A new 3MW small hydro power facility is to be built near Orofino, Idaho in the US. The plant will utilise the flow in the water line to the state fish hatcheries from the Dworshak reservoir on the Clearwater river.

Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR), owner of the project, is waiting for final approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to begin construction. The work should be completed by spring and the facility is expected to be on line by August 2000.

Planning of the project has been taking place for more than 11 years. Originally, the City of Orofino explored the feasibility of a hydro facility on the line. IDWR will construct and own the facility, but it plans to have someone else operate it.

Montgomery Watson Engineering of Idaho is being retained to do the design work and manage the construction of the project for IDWR, including the licensing and regulatory approvals.