Pumped Storage Project Threatens Natural Areas
Current Status
Thank you to everyone who signed the petition! Over 1100 people took action on this issue! The deadline for submitting comments to FERC on the initial permit application for proposed Big Run pumped storage project has now passed.
Two public meetings were held on January 9th at the old county courthouse in Parsons and we thank everyone who took the time to attend. We've put some highlights from those meetings on our blog, available here. You can read more about reactions to the project here.
As soon as another public comment opportunity arises, we will post it on this page.
In the meantime, check out the map and list of resources below to learn more.
This is a map of the overall proposed project, from a presentation provided by the company.
This is a map showing the area of Big Run Bog (outlined in red), intersected by penstocks (in blue). The map is from the Department of the Interior. Having infrastructure crossing this National Natural Landmark is a major point of contention.
Additional Resources
Read more about the project
- Federal Register Listing for Permit Application
- Tucker County Commission Page on Pumped Storage
- Pre-permit application submitted to FERC
- Presentation provided by FreedomWorks
- Forest Service Comments on the project
- Additional Forest Service Comment submitted in January
- WV Division of Natural Resources Comments on the project
- Department of the Interior comments on project
- Friends of Blackwater comments on project
- Additional Friends of Blackwater comments from January 2019
- West Virginia Highlands Conservancy comments on this project
- WV Rivers comments on the project
- WV Sierra Club comments on the project
- Friends of the Cheat comments on the project
- Gazette-Mail article on Pumped Storage controversy
Support this Campaign
Each of the locations depicted here would be directly impacted by the project.
Big Run Bog
An example of rare flora found in Big Run Bog.
View from the Olson Fire Tower
View from Big Run Overlook
Big Run Falls
Mill Run