The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is encouraging communities along the river to participate in public information sessions as part of the states' responsibility to protect water quality in the next step of the relicensing of five hydroelectric facilities.
The Wilder, Bellows Falls, and Vernon hydroelectric projects, in addition to the Turners Falls dam and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Facility in Massachusetts, are in the process of renewing their licenses with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
According to the CRC, as part of this process, the states of Vermont and Massachusetts must issue or deny a Water Quality Certification (WQC), as required by section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act to ensure that the operation of the projects do not impact water quality.
Concerns that can be considered include issues such as nutrient pollution, recreation, access to the river, concerns about erosion, and aesthetics.
Great River Hydro, the owner of the three facilities in Vermont and New Hampshire, submitted applications in April. Both states will draft a WQC for each state and are supporting a public process over the next several months to educate the communities in the project areas and take public comment on the draft once it is issued.
The states must approve or deny a WQC by mid-April 2025. They can require specific conditions that will automatically be included, without modification, in the final FERC license.
"One of the pivotal ways that our environment is protected is through the Federal Clean Water Act.," Kathy Urffer, Vermont river steward for the CRC, said in a news release.
"It is vital for the public to understand the state's rights and responsibilities to protect our water quality established through water quality standards and this important 401 permit," Urffer said.
"State-level water quality standards support environmental health as well as the different ways that rivers are used, like boating and fishing or for maintaining wildlife habitat and biodiversity," said New Hampshire River Steward Kate Buckman.
"Ensuring that water quality is safeguarded and improved is critical, and the 401 Water Quality Certification is one tool that we have to make sure that it is, and our community members have a role to play in the permitting process," she continued.
This moment provides a rare opportunity to influence how the Connecticut River is protected or affected through hydroelectric generation and engage in decisions that will shape river management for the next 30 to 50 years.
Here are the upcoming opportunity for the public to participate:
• Join Connecticut River Conservancy's virtual livestream on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at noon to connect with CRC's river stewards and learn more about Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and the Water Quality Certification process in Vermont and New Hampshire.
• Attend one or multiple in-person public information meetings between Tuesday, Aug. 6 and Thursday, Aug. 15 to connect with local experts and community members. You'll learn more about the 401 Water Quality Certification application and what Great River Hydro is proposing for the next 30 to 50 years.
Vermont events are organized by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, and New Hampshire events are organized by Connecticut River Conservancy.
All six events are listed at ctriver.org/events. Additional background details, past comments submitted, and links for further information are available at ctriver.org/hydropower.
The Connecticut River Conservancy has been a steward of the Connecticut River and tributary streams since 1952. The organization's programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring.
This News item was submitted to The Commons.