Friday, AUGUST 22, 2025 |
County officials have concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project.
rPlus Hydro, a Utah-based energy development company, is proposing the construction of a large-scale electrical storage project in Carbon County. The company plans to build an artificial lake atop Bennett Mountain at Seminoe Reservoir, which will serve as a type of battery. When electricity is abundant, water is pumped 1,000 feet up into the higher storage lake from the lower reservoir. When energy demands outpace production, the water is allowed to flow downhill through an underground hydroelectric turbine, generating electrical power.
Naturally, construction of a facility of this scale, including miles of new roads, an upper reservoir, and extensive underground workings to house the electrical generators, will have a substantial impact on the local environment. Even after the project is operational, it will continue to affect the area, with the water level of Seminoe Reservoir expected to fluctuate by 6 to 18 inches as the pumped storage facility draws water into the upper reservoir and releases it to generate electricity.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, has asked the Board of Carbon County Commissioners to submit an official letter of support for the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project. During Tuesday’s meeting in Baggs, County Attorney Ashley Davis announced that she is drafting a letter for the Board’s approval. However, Attorney Davis said she is having trouble determining if the older environmental studies being used by FERC are still applicable in this case.
Attorney Davis also expressed concern about the economic impact of the construction project. The County Attorney said the five-year construction timeline could seriously damage the local economy.
Even with reduced hours of five to four days a week, Attorney Davis said construction will still prevent people from visiting the popular recreational area. Commissioner John Espy added that the location is also home to some of the most prosperous sheep grazing land in the county.
Commissioner Sue Jones said rPlus has not sufficiently addressed the environmental concerns of federal and state officials. Commissioner Jones blamed the novelty of the pumped storage project for the lack of clear guidance.
Commissioner John Johnson said the project has the potential to generate a significant economic boon for the county. However, Commissioner Johnson warned that it could just as easily cause serious environmental damage.
Commissioner Sue Jones said members of the public appear to misunderstand the purpose of the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a hydroelectric dam. Instead, the facility is designed to support the Aeolus wind energy farm, near Medicine Bow, by storing water that can be released to generate electricity when demand exceeds production. However, Commissioners Jones said rPlus has not finalized an agreement with PacifiCorp, the owner of Aeolus, to purchase electricity generated by the pumped storage system.
Following the discussion, the Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to send a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission supporting the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project that includes the concerns raised during the meeting.
