Shoshone Falls Project Status
Project Description
The Shoshone Falls Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2778) is a run-of-river impoundment that has a current nameplate capacity of 12.5 MW.
Application Timeline
Idaho Power filed its license application on the Shoshone Falls project in 1997 and completed requests for additional information relating to the project in early 2000. FERC issued the final Environmental Impact Statement in July 2002. In August 2004, FERC granted a 30-year license for the Shoshone Falls hydroelectric project.
Protection, Mitigation and Enhancement (PM&E) Measures
The project is operating in a run-of-river mode for the protection of the following plant and animal life around the project and in the Snake River downstream:
- Invertebrates
- Fish
- Federally listed snails
- Riparian vegetation
Amendement Information
Subsequent to license issuance, Idaho Power proposed an amendment to this license with plans to enhance the existing power production facilities with an additional turbine. The amendment requested other changes at its Shoshone Falls plant as well, including the addition of a second powerhouse. The proposed changes would not affect the company’s license agreement that provides 300 cubic feet per second of water over the falls between April 1 and LaborDay weekend. Additional aesthetic flows are proposed in the amendment during the high water runoff period.
The flollowing is a brief timeline of events regarding the amendment:
- On Aug. 29, 2005, Idaho Power mailed its Initial Consultation Document regarding this proposed amendment to interested stakeholders for review.
- Agency and public meetings to discuss the proposed amendments were held Sept.28,2005.
- The draft License Amendment Application was issued for comment in December 2005.
- Idaho Power filed the final application with FERC in August 2006.
- Idaho Power received 11 additional information requests from FERC and made a timely filing response by Nov.10, 2006.
Following consultation with the agencies on the Final Environmenal Analysis, the FERC issued its Supplemental EA in December of 2007 to address concerns raised. Idaho Power is anticipating a FERC Order approving the Amendment Application in early 2009.
