Mystic Lake Hydroelectric Project

Mystic Lake Dam is nestled in the Absoraka-Beartooth Mountains. The dam has a generating capacity of 12 megawatts and began operation in 1925. Mystic Dam occupies approximately 674 acres of federal lands in the Custer National Forest located on West Rosebud Creek.

Steigers Corporation’s staff participated in the Mystic Lake Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing process and assisted in preparation of compliance documents, including the pre-application document, study plans, and the final license application. Mystic Lake Dam was issued the first license in the nation by FERC using the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) and was recognized for the quality and thoroughness of the application. The new license was approved and made effective by FERC January 1, 2009.

Steigers was responsible for compliance with the following environmental components of the facility’s FERC license, which included:

• Analyzed fisheries data and prepared the Annual Fisheries Monitoring Report
• Developed a 10-year water quality monitoring plan
• Implemented a 5-year wildlife management plan
• Completed annual bald eagle monitoring and Harlequin duck surveys
• Development and implementation of a weed management program