Department of
Environmental Quality

A number of facilities in Idaho are in or soon will be in the process of obtaining new licenses, including Idaho Power Company's Hells Canyon Complex consisting of the Brownlee, Oxbow, and Hells Canyon hydroelectric projects on the Snake River between Idaho and Oregon. In total, the project encompasses 95 river miles.

State certification is required before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) may license or re-license non-federal hydroelectric dams. DEQ is currently reviewing a water quality certification application for the Hells Canyon Complex Hydroelectric Facility and anticipates preparing a draft water quality certification during the spring of 2012. DEQ will seek public comment once the draft certification is completed. Certification is due July 15, 2012.

Chronology of Events

• March 31, 2006: IPC submits an amended certification application.
• October 5, 2006: IPC withdraws certification application and commits to submitting a new application by January 2007.
• January 31, 2007: IPC submits a new application.
• November 2, 2007: IPC withdraws certification application and submits a new application.
• August 8, 2008: IPC withdraws certification application and submits a new application.
• May 15, 2009: IPC withdraws certification application and submits a new application.
• December 23, 2009: IPC withdraws certification application and submits a new application.
• September 24, 2010: IPC withdraws certification application and submits a new application.
• July 15, 2011:IPC withdraws certification application and submits a new application.
  • IPC §401 Certification Application for Hells Canyon Hydroelectric Facility: July 2011