In April 2024, as required by law as part of the hydroelectric facility relicensing proceedings, Great River Hydro applied for 401 Water Quality Certification in the states of New Hampshire and Vermont. This certification ensures that operation of the hydro facilities will comply with state-level water quality standards and not adversely impact or diminish water quality and designated uses of the river.

VT Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) is hosting informational meetings in the Wilder, Bellows Falls, and Vernon project areas to provide information on the hydro-electric projects and the proposal provided in Great River Hydro’s application for a 401 Water Quality Certification. 

These meetings will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the facilities, ask clarifying questions, and get additional information about the 401 Water Quality Certification process and expected timeline. 

These meetings are informational only. An official public comment period with a formal public hearing will be held at a later date after a draft Water Quality Certification is issued.

This event is for the Bellows Falls Hydroelectric Project

Location:

Lower Theater in Town Hall 

#7 Village Square 

Bellows Falls, Vermont 05101

Additionally, the meeting can be joined via phone (+1 802-828-7667, 813920027#) or virtually (upon request). More details here and here.

There is no RSVP process for this event, please just attend on the day of the event.