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 Felt Hydroelectric Project—Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Docket No. P-5089.

Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. filed an application to relicense the existing hydropower facility, which is located on the Teton River in Teton County, Idaho. 

DEQ received a request on December 5, 2025, to certify that the Felt 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 December 5, 2026, to certify the project.

DEQ is preparing a draft certification and will seek public comment once the draft is completed. To be notified of upcoming public comment opportunities, subscribe to DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page.