WEDNESDAY, October 21, 2026|
Photo – Seminoe Pumped Storage Project – Courtesy rPlus Hydro
More state and local agencies have submitted comments on the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project.
As reported by Toga Radio, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Bureau of Land Management announced their intention to prepare another environmental impact statement, or EIS, on the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project before FERC issues its final permitting decision. Government entities, private-sector organizations, and local stakeholders were given until October 13th to submit a new round of comments either for or against the project.
Both, Trout Unlimited and Friends of the North Platte River, conservation groups filed objections. Trout Unlimited questioned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s consideration of a closed-loop system for the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project, which would prevent water used for energy generation from entering the North Platte River.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department submitted its own feedback, writing that the project describes its impact on nearby big‑game herds and sage grouse populations as temporary. Game and Fish stated that temporary, in this case, means a season or up to two years. However, the project proponent has estimated that construction will take between five and seven years.
Game and Fish also wrote that water‑quality studies failed to properly assess the project’s impact on fisheries in Seminoe Reservoir and the downstream Miracle Mile. In addition, the agency wrote that the project would prevent hunters and outdoor enthusiasts from accessing popular BLM‑managed land.
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality also commented on the project, reminding the Bureau of Land Management that any changes to water quality in the Seminoe Reservoir and North Platte River must comply with DEQ regulations.
The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, Wyoming Outdoor Council, and Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District expressed their support for additional studies, specifically on how to avoid negative impacts to habitat, fisheries, and wildlife. The Wyoming Department of Agriculture also asked that the supplemental EIS examine how the project could affect the area’s livestock grazing industry.
The Board of Carbon County Commissioners submitted a letter to FERC, stating that it anticipates the project may affect the health, safety, welfare, custom, culture, and socio‑economic viability of Carbon County. The board also wrote that the project must be evaluated to ensure it aligns with both the Carbon County Natural Resource Management Plan and Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
The project proponent, rPlus Hydro, doing business as Black Canyon Hydro, issued its own 50‑page response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Bureau of Land Management’s intention to prepare a supplemental EIS. Black Canyon Hydro objected to the purpose and need for the proposed supplemental environmental impact statement, stating that adequate studies on the project’s potential effects to wildlife, water quality, and recreation have already been completed.
With the public comment period now closed, FERC plans to release a draft supplemental environmental impact statement in January, followed by the final document in July. The agency is now expected to issue its final permitting decision on the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project by October 21st, 2027.
