Monday, DECEMBER 15, 2025 |
Photo – Seminoe Dam – Bigfoot99 file photo
Hanna officials have declined to comment on the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project in their official capacity, though they may do so as private citizens.
Utah‑based rPlus Hydro is pursuing a large‑scale infrastructure project at Seminoe Reservoir. The energy company has proposed building a 13,000-acre-foot man‑made lake on top of nearby Bennett Mountain, connected to the existing reservoir by a 1,000‑foot underground tunnel.
Speaking at the November 4th meeting of the Carbon County Commissioners, rPlus Hydro Managing Director of Hydro Strategy Matthew Shapiro explained that during periods of high energy production, water would be pumped from Seminoe Reservoir into the upper lake. When demand outpaces production, the water would flow back downhill through an underground turbine, generating electricity.
When complete, the Seminoe Pumped Storage Facility is said to be capable of generating up to 900 megawatts of electricity, roughly the same power output as the coal-fired Dave Johnston Power Plant in Glenrock, Wyoming.
As the project makes its way through the permitting process, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, is asking the public to submit comments in favor of or against the proposed facility.
During the December 8th Hanna Town Council meeting, the governing body was asked if they would like to comment on the Seminoe Pumped Storage project. Mayor Charlie George said he attended the November 4th County Commissioners meeting, adding that the rPlus Hydro representatives were unable to clearly explain the impact the project will have on the area.
Mayor George continued, saying that Seminoe Reservoir is below normal water levels. Councilman David Felix added that Managing Director of Hydro Strategy Shapiro acknowledged that the upper lake will experience 400 acre‑feet, or over 130 million gallons, of annual evaporative loss.
In June of 2024, rPlus Energies Program Manager Lars Dorr explained that Seminoe Reservoir’s water level would fluctuate by 6 to 18 inches when the facility is operating. Later, Director of Hydro Strategy Shapiro clarified that pumping operations will be scaled back if the water level gets too low.
Back at the December 8th meeting, Mayor Charlie George said Seminoe Reservoir is already far lower than usual, even without the pumped storage project drawing water from the lake.
Hanna Public Works Director Larry Korkow said the pumped storage facility will likely have a negative impact on nearby bighorn sheep herds and the Miracle Mile, a designated blue‑ribbon trout fishery downstream of Seminoe Reservoir. Korkow is not alone in his concerns. In its official FERC comments, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department recommended that the project suspend operations during critical wildlife periods, such as breeding and migration.
Mayor George noted that a portion of the 25 miles of new transmission lines needed to connect the pumped storage facility to the electrical grid would cross private land, adding that if property owners are unwilling to grant access, rPlus may pursue eminent domain. Without any positive feedback on the project, Mayor George said he will not be submitting an official comment.
Mayor George also advised the Town Council not to submit an official comment on the project. Instead, Hanna residents are being asked to visit the FERC website and post their own comments.
Donna Pipher, Hanna’s Carbon County Economic Development Corporation representative, asked if negative public comments will have any effect on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision to permit the project. Mayor George responded that he’s not certain but will be submitting his own comments as a private citizen. Councilman Felix added that FERC is still investigating the impact the project will have on the environment.
Donna Pipher said that even though the Miracle Mile is more than 40 miles north of Hanna, it still draws people through the town, contributing to the local economy. If the project harms the world‑renowned fishery, it must be stopped.
A link to FERC’s Seminoe Pumped Storage Project comment page will be posted on the Hanna town website. All public comments must be submitted by January 2nd.
