FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2026
Contact: Alex Bell, Regional Water Quality Manager, [email protected]
IDAHO FALLS – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft § 401 Water Quality Certification for the Felt Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) No. P-5089. The project is located on the Teton River, approximately 9 miles northwest of Tetonia, Idaho.
This draft certification is in response to the Final License Application submitted to FERC on August 31, 2021, by the Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative. DEQ received a water quality certification request on December 5, 2025, pursuant to Clean Water Act § 401, for the reissuance of a FERC license authorizing operation of the Felt Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 5089. Under § 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, the project must be certified by the state within 1 year of receipt of the certification request before it can be relicensed by FERC.
Based upon review of the above-referenced application and other relevant information, DEQ certifies that, if the licensee complies with the terms and conditions imposed by the FERC license, and the conditions set forth in this water quality certification, then there is reasonable assurance for DEQ to conclude that the licensed activities will comply with water quality requirements, including applicable requirements of the Clean Water Act Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307, Idaho’s Water Quality Standards (IDAPA 58.01.02), and other appropriate water quality requirements of Idaho state law.
The draft certification is available for review at DEQ’s Idaho Falls Regional Office and DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities web page. A public hearing will be provided if a written request is submitted on or before August 15, 2026. To request a meeting or hearing, contact Alex Bell at [email protected] or by phone at (208) 528-2679. Documents relating to the license application can be reviewed by accessing FERC’s eLibrary via docket number P-5089. Written comments will be accepted through September 14, 2026 at 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:
Alex Bell
900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
[email protected]
The Gem State Chronicle delivers daily analysis, op-eds, press releases, and Idaho Insider updates — free to your inbox.
Free newsletter · Unsubscribe anytime · View on Substack
About Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
DEQ was created by the Idaho Environmental Protection and Health Act with a mission to protect human health and the quality of Idaho’s air, land, and water. Learn more at https://www.deq.idaho.gov.
