Seminoe Pumped Storage Project – Water Quality Modeling Review

Follum Hydrologic Solutions (FHS), on behalf of Trout Unlimited, conducted an independent technical review of the water quality modeling performed for the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project at Seminoe and Kortes Reservoirs. The review evaluated a CE-QUAL-W2 hydrodynamic and water quality model developed to assess potential impacts of pumped storage operations on reservoir conditions and downstream water quality, with particular attention to the North Platte River’s Miracle Mile reach below Kortes Dam. FHS examined model inputs, assumptions, calibration approach, and operational scenarios to assess whether the modeling adequately characterized temperature, dissolved oxygen, and other key water quality parameters under both planned and maximum project operations.