Overview
Little Falls is a 43.2 MW hydroelectric power plant in Washington, USA, operated by Avista Corp. It generates renewable electricity from hydropower.
Little Falls is a hydroelectric power plant located in Washington, United States, with an installed capacity of 43.2 MW. Owned and operated by Avista Corp, the facility is currently operational and contributes to the regional power grid. The plant utilizes hydropower as its primary fuel source, a renewable energy technology that converts the energy of flowing water into electricity. In the United States, hydroelectric facilities like Little Falls are subject to federal regulations including the Clean Water Act and the Federal Power Act, which govern water use and environmental impacts. As a renewable energy generator, Little Falls plays a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. Its capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale for hydroelectric plants, serving local communities in Washington with clean electricity.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and fish passage. Little Falls, located on a river in Washington, operates under environmental regulations to mitigate such impacts. The facility's renewable energy output helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to regional air quality benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Little Falls is located in Washington, United States, at coordinates 47.821700, -117.916700.
Little Falls has an installed capacity of 43.2 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility.
Little Falls is owned and operated by Avista Corp, a utility company serving the Pacific Northwest.
Hydroelectric plants in the US are regulated under the Federal Power Act by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and must comply with the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act for environmental protection.
Hydroelectric power is renewable with low greenhouse gas emissions, but can alter river ecosystems, affect fish migration, and change water quality. Facilities like Little Falls implement mitigation measures to minimize these impacts.