PacifiCorp Ditches License for Easier Hydro Exemption Path
Published Date: 5/21/2025
Notice
Summary
PacifiCorp wants to give up its license for the Stairs Hydroelectric Project in Utah and switch to a simpler conduit exemption. This change affects local communities and environmental groups, with a chance to share opinions within 60 days. No big money moves yet, but the decision could impact how the project runs on federal land near Cottonwood Heights.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Surrender of FERC License Change
PacifiCorp filed to surrender the FERC license for the Stairs Hydroelectric Project and obtain a conduit exemption so some facilities would be removed from FERC jurisdiction while the powerhouse would remain under FERC jurisdiction as a conduit exemption. Facilities proposed for removal include a 150-foot-long, 35-foot-high earth-fill diversion dam (Storm Mountain Dam), a reinforced concrete spillway and intake, a 2,850-foot-long penstock, and a 7-foot-wide by 5.3-foot-deep tailrace; the existing masonry powerhouse (1,200 kilowatt capacity) would remain under Commission jurisdiction. The company says there would be no construction, modification, deconstruction, or ground disturbance and that the listed facilities would remain in place and operational as part of the water supply system.
Possible Utah Water Quality Review
A Clean Water Act section 401 water quality certificate may be required from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (Utah DEQ) for this proposal; the applicant must file, no later than 60 days following issuance of the notice, either a copy of the request submitted to Utah DEQ, or a copy of the water quality certification, or evidence of waiver of the certification. This requirement specifically involves the State of Utah and the Utah DEQ in the review of the project's water quality effects.
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