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Independent regulatory commissions

Update on Smithland Hydroelectric Project: FERC Submits Document

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has received a document from American Municipal Power, Inc. regarding the Smithland Hydroelectric Project. The update addresses concerns related to mussel and water quality monitoring, as per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Biological Opinion #07-B-0801. The document clarifies the requirements for continued monitoring and sampling, providing insight into the project's compliance with environmental regulations.

Key Takeaways:

  • American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) submitted a document to FERC regarding the Smithland Hydroelectric Project, addressing mussel and water quality monitoring.
  • The update was made in response to an FWS Biological Opinion #07-B-0801 and the Order Approving Mussel Protection Plans, 158 FERC P 62,202 (March 15, 2017).
  • FWS agrees that AMP does not need to complete water quality or dissolved oxygen sampling after December 31, 2025, for the last two years of the maximum water quality and DO monitoring period.
  • AMP will continue to complete mussel and substrate monitoring through the end of the ten-year period following commencement of operations, with the next monitoring event scheduled for 2027.
  • AMP intends to formally request discontinuation of mussel monitoring after 2027, consistent with the completion of obligations under the Biological Opinion.

Statistics:

  • 2024: AMP submitted the Smithland Mussel Monitoring Report on January 31, 2025.
  • 2025: FWS received AMP's clarification regarding the Mussel Monitoring Report on August 1, 2025.
  • December 31, 2025: Deadline for AMP to complete water quality or dissolved oxygen sampling.
  • 2027: Scheduled year for the next monitoring event, after which AMP intends to request discontinuation of mussel monitoring.
  • 2070s: Projected completion date for the maximum water quality and dissolved oxygen monitoring period.

Sources:

  • American Municipal Power, Inc., to Meghan Walker, Fish Biologist Aquatic Resources Branch Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20426, Re: Smithland Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. P-6641), October 15, 2025.
  • FWS Biological Opinion #07-B-0801
  • Order Approving Mussel Protection Plans, 158 FERC P 62,202 (March 15, 2017).

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