Public Service Company of Colorado Submits Annual Spawning Flow Release Notification for Ames Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

Public Service Company of Colorado has submitted a document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as required by USFS Condition No. 19 and Article 401(d) in the license issued to the company for the Ames Hydroelectric Project. The document details the annual spawning flow release for the 2025 license year, which is set to begin on October 1 with a targeted fixed flow release of 11 cubic feet per second (cfs).

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ames Hydroelectric Project is located on Lake Fork and Howards Fork of the San Miguel River, near Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado.
  • The project's license requires Public Service Company of Colorado to provide a 30-day continuous fixed spawning flow release to the powerhouse tailrace in an amount of between 11 and 28 cfs, starting October 1 of each license year.
  • The company is required to notify the FERC by September 15 of each year of the start date for the spawning flow release, the targeted fixed flow release, and any written requests from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
  • This year, the start date for the 30-day fish spawning flow release will begin on October 1, and the targeted fixed flow release will be 11 cfs.
  • Public Service Company of Colorado did not receive a request from CPW for an alternative flow release or time-period.
  • The company's environmental manager, Chad Campbell, is available to answer questions or provide additional information at christine.johnston@xcelenergy.com or (303) 285-6828.

Statistics:

  • The Ames Hydroelectric Project is located on Lake Fork and Howards Fork of the San Miguel River.
  • The project's license year starts on October 1, and the spawning flow release is set to begin immediately.
  • The targeted fixed flow release for the 2025 license year is 11 cubic feet per second (cfs).
  • Public Service Company of Colorado did not receive any requests from Colorado Parks and Wildlife for alternative flow releases or time-periods.

Sources:

  • Public Service Company of Colorado, "Ames Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 400) Article 401(d) and USFS Condition No. 19 - Spawning Flow Releases"
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, "Order Issuing Subsequent License" (May 19, 2010)