On January 24, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) published a DRAFT Water Quality Certification (WQC) decision for FirstLight Power’s Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage facilities.
This triggers MassDEP’s third and final public engagement event in the relicensing process: an hybrid public hearing and a written public comment period on the DRAFT WQC decision. (More information below.)
My team and I have been advocating with members of the western Massachusetts legislative delegation for many provisions which constituents have brought to our attention. You can read our public comment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission here.
Hybrid Public Hearing
The hybrid public hearing will occur on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., at the Cohn Family Dining Commons, Greenfield Community College, One College Drive, Greenfield, MA. Members of the public can participate in-person or remotely. Rules for the hearing will be published on MassDEP’s web page one week before the hearing. While we don’t yet have specifics, I believe constituents should expect time-limited oral testimony with no limits for written testimony, a request to sign up if you want to speak, and other provisions which mirror legislative hearings.
Registration is required for remote participation in the hearing: Click here for the Zoom Registration Form.
Public Comment Period
Written comments on the Draft WQC are currently being accepted. The comment period began on January 24, 2025 and submissions will be accepted through February 24, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
MassDEP encourages electronic submission of comments by email to dep.hydro@mass.gov which must include “FirstLight 401 WQC” in the subject line.
In lieu of electronic submittal, paper comments may be mailed to:
Elizabeth Stefanik
Attn: FirstLight 401WQC, MassDEP-BWR
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114