Overview
Blakely Mountain is a 75 MW hydroelectric power plant in Arkansas, United States, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District. It provides renewable energy to the regional grid.
Blakely Mountain is a hydroelectric power plant located in Arkansas, United States, with an installed capacity of 75 megawatts (MW). The facility is owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District and is currently operational. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity, contributing to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Clean Air Act and other federal environmental regulations. Hydroelectric power is a low-emission energy source, and the facility's capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for hydroelectric plants in the US. The technology relies on water flow from the Blakely Mountain Dam, which impounds Lake Ouachita. Blakely Mountain plays a role in providing clean energy to the local grid and supporting regional electricity demand. Its operation as a hydroelectric facility helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to the state's renewable energy goals. The plant's location in the Ouachita Mountains also supports recreational activities around Lake Ouachita.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation at Blakely Mountain produces minimal direct air emissions, as it relies on water flow rather than combustion. However, the reservoir and dam can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The facility's location in a forested region of Arkansas means it operates in an area with moderate ecological sensitivity. The plant's capacity of 75 MW is relatively small, reducing its overall environmental footprint compared to larger hydroelectric projects.
Frequently asked questions
Blakely Mountain hydroelectric plant is located in Arkansas, United States, near Lake Ouachita. The plant is part of the Blakely Mountain Dam project.
Blakely Mountain has an installed capacity of 75 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility.
Blakely Mountain is owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District.
Hydroelectric plants in the US must comply with the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing requirements, which include environmental impact assessments and fish passage provisions.
Hydroelectric dams can alter river flow, affect fish migration, and change sediment transport. However, modern operations often include measures like fish ladders and minimum flow releases to mitigate ecological impacts.