Domtar Hydro Project Review Accelerated in Wisconsin
Published Date: 12/1/2025
Notice
Summary
Domtar Paper Company is updating the schedule for reviewing their plan to improve the Rothschild Hydroelectric Project spillway in Wisconsin. The Environmental Assessment, which checks the project's impact on the environment, will now be ready by December 12, 2025, earlier than expected. This change affects local communities and stakeholders who can comment during a 30-day review period, helping ensure the project moves forward smoothly without drawing down the reservoir during construction.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No Reservoir Drawdown During Construction
Domtar does not intend to draw down the reservoir while replacing the spillway, and construction is expected to take approximately three and a half years. This means lake levels are expected to remain during the roughly 3.5-year construction period, reducing impacts to waterfront use.
Long Construction Timeline Expected
The licensee expects construction of the new spillway and related concrete structures to take approximately three and a half years. Local communities and stakeholders in Marathon County, Wisconsin should expect multi-year construction activity related to the Rothschild Hydroelectric Project.
Environmental Assessment Issued Earlier
The Commission staff will issue the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Rothschild Hydroelectric Project by December 12, 2025. When the EA is issued, there will be a 30-day public comment period for local stakeholders to file comments that will be reviewed before the Commission's final decision.
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