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Independent regulatory commissions

Pacific Gas and Electric Company Seeks Water Quality Certification for Kerckhoff Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has submitted an application for water quality certification for the relicensing of the Kerckhoff Hydroelectric Project, a hydroelectric facility located on the San Joaquin River in Fresno and Madera Counties, California. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is reviewing the application, which was submitted on July 16, 2025. The certification application is subject to the completion of an environmental review process and annual fees as specified in the California Code of Regulations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kerckhoff Hydroelectric Project, located on the San Joaquin River in Fresno and Madera Counties, California, is seeking water quality certification as part of its relicensing process.
  • The project's certification application, submitted by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), is pending review by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
  • The SWRCB plans to act on the certification application by July 16, 2026, in accordance with Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act.
  • The certification is subject to completion of an environmental review process and compliance with water quality standards and implementation plans.
  • Compliance with the Water Quality Control Plans, which designate beneficial uses of water and water quality objectives, is required for certification.
  • The SWRCB staff are available to discuss compliance with water quality standards and other requirements with PG&E.
  • Issuance of a certification is a discretionary action under the California Environmental Quality Act.

Statistics:

  • The application for certification was submitted on July 16, 2025.
  • The SWRCB plans to act on the certification application by July 16, 2026.
  • The Kerckhoff Hydroelectric Project is a hydroelectric facility located on the San Joaquin River.
  • The project's relicensing process is subject to water quality certification under Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act.

Sources:

  • State Water Resources Control Board August 14, 2025 Jennifer Hartman Relicensing Project Manager Pacific Gas and Electric Company Sent via email: jennifer.hartman@pge.com Kerckhoff Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Project No. 96 Fresno and Madera Counties San Joaquin River APPLICATION FOR WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION FOR KERCKHOFF HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT (FERC PROJECT NO. 96)
  • California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Section 3836
  • Federal Clean Water Act, Section 401 (33 U.S.C. § 1341)

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