Overview
McPhee is a 1.2 MW hydroelectric power plant in the United States, operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It provides renewable energy generation from hydropower.
McPhee is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, with a capacity of 1.2 MW. The facility is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency responsible for water resource management. As a small-scale hydroelectric plant, it contributes to the local energy grid with renewable, low-emission power. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and relevant water quality standards. Hydroelectric plants like McPhee typically have minimal air emissions, but must comply with environmental regulations concerning water flow, fish passage, and ecosystem impacts. The facility's small capacity places it in the lower scale band for hydroelectric generation in the United States. McPhee plays a role in supporting regional energy needs with clean hydropower, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its operation by the Bureau of Reclamation aligns with federal water and power management objectives. The plant's environmental footprint is relatively low compared to thermal power generation, contributing to the country's renewable energy portfolio.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation at McPhee involves minimal direct emissions, but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and habitat connectivity. The plant's small capacity reduces its overall environmental impact. Typical hydro projects require careful management of downstream water quality and fish migration. Regulatory compliance under the Clean Water Act and state-level water rights ensures operational safeguards.
Frequently asked questions
McPhee is located in the United States, with coordinates 37.5752 N, -108.5740 W. It is operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
McPhee has a generating capacity of 1.2 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
McPhee is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior.
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 address water quality, fish passage, and ecosystem impacts.
McPhee generates electricity from hydropower, a renewable energy source that produces no direct CO2 emissions, supporting the US transition to cleaner energy.