Free Flow Power Project 101, LLC (FFP Project), is proposing to build a closed-loop water storage system that releases water from an upper reservoir downhill to a lower reservoir to generate energy. The power produced would feed into the electrical grid at nearby John Day Dam.
The lower reservoir would be located on a portion of the former Columbia Gorge Aluminum smelter site, and water for the project would be drawn from the Columbia River under a permit that once served the aluminum plant. The FFP Project plans to purchase water from the Klickitat Public Utility District. Project plans call for the lower reservoir to be filled once, with annual supplemental fills.
The project is expected to generate up to 1,200 megawatts of electricity. It would send electricity to the grid through the existing infrastructure of the nearby John Day Dam.
The project includes:
- Two reservoirs
- A 2,400 feet gross elevation gain and involves no river or stream impoundments, allowing for water conveyances.
- An underground water conveyance tunnel and powerhouse.
- 115 and 500 kilovolt transmission lines.
- An electrical substation/switchyard and other related facilities.
Diagram showing how energy will be produced using two reservoirs at different elevations.
Overview of the SEPA Evironmental Impact Statement process
Project Timeline
Date |
Activity |
June 2020 |
FFP Project 101, LLC submits 401 water quality certification application and draft checklist to Ecology
|
Sept. - Nov. 2020
|
Ecology holds public comment period on the 401 certification application |
Oct. 29 - Dec. 28, 2020 |
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission holds a comment period on the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) federal environmental review
|
Dec. 2020 |
FFP Project 101, LLC submits final signed SEPA checklist |
Jan. 14, 2021 |
Ecology makes a determination of significance and begins a comment period for the scope of the SEPA environmental review (environmental impact statement)
|
Feb. 12, 2021 |
Comment period on scoping ends |
June 2021 |
Ecology denies 'without prejudice' the 401 Water Quality Certification, due to insufficient information. |