Ohio River Hydro Project Draws Public Scoping Comments
Published Date: 9/30/2025
Notice
Summary
Ohio Power and Light wants to build a new hydroelectric project at the Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam on the Ohio River. This affects local communities and the environment, and the public can share their thoughts by October 20, 2025. The project could bring clean energy but also involves using federal land and following important rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
New 28.5 MW Hydropower Output
The project would install a total of 28.5 megawatts of generating capacity (three horizontal pit Kaplan turbine‑generator units in each powerhouse) and is projected to generate about 165,169 megawatt‑hours of electricity annually, operating in run‑of‑release mode. FERC accepted the application but will prepare a NEPA document to evaluate effects.
New 2.5‑Mile Transmission and Facilities
The proposal includes a 2.5‑mile, 69‑kilovolt overhead transmission line to the Apple Grove substation, new substations with a 12.47‑kV/69‑kV step‑up transformer, two powerhouses, intake and tailrace channels, and a proposed 170‑foot access road. These construction elements will be evaluated in the NEPA process.
NEPA Fee May Set Review Deadline
The project sponsor intends to pay a fee under Section 112 of the National Environmental Policy Act, which establishes a deadline for NEPA review; FERC is awaiting notice from the Council on Environmental Quality that the fee has been paid, and expects to issue the Notice of Ready for Environmental Analysis in October 2025. The fee may affect the NEPA review timeline.
Public Scoping Comment Deadline
You can submit written scoping comments on the project's environmental review by 5:00 p.m. Eastern on October 20, 2025. Use FERC's eFiling or eComment systems, or mail filings to the addresses listed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Use of 16 Acres of Federal Land
The proposed project would occupy about 16 acres of federal land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam in Mason County, West Virginia. The Commission will consider site-specific and cumulative effects of this use during NEPA review.
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