The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 2 PA Bulletin inviting comments on its intent to issue a Section 401 Clean Water Act certification for a hydroelectric project on Allegheny Lock and Dam #2 in the Allegheny River near Pittsburgh.  (formal notice, page 3561)

The proposed project will modify the existing lock and dam to construct a new intake channel, trash rack, powerhouse, tailrace channel, spillway, retaining wall, access road, parking area, substation and transmission line, in association with constructing a new, 17.0 MWs hydroelectric facility, for the purpose of generating electricity.

In its notice, DEP lists the individual permits and approvals the project will require going forward, including approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Docket: P-13755).

Comments are due August 1 and must be submitted in writing.  Comments should be directed to Ms. Rita Coleman, Waterways and Wetlands Program Manager, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD).

Questions should be directed to Rita Coleman by calling 412-442-4314.

7/4/2016