Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Requests FERC Assistance with Dam Operations and Environmental Effects

Strategic Insights -

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has submitted a document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requesting assistance with dam operations and environmental effects related to the Upper Watertown and Lower Watertown hydroelectric dams. The department is concerned about water level fluctuations, fish kills, and potential environmental impacts. The FERC was informed that the department has received several complaints and media inquiries related to these issues. The department is seeking information from the licensee, Rock River Power and Light Corporation, regarding dam operations and potential mitigation measures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has requested FERC assistance to investigate dam operations and environmental effects at the Upper Watertown and Lower Watertown hydroelectric dams.
  • The department has received several complaints and media inquiries related to water level fluctuations and a fish kill in the vicinity of the dams.
  • The department is concerned about potential impacts on listed fish species and is seeking information from the licensee regarding dam operations and environmental mitigation measures.
  • The Upper Watertown Exemption Requirements of Operations Summary includes maintaining a normal impoundment water surface elevation of 820.58 feet msl and releasing a sufficient volume of water over the crest of the dam to aerate river water and maintain dissolved oxygen concentrations downstream of the dam at levels greater than 5.0 milligrams per liter.
  • The Lower Watertown Exemption Requirements of Operations Summary includes operating in a run-of-river mode, maintaining pool levels between 807.75 ft msl and 808.45 ft msl, and releasing a sufficient volume of water over the crest of the dam to aerate river water and maintain dissolved oxygen concentrations downstream of the dam at levels greater than 5.0 milligrams per liter.
  • A fish kill was reported in the vicinity of the dams, with an estimated 300-400 fish killed.
  • The department has not received any information from the licensee regarding dam operations, despite a request for information via email on June 26th.

Statistics:

  • The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources received several complaints and media inquiries related to water level fluctuations and a fish kill in the vicinity of the Upper Watertown and Lower Watertown hydroelectric dams.
  • An estimated 300-400 fish were killed in the vicinity of the dams.
  • The Upper Watertown Exemption Requirements of Operations Summary includes maintaining a minimum flow of 25 cfs and normal impoundment water surface elevation of 820.58 feet msl.
  • The Lower Watertown Exemption Requirements of Operations Summary includes operating in a run-of-river mode, maintaining pool levels between 807.75 ft msl and 808.45 ft msl, and releasing a sufficient volume of water over the crest of the dam to aerate river water and maintain dissolved oxygen concentrations downstream of the dam at levels greater than 5.0 milligrams per liter.

Sources:

  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, "Water Level Complaints and Fish Kill at Upper Watertown (p-9974) and Lower Watertown (p-10117)" (submitted to FERC)
  • WDTimes, "Power outages see Rock River pond levels drop" (https://www.wdtimes.com/news/local/power-outages-see-rock-river-pond-levels-drop/article_36ba8c71-7f0d-43b6-a0b4-b6b5a6f38b1c.html)
  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, "Email to Tom Reiss regarding complaints and fish kill" (sent June 26th)
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, "FERC Dam Safety Reports" (mandatory)