FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2026
Contact: Alex Bell, Regional Water Quality Manager, [email protected]
DRIGGS – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold a public meeting to receive comments on the draft Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 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. The public meeting will be held at the Teton County Courthouse (Commissioner’s Room, 150 Courthouse Dr., Driggs, ID 83422) on September 3, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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 CWA § 401, for the reissuance of a FERC license authorizing operation of the Felt Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 5089. Under CWA § 401, 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 Final License 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, 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.
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 web page or by mail or email to:
Alex Bell
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
[email protected]
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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.
