The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is having a public comment period from January 24th – February 24th, 2025. Help us advocate for a healthier Connecticut River!
This recording was from February 5, 2025 and provides an opportunity to learn about, and take action towards, a new license for the Turners Falls Dam and the Northfield Mountain Pump Storage Facility. Nina Gordon-Kirsch, Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) River Steward in MA, gives an overview of the hydropower relicensing process that CRC has been engaged in for over a decade, with focus on the current Massachusetts 401 Water Quality Certification process, which you can get involved in.
Background:
The permits for five hydropower facilities on the Connecticut River that impact 175 miles of the river are going through a relicensing process that will last for the next 30-50 years. Two of the facilities are in MA (the Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Station) and are currently being examined by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for their 401 Water Quality Certificates. This certification ensures that the 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.
On January 24, 2025, MassDEP released their draft certificate. There is an open comment period from January 24th – February 24th, for us to weigh in on how their draft does or does not protect the Connecticut River.
MassDEP is required to read every comment that is submitted and take them into consideration as they write the conditions for the new license, so this is an opportunity to have your voice heard!
Additional background information can be found at ctriver.org/hydropower