FERC Approves Final Environmental Impact Statement for FirstLight's Turners Falls and Northfield Mountain Projects
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has completed the Final Environmental Impact Statement for FirstLight Hydro Generating Co.'s Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Station, clearing the way for relicensing. The process has faced opposition from local stakeholders since October 2012. Although the final document includes measures to protect the Connecticut River, concerns remain regarding fish entrapment and erosion. A new 50-year license has been requested, but formal approval may take additional years due to ongoing appeals.
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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for FirstLight Hydro Generating Co.'s Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Station, facilitating the relicensing process initiated in October 2012. The FEIS includes measures to mitigate negative impacts on the Connecticut River, such as a fish passage plan and a barrier net for migratory fish.
Stakeholder concerns about fish entrapment, license duration, and erosion were noted, with 49% of public comments opposing Northfield Mountain's relicensing. While FERC's recommendations allow continued operation, formal licensing may be delayed due to ongoing state Water Quality Certification appeals.
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