401 Certification for Hydropower

The state of Washington works with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing process for hydropower dams. When an applicant requests a license, either to re-license an existing dam or for new construction, Ecology works with the utility, reviews studies, analyses and plans. If Ecology determines that water quality standards are attainable, a 401 certification is issued with conditions to ensure that the standards will be met. These conditions become part of the new FERC license.

Rocky Reach Dam.  Photo courtesy of Chris Maynard, WA Department of Ecology.

Contacts

License Schedule for Washington State (PDF)

Existing 401 Certifications for Dams

Draft Water Quality Certifications for Public Review

401 Guidance Manual

FERC Guidance Team (PDF)

Links to other programs and activities

Related Information

Events (none at this time)

 

For more information please contact:

Susan Braley
Lead FERC Guidance Development
Water Quality Program
WA Department of Ecology
P.O. Box 47600
Olympia, WA  98504-7600
Phone:  (360) 407-6414
e-mail: ferc401@ecy.wa.gov

 

Last updated June 2008