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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Wolf River Hydro Limited Partnership Submits Drawdown Update to FERC

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Wolf River Hydro Limited Partnership (WRHLP) has submitted an update to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on the Shawano Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 710, detailing the progress on the drawdown of the reservoir and addressing various concerns and directives from the FERC. The update provides a comprehensive overview of the activities conducted from October 1 to October 13, 2025, including the drawdown rate, reservoir elevation, rescue efforts, and cultural properties management.

Key Takeaways:

  • The drawdown rate was reduced from 12 inches to 6-12 inches per day to minimize sediment transport downstream.
  • The reservoir elevation decreased from 814.49 ft NGVD to 812.5 ft NGVD between October 12 and 13, 2025.
  • A total of 3,029 stranded mussels were rescued and moved to deeper water on October 13, 2025, with six fresh dead mussels and 20 fish found dead due to stranding.
  • WRHLP consulted with WDNR, MITW, and USFWS daily to share information and coordinate rescue efforts.
  • A comprehensive repair plan for the gates, a refill plan, and a de-icing plan were proposed to be filed by November 3, 2025.
  • WRHLP developed an emergency HPMP to address comments from the THPO, SHPO, and Wisconsin DNR, and provided authorization for Wakach Miheken to implement the plan within the MITW Reservation.
  • A proposal for a revised drawdown was filed on October 11, 2025, recommending a nominal 5.5-foot drawdown to reduce potential environmental impacts.

Statistics:

  • The reservoir elevation decreased by 2 ft (from 814.49 ft NGVD to 812.5 ft NGVD) between October 12 and 13, 2025.
  • A total of 3,029 stranded mussels were rescued and moved to deeper water on October 13, 2025.
  • 20 fish were found dead due to stranding on October 13, 2025.
  • 6 fresh dead mussels were noted on October 13, 2025.
  • 3 serious erosion sites were noted within the reservoir during the October 13, 2025 stranding rescues.
  • WRHLP plans to file comprehensive reports on the repairs to the gates, refill plan, and de-icing plan by November 3, 2025.

Sources:

  • FERC Project No. 710: October 14, 2025
  • WRHLP: October 11, 2025, Daily Report
  • WRHLP: October 11, 2025, Proposal for Revised Drawdown
  • WRHLP: October 1, 2025, Daily Report
  • FERC: September 27, 2025, Directive to WRHLP

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