Helms Pumped Storage Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project No. 2735
2 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025110960
Lead Agency
State Water Resources Control Board
Document Title
Helms Pumped Storage Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project No. 2735
Document Type
NOD - Notice of Determination
Received
Posted
7/27/2026
Document Description
The Proposed Project covered by this Notice of Determination involves the FERC relicensing of Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) Helms Pumped Storage Project (Project). PG&E has applied for a new FERC license for the Proposed Project, under which it proposes to: (1) continue to operate the Helms Pumped Storage Project; (2) replace and rehabilitate existing recreation facilities; (3) designate approximately 36 miles of existing roads and approximately one mile of existing trails as Project roads and trails; (4) modify the FERC Project boundary to more accurately define lands necessary for Project operation and maintenance activities under a new FERC Project license; and (5) implement new protection, mitigation, and enhancement plans and measures.
The Project transfers water to and from Courtright Lake (upper reservoir) and Lake Wishon (lower reservoir) for power generation and water storage. The Project's two intake-discharge structures are normally underwater, and all Project facilities and structures used to exchange water between the two reservoirs are underground. Courtright Lake and Lake Wishon are impounded by Courtright Dam and Wishon Dam, respectively, all of which are licensed facilities of PG&E’s Haas-Kings River Hydroelectric Project. The Project includes Courtright Intake-Discharge Structure; Wishon Intake-Discharge Structure; Tunnels 1, 2, and 3; Helms Penstocks; Lost Canyon Pipe; Helms Powerhouse; Helms Switchyard; approximately 65 miles of transmission and distribution lines; approximately 38 miles of non-recreational Project roads and trails; three helicopter landing zones; an 80-acre wildlife habitat management area; 12 recreational facilities near Courtright Lake and Lake Wishon; and ancillary support facilities.
Contact Information
Name
Jessica Dyke
Agency Name
State Water Resources Control Board
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Alexander Tessier
Agency Name
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Job Title
Relicensing Project Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Shaver Lake
Counties
Fresno, Madera
Regions
Southern California
Zip
93664
Total Acres
4309.24
Waterways
North Fork Kings River, Helms Creek, Courtright Lake, Lake Wishon
Notice of Determination
Approving Agency
State Water Resources Control Board
Approving Agency Role
Lead Agency
Approved On
Determinations
(1) The project will have a significant impact on the environment
No
(2a) An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
(2b) A Mitigated or a Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
Yes
(2c) An other document type was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
(3) Mitigated measures were made a condition of the approval of the project
No
(4) A mitigation reporting or monitoring plan was adopted for this project
No
(5) A Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted for this project
No
(6) Findings were made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
Attachments
Final Document(s) [Approved_Certified draft environmental documents]
Notice of Determination
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