schedules, due to the multiple attempts by certified welders to repair the damage.

Through the relentless effort and our proven process, Coblaco was able to flex and scale by performing additional work to the original scope. While the spiral case was in repair, The Coblaco team performed specialized surface preparation and high-performance coating application of the draft tube. We completed the original scope of work, plus the additional work, ahead of the modified schedule!

The owner inspects completed coating inside the spiral case.