Contact: Alex Bell, Regional Water Quality Manager, alex.bell@deq.idaho.gov

IDAHO FALLS – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is preparing a draft 401 water quality certification for the Ashton Hydroelectric Project—Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Docket No. P-2381.

PacifiCorp filed an application to relicense the existing hydropower facility, which is located on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River in Fremont County, Idaho.

DEQ received a request on January 15, 2026, to certify that the Ashton Hydroelectric Project complies with state water quality standards. Under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, the project must be certified by the state within one year of receipt of the request before it can be relicensed by FERC. DEQ has until January 15, 2027, to certify the project. DEQ will seek public comment once the draft certification is completed. To be notified of upcoming public comment opportunities, subscribe to DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page.