September 22, 2022
Contact: Sean Woodhead, Twin Falls Surface Water Quality Manager, sean.woodhead@deq.idaho.gov
TWIN FALLS – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is preparing a draft 401 water quality certification for Stevenson No. 2 (Black Canyon Bliss) hydroelectric facility – Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Docket No. P-8866.
The facility is located on the Snake River in Gooding County, Idaho, and is an operating-licensed facility filing for a new license with FERC.
DEQ received a request on May 24, 2022, to certify that the Stevenson No. 2 (Black Canyon Bliss) hydroelectric facility complies with state water quality standards. Under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, the project must be certified by the state within one year of receipt of the application before it can be relicensed by FERC. DEQ has until May 24, 2023, to certify the project.
DEQ anticipates preparing a draft certification and will seek public comment once the draft is completed. To be notified of upcoming public comment opportunities, subscribe to DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page.