CRC is pleased that FirstLight is addressing what science has told us for years by proposing to build a Holyoke-style fish lift at the Turners Falls dam to improve decades of inadequate fish passage. And they will be putting more water (amount varies by season) into the river channel below the dam. Additionally, slower fluctuations in turbine operations may allow more “natural” river flows to protect endangered and threatened species.
CRC is disappointed that FirstLight offers nothing to minimize or fix erosion that has been a huge issue since Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage began operating in 1972. FirstLight is proposing to use additional water in the upper reservoir, and they propose no changes to the 9-ft variation allowance in the river levels in the Turners Falls impoundment.
While the company will maintain existing recreational offerings, they propose only meager additions of three paddling put-ins and a renovation of an access spot (Poplar Street) that has needed work for the past 20 years. FirstLight has also proposed a series of whitewater releases at the Turners Falls Dam. CRC expects and the public deserves for the company invest significantly in resources for recreation patterns through 2070.
FirstLight continues to downplay the amount of revenue they make and highlight expected losses in generation or costs to build enhancements, many of which are the cost of doing business, like dredging the upper reservoir and moving the Riverview boat dock to accommodate the proposed Northfield barrier net.
Get more details at a virtual event on January 27.
Hydropower in MA:
Do rivers need water & fish need elevators?