The City of Seattle is beginning the federal process to renew its license for the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project and is inviting the public to participate in a series of listening sessions this fall.
The South Fork Tolt Project, completed in 1995, is Seattle City Light’s newest hydroelectric facility. The 16.8-megawatt project generates electricity from the existing Tolt Reservoir and Dam, which are owned and operated by Seattle Public Utilities. In addition to providing power for the Tolt Water Treatment Facility, the project helps balance renewable energy supplies on the regional power grid.
While it accounts for less than one percent of City Light’s power needs, it supports the city’s goals of maintaining affordable, reliable, and carbon-free energy while protecting the water supply that serves about 1.6 million people.
Seattle received its original 40-year license for the project in the 1980s. That license is set to expire in July 2029. The city began the renewal process in April 2024 by filing a Notice of Intent and Pre-Application Document with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
The relicensing process will involve working with Tribes, state and federal agencies, and other interested parties to study project impacts and identify measures to protect natural and cultural resources. A formal license application must be submitted by July 2027.
Community Meetings
To provide information and gather community input, Seattle is holding in-person and virtual meetings in September and October:
In-person:
- Monday, September 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Carnation Public Library
- Wednesday, September 24, 5–7 p.m., Carnation Public Library
- Friday, September 26, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., session with in-person attendance and Zoom registration option (https://kearnswest.zoom.us/j/84624499358)
- Wednesday, October 1, 6–8 p.m., Carnation Public Library
Virtual (via Zoom):
- Wednesday, September 24, 5–7 p.m. (https://kearnswest.zoom.us/j/83976958980)
- Friday, September 26, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (https://kearnswest.zoom.us/j/84624499358)
- Wednesday, October 1, 6–8 p.m. (https://kearnswest.zoom.us/j/84624499358)
During the sessions, community members will be able to learn more about the project and ask questions about potential effects on local communities.
For more information, contact project managers Elizabeth Ablow at elizabeth.ablow@seattle.gov or (206) 386-4592, or Ingrid Wertz at ingrid.wertz@seattle.gov or (206) 386-0015.
[Information provided by City of Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities]
