Overview
Hydro Plant No 3 is a 2.8 MW hydroelectric facility operated by the City of Ephraim in Utah, USA. It provides renewable power generation for the local community.
Hydro Plant No 3 is a hydroelectric power plant located in Utah, United States, with an operational capacity of 2.8 megawatts. Owned and operated by the City of Ephraim, this facility contributes to the region's renewable energy portfolio by harnessing hydropower. As a small-scale hydroelectric plant, it operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with environmental standards such as the Clean Water Act. The plant's technology is typical for run-of-river or small impoundment hydro projects, which have minimal emissions and low operational costs. The facility plays a role in supporting local grid stability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its modest capacity serves the immediate area, aligning with Utah's growing focus on renewable energy integration. The plant's long operational history underscores its reliability and community value.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric plants like Hydro Plant No 3 have a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but they can affect local aquatic ecosystems through altered water flows and fish passage. The facility's small capacity minimizes its environmental impact, and it operates under U.S. regulations that require environmental assessments and mitigation measures. Proximity to populated areas is limited, reducing noise and visual concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Hydro Plant No 3 is located in Ephraim, Utah, United States, at coordinates 39.2056° N, -111.3344° W.
Hydro Plant No 3 has a capacity of 2.8 megawatts, making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned by the City of Ephraim in Utah, which operates it for local power generation.
Hydroelectric plants in the U.S. are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for licensing and by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Water Act for environmental compliance.
As a hydroelectric plant, it produces no direct emissions but may affect local water flows and aquatic habitats. Small-scale plants like this typically have lower environmental impacts and are subject to mitigation measures.