Environmental Assessment for the White River Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The White River Hydroelectric Project, located on the White River in Ashland and Bayfield Counties, Wisconsin, has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a subsequent license to continue operating and maintaining the project. The project, owned by Northern States Power Company, has a generating capacity of 1,200 kilowatts (kW) and provides a source of hydroelectric power to the regional electric grid.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project, located on the White River, has a generating capacity of 1,200 kW and provides hydroelectric power to the regional grid.
  • The purpose of the project is to provide a source of hydroelectric power, and FERC must determine whether to issue a license to Northern States Power Company.
  • The Commission must consider factors such as energy conservation, protection of fish and wildlife resources, recreational opportunities, and preservation of environmental quality in its decision.
  • The project's license would allow Northern States to continue generating electricity for the term of the license, making renewable energy available to the regional grid.
  • The project's staff alternative involves modifying the existing project facilities, including upgrading the spillway, increasing the turbine flow rate, and implementing fish passage measures.
  • Fish species, including Class II trout, were identified in the White River during a fisheries survey conducted in 2022.
  • The project's environmental impact statement considers the effects on aquatic resources, terrestrial resources, threatened and endangered species, land use, recreation, and aesthetics.

Statistics:

  • The project's generating capacity is 1,200 kW.
  • The project is located on the White River in Ashland and Bayfield Counties, Wisconsin.
  • The project's staff alternative involves modifying the existing project facilities.
  • Fish species, including Class II trout, were identified in the White River during a fisheries survey conducted in 2022.
  • The project's mass flow rate is approximately 4.3 cubic meters per second (CFS).
  • The project's dissolved oxygen levels are maintained within the required ranges.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). (2025). Environmental Assessment for Hydroelectric License of the White River Hydroelectric Project. Document Accession #: 20250717-3010.
  • Northern States Power Company. (2023). Application for Subsequent License for the White River Hydroelectric Project. FERC Project No. 2444-042.