General Project Description
The Rockton Hydroelectric Project was originally constructed in 1929. The project powerhouse is constructed of a three-course face brick superstructure 31 feet by 64 feet with integral siphon spillway for excess flows. The turbines are directly connected to Westinghouse 4000 volt, three-phase, 60 cycle generators. Units 1 and 2 are rated at 750 and 625 kVA, respectively, at a 0.8 power factor. The nameplate capacity of generator unit 1 is 600 kW. The nameplate capacity of generator unit 2 is 500 kW. The project is owned by Eagle Creek Renewable Energy (ECRE), located in Neshkoro, Wisconsin. For more information including key dates, hydrologic , operational, structural, and additional plant data for this location, and other sites owned by ECRE click here. Purpose of the Project The purpose of the project is to produce electrical energy with hydropower in a run-of-river mode. The project impounds a small upstream reservoir with a surface area of 155 acres that is used for recreational purposes such as fishing, boating and canoeing. Main Dam and any Auxiliary Dams The existing project facilities include: a 1,600-foot long earthen wing dam, a 1,000-foot long overflow dam, and 85-foot long head gate structure with five 14-foot wide by 10-foot high tainter (radial arm) gates, a 4,100-foot long power canal bounded on the right side by an earthen embankment, and a 64-foot long powerhouse. The 1,000-foot long overflow spillway forms a gentle reverse S-curve and is a rock fill structure capped with concrete. The structure has a very low head (approximately 7.5 feet). The spillway crest is uneven with an average elevation of 725.3 feet and a minimum elevation of 724.6 feet. The approximate height of the spillway from the downstream river bed to the crest is six feet. |
Project Location
The Rockton Hydroelectric project is located on the Rock River in northern central Illinois, approximately 3.5 miles south of the Illinois-Wisconsin border. It is situated in the Village of Rockton (located in northern Winnebago County) between miles 159.2 and 156.4 on the main stem of the river. At this location, the river drains 3,718 square miles. For an annotated site layout, see the Motivation Page. |