The Seminoe pumped-water storage hydroelectric project in Carbon County, Wyoming, has moved closer to final approval after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued its environmental impact statement. However, critics are warning of potential risks to wildlife, including a ‘blue ribbon’ trout fishery and a vital bighorn sheep herd.

Concerns Over Fish Kills and Wildlife Risks

Trout Unlimited’s Wyoming Government Relations Director, Patrick Harrington, expressed disappointment with the final environmental impact statement, stating that it does not adequately address the threat of rising water temperatures that could lead to a devastating fish kill in the North Platte River. The FERC’s plan still does not mandate operational responses to prevent a trout kill, despite concerns from local and state elected officials.

The project, proposed by Utah-based rPlus Hydro, involves building a 13,400-acre-foot reservoir in the Bennett Mountains overlooking Seminoe Reservoir. The $4 billion facility would pump water uphill during daytime ‘off-peak demand’ hours for electricity when wind and solar power are plentiful and wholesale electricity is cheapest.

Wildlife Protections and Construction Waivers

The revised plan retains multiple waivers to bypass seasonal construction limitations designed to protect wildlife, including the Ferris-Seminoe bighorn sheep herd. The Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation has expressed concerns that granting these waivers would set a dangerous precedent for other industrial projects in the state.

rPlus Hydro contends that the project represents a $200 million annual savings to ratepayers and that the FERC’s final environmental impact statement confirms the project is needed for future energy growth and reliability while safeguarding the North Platte River and bighorn sheep.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.