On Thursday, October 10, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) held a Hybrid Public Information Session on the 401 Water Quality Certificate (WQC) related to the possible relicensing of Firstlight Power’s Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pump Storage Project at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls and via Zoom.
This type of public information session is not typically part of MassDEP’s 401 process. We understand that MassDEP held this information session because of the significant public engagement in the process.
Jo and Elena attended the public information session and learned a lot. For those who couldn’t make it or want to go back and read the material that was presented or watch the recording, MassDEP has published links to the slideshow presentation and recording.
Opportunity to submit new information on erosion
During the public information session, MassDEP mentioned that it could consider additional, specific sites as it analyzes issues of erosion. MassDEP will consider this now, even though it is outside of its typical public comment period.
The best way to submit information on erosion to MassDEP is to send as much information as possible, including photographs, via the comment section on the MassDEP 401 WQC website, here. (If you are unable to include your photographs via this link, please email jo.comerford@masenate.gov with the email subject line: “Jo get these photos to DEP.”)
MassDEP noted that it is very important that people send in current information — current photographs in particular are imperative, as it is possible that MassDEP has seen older photographs already.
Areas outside the state’s jurisdiction
We learned that some of our advocacy with MassDEP is outside of the state’s jurisdiction.
These areas are:
- Decommissioning or establishing a decommissioning fund for the facility
- Altering the facility or operations for energy related reasons
- The length of the license
- Tribal historic and cultural interests that are not regulated under state water quality laws
- Economic, social, and societal impacts, such as flood control which has been one focus of our inquiries
We included these concerns in a delegation public comment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) which has responded with an acknowledgement of receipt.
After the public information session, we’re now very clear that the 401 WQC, if issued, will not address these concerns and thus our partnership with members of the federal delegation and their advocacy with FERC will be critical. We are grateful for the partnership of our federal colleagues.
Critical next steps
MassDEP plans to issue the draft WQC in December 2024 or January 2025. MassDEP will hold an official public hearing and public comment period on a draft WQC. We will follow up with more information as soon as we have it. Additionally, news of the draft WQC and the comment period will be posted in local news outlets and if you’re on MassDEP’s mailing list you’ll hear from the agency directly as well.
For more information
Visit MassDEP’s website, which is being updated as any new information is available.
