Rapidan Dam Hydroelectric Project

Blue Earth County; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Rapidan Dam Hydroelectric Project (No. 3071) on the Blue Earth River in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. Blue Earth County filed to surrender its project exemption and decommission the project by removing the dam, powerhouse, and all project features, following major flooding in June 2024 that damaged the dam's west abutment and drained the reservoir. The county also proposes to reestablish the river channel and restore both riverbanks. Commission staff plans to issue the EA by April 1, 2026, followed by a 30-day public comment period.

Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability

This is a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the surrender of the project exemption and decommissioning of the Rapidan Dam Hydroelectric Project No. 3071, located on the Blue Earth River in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. Blue Earth County filed the surrender application after June 2024 flooding severely damaged the dam, including its west abutment, draining the project reservoir. The proposed action includes removal of the dam, powerhouse, and all project features, plus reestablishment of the river channel and restoration of both riverbanks. FERC staff plans to issue the EA by April 1, 2026, followed by a 30-day public comment period.