Black River Hydro Adjusts for Michigan Water Rules
Published Date: 7/18/2025
Notice
Summary
Black River Limited Partnership wants to change how their hydroelectric project on Michigan’s Black River operates to meet new water quality rules. The government will check the environmental impact and share a report by January 30, 2026, giving everyone 30 days to share their thoughts. This affects local communities and the environment but won’t involve digging or big construction.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Environmental Assessment and Comments
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Alverno Hydroelectric Project and plans to issue the EA by January 30, 2026. The EA will be available for a 30-day public comment period, and members of the public (including landowners, community organizations, and Tribal members) can submit comments during that time.
Change to Run‑of‑River Operations
The licensee proposes to operate the Alverno Hydroelectric Project in run-of-river mode with a target reservoir operating level of 611.8 +/- 0.5 feet NGVD to be consistent with a Michigan water quality certification issued January 4, 2023. The filing says there will be no ground-disturbing activities associated with the proposed change.
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Key Dates
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