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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Au Train Hydroelectric Project Lands Sold, RWE Plans Abandonment

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has expressed concern over the sale of the Au Train hydroelectric project lands at P-10856 to a private entity with no interest in hydropower. The entity plans to abandon the parcels, which include the powerhouse and most of the impoundment and surrounding project buffer, leaving the project dams without safety concerns being addressed or planning for continuous water flow. Furthermore, the removal of the US Geological Survey (USGS) monitoring gage downstream of the powerhouse and the closure of the project's campground and boating access site operated by MDNR Parks and Recreation Division have also raised concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Au Train hydroelectric project lands at P-10856 were sold to a private entity with no interest in hydropower on May 7, 2025, following a Sheriff Sale.
  • The entity plans to abandon their only assets, the parcels of real estate holding the Au Train North Dam and South Levee, which they report as having no value given the necessary repairs.
  • MDNR is concerned that RWE will abandon the project dams without addressing safety concerns or planning for continuous water flow from the dam to the downstream Au Train River.
  • The USGS monitoring gage downstream of the powerhouse was discontinued on May 16, 2025, due to lack of payment from RWE, totaling $32,000 over the past two years.
  • The Forest Lake State Forest Campground, a requirement of the Au Train license, was closed on June 9, 2025, due to the permanent loss of site control.
  • RWE's loss of site control and failure to make required payments have led to the removal of the USGS monitoring gage and closure of the project's campground and boating access site.
  • Article 402 of the license requires that the gage be maintained to monitor compliance with minimum flow requirements for the Au Train River downstream of the project.
  • The current arrangement whereby Michigan DNR operates the Campground may continue, but in the event of any diminution in or cessation of Michigan DNR's operation and maintenance, it will be RWE's responsibility to make whatever arrangements are necessary to continue the Campground's operations.

Statistics:

  • The land parcels sold on May 7, 2025, totaled an area of (no specific area mentioned).
  • RWE's total payments to the Forest Lake State Forest Campground for operation and maintenance over the past several years amount to (no specific amount mentioned).
  • The total cost of removing the USGS monitoring gage is (no specific amount mentioned).
  • The amount of money owed to RWE for annual payments to the Forest Lake State Forest Campground is (no specific amount mentioned).
  • The number of years MDNR has continued to provide this service for the public without annual reimbursement from RWE is (no specific number mentioned).
  • The number of years ago MDNR notified RWE that legal access to the campground was needed is (no specific number mentioned).

Sources:

  • Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Au Train Status Following Sheriff Sale P-10856 (submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, June 2025).
  • United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Renewable World Energies, Inc. (June 10, 2025).
  • USGS, Au Train River at Forest Lake, MI - 04044724 (discontinued as of May 16, 2025).
  • Article 402, FERC License, amended in 1998 (19981118-0427).

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