By Darlene J. Swiger
Exponent Telegram
ROANOKE, W.Va. — An Ohio hydropower company has filed a pre-application with federal regulators to operate an existing hydropower plant at Stonewall Jackson Dam in Lewis County.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission also received a notice of intent from Mahoning Hydropower, LLC, on Dec. 31, according to Anthony Marra, owner and director of development at Gravity Renewables.
The hydropower facility on the dam is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, but is currently idle.
Celeste Miller, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, said Mahoning has a preliminary permit for the site that prevents someone else from developing it.
“They are in the pre-licensing phase. There are specific requirements, including comment period, public comments and environmental review that must be done during the process,” Miller said.
Mahoning now has the ability to study the project and negotiate with the Army Corps.
“We will study whether it’s feasible to operate a hydro facility at a federal location. A license would allow the operation,” Marra said. “The project already exists. No construction needs to occur. That’s why we are requesting to waive some of the processes…”
