Overview
Merrill is a 2.3 MW hydroelectric power plant in Wisconsin, United States, operated by Wisconsin Public Service Corp. It provides renewable energy to the local grid.
Merrill is a hydroelectric power plant located in Wisconsin, United States, with a capacity of 2.3 MW. It is owned and operated by Wisconsin Public Service Corp, a utility serving the region. As a small-scale hydro facility, it contributes to the renewable energy mix in the state. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Clean Air Act and state-level environmental regulations. Hydroelectric plants like Merrill are considered low-emission sources, but they must comply with water quality and flow management standards under the Clean Water Act. The facility's small capacity places it in the small-scale category for hydroelectric generation. Merrill's operational status is active, providing clean electricity to the local community. Its location in Wisconsin, a state with abundant water resources, supports its role in sustainable power generation. The plant's output helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supports grid stability in the region.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Merrill has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but its environmental impact includes potential effects on local aquatic ecosystems and water flow. The facility's small capacity minimizes these impacts, and it operates under U.S. regulations that require environmental assessments and mitigation measures. The plant's location in Wisconsin, with its network of rivers and lakes, provides suitable conditions for hydropower generation.
Frequently asked questions
The Merrill hydroelectric power plant is located in Wisconsin, United States, at coordinates 45.178600, -89.685000.
The Merrill power plant has a capacity of 2.3 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The Merrill hydroelectric plant is owned by Wisconsin Public Service Corp, a utility company serving parts of Wisconsin.
Hydroelectric plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Water Act, which regulates water quality and flow, and the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires environmental impact assessments. State-level regulations also apply.
Hydroelectric power generation has low greenhouse gas emissions but can affect aquatic ecosystems, fish migration, and water flow. Small-scale plants like Merrill typically have reduced environmental impacts compared to large dams.