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Independent regulatory commissions

State Water Resources Control Board Submits Water Quality Certification Application for Balch Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The State Water Resources Control Board (CA) has submitted a water quality certification application for the Balch Hydroelectric Project, a proposed hydroelectric project located in Fresno County, California. The application was made to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on July 3, 2025, and is subject to completion of the environmental review process. The certification is required to ensure compliance with applicable water quality standards and other requirements of state law, including the Water Quality Control Plan for the Tulare Lake Basin.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Balch Hydroelectric Project, located in Fresno County, California, requires a water quality certification from the State Water Resources Control Board (CA) for its proposed hydropower generation.
  • The certification application was submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on July 3, 2025, and is subject to completion of the environmental review process.
  • The certification application must ensure compliance with applicable water quality standards and other requirements of state law, including the Water Quality Control Plan for the Tulare Lake Basin.
  • The State Water Board will act on the certification application by July 3, 2026.
  • The certification is a critical component of the project's FERC authorization, and water quality certification from the State Water Board is necessary for the project's implementation.
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is subject to annual fees specified in California Code of Regulations, title 23, section 3833.1.
  • The State Water Board may request additional information to clarify, amplify, correct, or supplement the application contents, including evidence of compliance with appropriate requirements of applicable water quality control plans.
  • A certification is issued when the State Water Board determines that an application for certification is complete and there is reasonable assurance that the project will comply with water quality standards and other requirements of the state law.
  • State Water Board staff is available to discuss compliance with water quality standards and other requirements with PG&E, if desired.
  • The beneficial uses, together with the water quality objectives contained in water quality control plans, and applicable state and federal anti-degradation requirements, constitute California's water quality standards for purposes of the CWA.

Statistics:

  • The certification application was submitted on July 3, 2025.
  • The State Water Board will act on the certification application by July 3, 2026.
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is subject to annual fees specified in California Code of Regulations, title 23, section 3833.1.
  • The Balch Hydroelectric Project requires water quality certification from the State Water Board for its proposed hydropower generation.
  • The certification application must ensure compliance with applicable water quality standards and other requirements of state law, including the Water Quality Control Plan for the Tulare Lake Basin.

Sources:

  • State Water Resources Control Board. (2025, July 30). Letter to Alexander Tessier, Relicensing Project Manager, Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
  • California Code of Regulations, title 23, sections 3835, 3836, and 3837.
  • Water Quality Control Plan for the Tulare Lake Basin. (2018). Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
  • Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 U.S.C. § 1341).
  • Public Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.

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