Columbus Ditches Dam Exemption: What's the Hydro Plot Twist?
Published Date: 10/1/2026
Notice
Summary
The City of Columbus, Ohio, wants to give up its special exemption for the O'Shaughnessy Dam Hydroelectric Facility on the Scioto River. This change could affect local energy rules and requires approval from environmental agencies, with public comments due by October 28, 2026. If you care about local energy or the environment, now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Dam Will Remain to Protect Water Supply
Although the City proposes to decommission the hydroelectric equipment, the O'Shaughnessy Dam itself would remain in place because it is necessary for maintaining the water supply for the City of Columbus. Keeping the dam in place means the City's water-supply function will be preserved while generation is removed.
Ohio EPA Section 401 Water Quality Review Required
The proposal requires a Clean Water Act section 401 water quality certification from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; the applicant must file either a copy of its request for certification, a plan and schedule to request certification, or a copy of the certification (or evidence of waiver) no later than 60 days after issuance of this notice. This brings state water-quality review into the process for decommissioning the hydroelectric project.
City to Stop Hydropower Operations
The City of Columbus has applied to surrender its exemption and stop operating the O'Shaughnessy Dam Hydroelectric Facility (Project No. 2943-007); the application was filed July 6, 2026. The City says repairs to restore generation are cost prohibitive and that surrendering the exemption and decommissioning the generating equipment is in the best interest of its customers.
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