Eagle Creek's Shawano facility is currently authorized to run at a target reservoir level of 802.5 feet MSL. Due to recreation concerns, Eagle Creek (via its subsidiary N.E.W. Hydro, LLC) is working with local, state, and federal agencies to consider raising the authorized elevation to 802.9 feet MSL during the ice-free time of year.
Since 2015, Eagle Creek has operated under a temporary amendment from its federal regulator, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), allowing a target elevation of 802.9 feet MSL. That temporary amendment expired on November 15, 2017.
On June 11, 2018, Eagle Creek filed for a new temporary amendment to again allow an increase in the impoundment level to 802.9 feet MSL. The amendment would be in place through November 15, 2018, during which time Eagle Creek would continue to consult with agencies towards achieving a permanent agreement. The June 11 filing is available from the FERC eLibrary or from the link below:
In response, the FERC has opened a public comment period. The FERC will accept comments from the public through June 27, 2018. To be considered by the FERC, comments must be filed directly with the FERC, which provides the following instructions:
All documents may be filed electronically via the Internet. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s website at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY, (202) 502-8659. Although the Commission strongly encourages electronic filing, documents may also be paper-filed. To paper-file, mail a copy to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20426. Please include the project number (P-8015-005) on any comments or motions filed.
The FERC has provided more information in its Public Notice document, also available from the FERC eLibary or the link below:
Eagle Creek is also accepting comments and questions from the public via the link below. However, comments received here are NOT part of the FERC record and will not be considered by the FERC in its response to the temporary amendment application. Eagle Creek strongly encourages the public to file its comments directly with the FERC.