Way Minimum Flow Variance Hydro FERC Project

We Energies has submitted a document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding a minimum flow variance for their Way Dam project (FERC No. 1759). The document outlines the events surrounding a trip at the Hemlock Falls hydro plant, which caused a reduction in river flow below the required minimum flow. The incident occurred on July 16, 2025, and was caused by a temporary outage of the distribution network due to an external environmental source.

Key Takeaways:

• The Way Dam project has a minimum flow requirement that varies by time of year, measured at USGS gage No. 04062500.
• The Hemlock Falls project (FERC No. 2074) is approximately 3.2 miles downstream from Way Dam and has a run-of-river mode of operation.
• The licensee at Hemlock Falls must maintain the reservoir surface elevation between 1,335.2 feet and 1,337.6 feet NGVD at all times.
• On July 16, 2025, a trip at the Hemlock Falls hydro plant caused a reduction in river flow below the required minimum flow, but the situation was properly handled by the operating staff.
• The impact of the incident was deemed to be temporary and did not result in any negative environmental impacts.
• The licensee at Way Dam does not believe that the minimum flow variance constitutes a violation of their FERC license.
• Compliant run-of-river operation at Hemlock Falls was maintained during the incident.

Statistics:

• The minimum flow requirement for Way Dam varies between 250 cfs and 400 cfs depending on the time of year.
• The lowest flow of 231 cfs occurred at 1400 CDT hours on July 16, 2025.
• The headwater elevation at Hemlock Falls remained in compliance throughout the event.
• The total river distance from Way to the USGS gage is approximately 4.9 miles.

Sources:

• We Energies. (2025, July 16). Way Minimum Flow Variance Hydro FERC Project.
• Wilderness Shores Settlement Agreement, filed May 15, 1997.
• FERC License for Hemlock Falls Project (FERC No. 2074).