FERC Plans Review of Domtar Hydro Spillway Upgrade
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Notice
Summary
Domtar Paper Company wants to upgrade the spillway at their hydroelectric project on the Wisconsin River without lowering the water. This big construction will take about three and a half years and aims to keep water flow steady while improving safety. The government will check the environmental impact and share a report by February 2026, giving everyone a chance to weigh in before final decisions are made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Spillway rebuilt without lowering reservoir
Domtar will replace the timber crib spillway at the Rothschild Hydroelectric Project on the Wisconsin River in Marathon County, Wisconsin with reinforced concrete structures and hydraulically actuated crest gates. The licensee does not intend to draw down the reservoir during construction, which is expected to take approximately three and a half years.
Environmental assessment and public comment window
FERC staff will prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project and plans to issue the EA by February 23, 2026. The EA will be released for a 30-day public comment period so members of the public can file comments that staff will review before the Commission's final decision.
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