Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Notice of Intent to Prepare Environmental Assessment for Rothschild Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a formal notice indicating its intention to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for the Rothschild Hydroelectric Project, located on the Wisconsin River in Marathon County, Wisconsin. The project, owned by Domtar Paper Company, LLC, involves replacing the existing timber crib spillway section with two hydraulically actuated overhead hinged crest gates. The Commission plans to issue the EA by February 23, 2026, and will provide a 30-day comment period for the public to review and provide feedback.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rothschild Hydroelectric Project, located on the Wisconsin River in Marathon County, Wisconsin, involves replacing the existing timber crib spillway section with two hydraulically actuated overhead hinged crest gates.
  • The project is owned by Domtar Paper Company, LLC, and does not occupy any federal lands.
  • The Commission plans to issue an environmental assessment (EA) by February 23, 2026, for a 30-day comment period.
  • The EA will be prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. SSSS 4321 et seq) and will cover the impacts of the project on the environment.
  • The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings.
  • OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, community organizations, Tribal members, and others to access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes.
  • The public is encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov for public inquiries and assistance with making filings.

Statistics:

  • The project is expected to take approximately three and a half years to complete.
  • The Commission plans to issue the EA by February 23, 2026.
  • The public comment period will be open for 30 days.
  • Domtar Paper Company, LLC, owns the Rothschild Hydroelectric Project.
  • The project is located on the Wisconsin River in Marathon County, Wisconsin.

Sources:

  • 42 U.S.C. SSSS 4321 et seq (National Environmental Policy Act)
  • Document Accession #: 20250626-3085 (File Date: 06/26/2025)
  • United States of America Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (on notice: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, 2025)