Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Notification for Anderson Dam Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a notification under Section 401(a)(2) of the Clean Water Act for the Anderson Dam Hydroelectric Project, situated in Santa Clara County, California. The notification is a result of an application submitted by the Santa Clara Valley Water District to retrofit the dam and decommission the hydroelectric facility. The proposed activities will involve lowering Anderson Reservoir, removing the existing dam, rebuilding it, and implementing conservation measures downstream of the dam on Coyote Creek. The project also includes environmental monitoring plans, site restoration activities, and mitigation measures to minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Anderson Dam Hydroelectric Project, located in Santa Clara County, California, is undergoing a retrospective overhaul under the proposed plan.
  • The project's exemptee, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, has filed an application with FERC to surrender the project exemption and decommission the hydroelectric facility.
  • The proposed plan includes lowering Anderson Reservoir to enable seismic retrofitting of the dam, which will be accomplished by removing the existing dam in stages and rebuilding it to meet public safety requirements.
  • Construction of the project is anticipated to begin in 2026 and is projected to take approximately 7 years to complete.
  • During construction, reservoir inflow will be diverted to Coyote Creek via water diversions.
  • The proposal includes the implementation of conservation measures, environmental monitoring plans, and site restoration activities to mitigate the impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
  • The project will involve the surrender of the hydroelectric project exemption and the continuation of Anderson Reservoir and the rebuilt dam under specific operational conditions.

Statistics:

  • The proposed project involves the removal of the existing dam in stages and the rebuilding of the dam and spillway to meet public safety requirements.
  • Construction of the project is projected to take approximately 7 years to complete.
  • Reservoir reservoir inflow will be bypassed to Coyote Creek through water diversions during construction.
  • The proposal includes the implementation of environmental monitoring plans, site restoration activities, and mitigation measures to minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
  • The project will result in the surrender of the hydroelectric project exemption.

Sources:

  • FERC Memorandum: Section 401(a)(2) Neighboring Jurisdiction WQC Notification, dated July 1, 2025
  • EPA Online Notification Portal: Confirmation Email dated July 1, 2025