Idaho Falls Seeks Hydro Tweak: Public Weighs In on River Flows
Published Date: 3/7/2025
Notice
Summary
The City of Idaho Falls wants a temporary change to how much water flows around their hydroelectric project on the Snake River. This affects local water use and the environment, and the public has until March 31, 2025, to share their thoughts or get involved. No big money changes yet, but it’s a key step in keeping the project running smoothly and safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
River Reach Dewatered for Maintenance
If you live, work, or use the Snake River near Idaho Falls in Bonneville County, Idaho, about 1,100 feet of the bypassed river reach would be dewatered for maintenance from approximately July to early December 2025. The licensee requests a temporary stop to the required minimum flows at Upper Development Dam #1 to build a cofferdam and inspect and repair pelican gates.
Fish and Water-Quality Protections Proposed
The City proposes to follow EPA best management practices, a joint U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Idaho DEQ permit, place gravel in the dewatered reach to restore spawning, and survey and relocate stranded fish during the work. These actions aim to protect water quality, prevent erosion and sedimentation, and help fish while the bypass reach is dewatered.
Public Comment and Intervention Deadline
You can submit comments, protests, or a motion to intervene on this temporary flow variance; those filings must be received by March 31, 2025. The notice explains how to file electronically through FERC's eFiling or eComment systems and provides contact help from the Commission's Office of Public Participation.
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