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Permitting Process
To install hydroelectric generation at Wolford Mountain Reservoir's Ritschard Dam, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will have to approve of the project.
FERC is a federal agency that watches over natural gas, hydroelectric, petroleum and electrical generation. It monitors production and transmission of these energy sources on behalf of the public's welfare.
FERC took over the role of regulating hydropower from the Federal Power Commission in 1977. FERC regulates more than 2,600 hydroelectric generating facilities in the U.S. and ensures their compliance with federal rules and guidelines.
Because the concept for the Wolford Mountain power generation project calls for production of less than 5 megawatts, project planners are pursuing an exemption to the standard licensing process.
Exemptions are a common method of obtaining FERC approval for smaller hydropower projects added onto existing dam structures, and approximately 60 percent of all FERC permitted projects are exempted.
The exemption process still provides ample opportunity for public input on the approval of this project. Local, state and federal governmental agencies will also be a part of the approval process.
Project Status
Because the Colorado River District is in the planning stages for a second expansion of Wolford Mountain Reservoir's capacity, the FERC permitting process has been tabled for the time being.
Peristent drought conditions have caused the Colorodo River District to look at options for increasing water storage in Western Colorado. By modifying the spillway at the reservoir, capacity at the reservoir can be increased without other major modifications to the dam or significantly increasing the area of inundation.
The pursuit of adding a hydropower component to Wolford Mountain Reservoir will be reevaluated pending the outcome of the proposed reservoir enlargement.
To reach the staff of the River District associated with this project, please contact us with your input.
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