Hawks Nest Hydro Files for License Facelift in WV
Published Date: 3/20/2026
Notice
Summary
Hawks Nest Hydro, LLC wants to make some changes to their hydroelectric project on the New River in West Virginia, but these changes won’t affect how much power they produce. The public and agencies have until April 16, 2026, to share their thoughts or get involved. This process could impact local water quality rules, but no big money changes are expected right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Changes to Recreational Flow Releases
During construction outages, flows would be spilled into the bypassed reach and recreational flow releases would depend on project inflows. After construction the licensee plans to increase minimum flows in the bypassed reach, increase the number of recreational flow releases, and shorten the duration of each release.
West Virginia 401 Water Quality Requirement
The project must get a Clean Water Act section 401 water quality certification from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. The applicant must file either the request submitted to WV DEP, the certification, or evidence of waiver no later than 60 days after this notice.
Project Conversion to 60 Hz and Grid Sales
The licensee proposes converting generation from 25 hertz to 60 hertz so it can sell power directly to the regional electric grid. The change would replace Units 1 and 2, raise installed capacity from 102 MW to 108.5 MW, and increase maximum hydraulic capacity from 10,160 cfs to 10,380 cfs.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06504 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several filings from natural gas pipeline companies about rate changes and reports. These updates could affect how much customers pay starting as soon as April 1 or May 1, 2026. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until April 13, 2026, to comment.
2026-06503 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings from energy companies about power plant approvals, solar projects, and rate changes. These filings affect companies like Bayonne Energy Center, Heritage Power, and others, with deadlines for public comments in mid to late April 2026. Some changes could impact how much customers pay or how energy is managed starting as soon as April 1, 2026.
2026-06432 — Erie Boulevard Hydropower L.P.; Notice of Application for Non-Capacity Amendment of License Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
Erie Boulevard Hydropower wants to make some changes to their Beebee Island Project on the Black River in Watertown, NY, but these changes won’t affect how much power they produce. The government is now asking the public and agencies to share their thoughts or concerns by April 29, 2026. This process helps make sure the project stays safe and environmentally friendly without costing extra money or changing power output.
2026-06299 — Village of Saranac Lake; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests
The Village of Saranac Lake wants to keep running its Lake Flower Dam hydroelectric project in New York and has officially asked for a new license. If you live nearby or care about the river, now’s your chance to speak up by May 26, 2026. This could affect local energy and the environment, so don’t miss your shot to join the conversation!
2026-06301 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several filings from natural gas companies about rates, reports, and agreements. These filings could affect pipeline customers and market players, with some rate changes starting April 1, 2026. If you want to speak up or get involved, you need to act by early April and follow the rules to join the conversation.
2026-06298 — Village of Saranac Lake; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Lake Flower Dam Hydroelectric Project
The Village of Saranac Lake is asking for your thoughts on the environmental impact of renewing the license for the Lake Flower Dam Hydroelectric Project on the Saranac River. This is your chance to help shape how the project affects local nature and community before a final decision is made. Make sure to send your comments by April 2, 2026, so your voice counts in this important energy and environment update!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05522 — Arlon Warner; Notice of Pending Jurisdictional Inquiry and Soliciting Comments, Protests, and Motions To Intervene
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is checking if the Potter Brook Hydroelectric Project in Vermont needs a federal license. This affects local energy producers and could change how the project operates or is regulated. People have until a set deadline to share their thoughts or get involved, but no immediate money changes are announced yet.
Next: 2026-05524 — NorthWestern Corporation; Notice of Application for Non-Capacity Amendment of License Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
NorthWestern Corporation wants to make some changes to its Thompson Falls Hydroelectric Project in Montana, but these changes won’t affect how much power it produces. The government is asking the public and agencies to share their thoughts by April 16, 2026. This is a chance for folks to weigh in before any final decisions are made—no big money or power shifts, just updates to the license.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in