Proposed Hydroelectric Project Raises Environmental Concerns in Wyoming

A Utah-based hydroelectric company, rPlus Energies, is proposing a new reservoir above Seminoe Reservoir in central Wyoming to generate energy during peak demand, Oil City News reports.

The project promises economic benefits, including tax revenue and job creation, but has raised concerns among wildlife groups, anglers, and state officials about its potential impact on the region’s ecosystem.

The proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage project would function as an energy storage system, moving water between Seminoe Reservoir and a new 13,400-acre-foot upper reservoir. Water would be pumped uphill when energy demand is low and released through a power station when demand is high, generating up to 900 megawatts of electricity.

The company estimates the $3 billion project could bring $60-70 million in sales tax revenue, create up to 500 jobs during construction, and provide $8-9 million in annual property tax revenue once operational. If approved, construction could begin in 2027, with operations starting by 2032.

While the project could contribute to renewable energy storage, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and conservation groups worry about its potential impact on the area’s fish populations, particularly the “Miracle Mile” of the North Platte River, a renowned trout fishery.

Matt Hahn, a fisheries supervisor with Wyoming Game and Fish, emphasized the rarity of such high-quality waters and urged caution. The department estimates that fish could be unintentionally drawn into the system, potentially affecting fish populations. Additionally, altering water flow and temperature fluctuations could harm trout populations in the Miracle Mile.

The project’s location also raises concerns for the Ferris-Seminoe bighorn sheep herd, the state’s only disease-free population. Conservationists worry that five years of construction, along with increased traffic and dust, could displace the sheep from their habitat.

The project is currently under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), with the latest public comment period closing Friday. Conservation groups, including Wyoming Trout Unlimited and the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, are advocating for a full environmental impact statement to assess potential risks.

While rPlus Hydro has stated that it is working with state agencies to minimize environmental impacts, opponents argue that some effects, such as changes in water quality and habitat disruption, may be difficult to mitigate.