Sign in Subscribe
Independent regulatory commissions

Upper Peninsula Power Company Seeks FERC Approval for Escanaba Dam Drawdown

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Upper Peninsula Power Company has submitted a document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requesting approval for a proposed drawdown of the Escanaba Dam impoundments for the purpose of flashboard repair and/or replacement. The proposed drawdown plan was crafted following the requirements of the Article 407 Drawdown Plan and aims to minimize the effects on aquatic resources and water quality. The company consulted with various agencies, including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and obtained a Part 303 Wetlands Protection Permit from EGLE.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Upper Peninsula Power Company is seeking FERC approval for a proposed drawdown of the Escanaba Dam impoundments for flashboard repair and/or replacement.
  • The proposed drawdown plan was crafted following the requirements of the Article 407 Drawdown Plan.
  • The company consulted with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before submitting the proposal.
  • The proposed drawdown is scheduled to take place no earlier than August 25, 2025.
  • The company has obtained a Part 303 Wetlands Protection Permit from EGLE for the Dam #1 Drawdown (Permit # WRP038056).
  • UPPCO contacted the Sokaogon Chippewa Community on April 23, 2024, to inform them of the drawdown occurring.
  • The company will notify FERC, with a courtesy copy to the resource agencies, upon the initiation and completion of the drawdown.

Statistics:

  • The proposed drawdown is scheduled to take place no earlier than August 25, 2025.
  • The company obtained a Part 303 Wetlands Protection Permit from EGLE for the Dam #1 Drawdown (Permit # WRP038056).
  • The company contacted the Sokaogon Chippewa Community on April 23, 2024, to inform them of the drawdown occurring.
  • The company will notify FERC, with a courtesy copy to the resource agencies, upon the initiation and completion of the drawdown.

Sources:

  • Upper Peninsula Power Company, Escanaba Dam #1, and Dam #4 Proposed Drawdown Plans, and documentation of agency consultation. (Enclosed documents)
  • Part 303 Wetlands Protection Permit from EGLE (Permit # WRP038056). (Appendix 2)
  • Email to the Sokaogon Chippewa Community (April 23, 2024). (Enclosed in Appendix 2)
  • Article 407 Drawdown Plan.
  • FERC, Escanaba Hydroelectric Project: Dam 1 Development Article 402 - Proposed Drawdown for Flashboard Maintenance. (Letter to FERC dated June 17, 2025)

Read more