Sign in Subscribe
United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

EPA Submits Scoping Comments on Proposed Hydroelectric Projects in West Virginia and Ohio

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on the proposed Hydroelectric Projects in Hancock County, West Virginia, and Belmont County, Ohio. The EPA has reviewed the FERC's scoping meetings and environmental site review, as well as the final license application for the project. The proposed projects, known as the New Cumberland Project and the Pike Island Project, would involve the construction of two hydroelectric power plants, each consisting of an intake channel, a concrete powerhouse, and other appurtenant facilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EPA has reviewed the FERC's scoping meetings and environmental site review, as well as the final license application for the project.
  • The proposed New Cumberland Project would use the existing New Cumberland Locks and Dam and would consist of an intake channel, a concrete powerhouse, two Kaplan pit turbine-generators, a tailrace channel, and other appurtenant facilities.
  • The proposed Pike Island Project would use the USACE's existing Pikes Island Locks and Dam and would consist of an intake channel, a concrete powerhouse, two Kaplan pit turbine-generators, a tailrace channel, and other appurtenant facilities.
  • EPA's recommendations on the proposed project focus on the project purpose, need, and range of alternatives; water resources; sediment testing and placement; threatened and endangered species; air quality effects; mitigation measures; and interagency coordination.
  • EPA recommends that FERC address EPA's recommendations before releasing the forthcoming Draft EA.
  • The project applicant is Current Hydro, LLC and Pike Island Hydropower Corporation, collectively referred to as Current Hydro.

Statistics:

  • The proposed New Cumberland Project would involve the construction of an intake channel, a concrete powerhouse, and two Kaplan pit turbine-generators.
  • The proposed Pike Island Project would involve the construction of an intake channel, a concrete powerhouse, and two Kaplan pit turbine-generators.
  • The underground transmission line crossing under the Norfolk Southern Railway would be 350 feet long.
  • The powerhouse substation would include a 3-phase single pad-mounted transformer.
  • The three-phase overhead transmission line would connect the powerhouse substation to the existing transmission line.
  • The proposed projects would have interagency coordination with the USACE and other stakeholders.

Sources:

  • Letter from Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, to FERC, dated April 4, 2025.
  • Federal Register Notice of Scoping Meetings and Environmental Site Review, dated April 4, 2025.
  • Scoping Document 1, dated March 31, 2025.
  • Final License Application for the Project, dated March 31, 2025.
  • EPA's recommendations on the proposed project, enclosed with the letter to FERC.

Read more