Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project No. 2467
Project Name: Merced Falls Hydroelectric Project
Merced Falls spill gates and impoundment(Images courtesy of PG&E)
County: Mariposa and Merced
License Expiration Date: February 28, 2014
Water Quality Certification Status: Undergoing Relicensing
Waterbodies: Merced River
FERC Licensing Process: Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)
Project Description:
The Merced Falls Hydroelectric Project (Project) is located on the Merced River in Mariposa and Merced Counties, California. The 3.4 megawatt Project consists of one power generating development with a 65 surface acre impoundment with an approximate storage capacity of 678 acre-feet of water; one powerhouse with associated switchyard; appurtenant facilities; and recreational facilities.
The powerhouse is operated as a run-of-the-river facility using water from the impoundment. Immediately upstream of the Project is the Merced River Hydroelectric Project, which is owned and operated by Merced Irrigation District (MID). Within the impoundment, water is diverted to MID's North Side Canal and two other private irrigation diversions. The majority of the lands are owned by MID. The Project also occupies land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, as well as other private landholders.
Related Documents
State Water Board Submittals to FERC & Related Responses:
- Comments on Merced Irrigation District Notice of Intent to Rely on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Merced River Hydroelectric Project and Merced Falls Hydroelectric Project – June 27, 2024
- Order Setting Aside Water Quality Certification – May 13, 2024
- • Merced Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2467, Request for Water Quality Certification – April 15, 2024
- Notice of Opportunity for Public Comments and Board Consideration of a Proposed Order Setting Aside Multiple Water Quality Certifications – March 11, 2024
- Notice of opportunity to respond to petitions for reconsideration of water quality certification for Merced River Hydroelectric Project and Merced Falls Hydroelectric Project (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project Nos. 2179 and 2467). - October 17, 2022
State Water Board Submittals for Set Aside Water Quality Certification, FERC Correspondence, and Related Responses:
- Final Water Quality Certification for the Merced River and Merced Falls Hydroelectric Projects – July 31, 2020
- Draft Water Quality Certification for the Merced Hydroelectric Projects – June 17, 2020
- SWRCB Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement - May 29, 2015
- 2014 Drought Information
- Relicensing
