Hydropower License Tweaked, Comments Invited from Locals
Published Date: 7/17/2025
Notice
Summary
Boott Hydropower wants to update its license to keep running the Lowell Hydroelectric Project on the Merrimack River, which powers parts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. They’ve made some changes to their application and now the public can share their thoughts. This process could affect local water use and energy production, so folks have a chance to weigh in before decisions are made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Seasonal Suspension of Canal Generation
Boott proposes to suspend generation and operation of the canal-system power stations during downstream migration for alosines (May through July) and for American eel (August through November). This change would reduce electricity production from those canal stations during those months each year.
Required River Flow Releases
Boott proposes to release 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) into the bypassed reach from the Pawtucket Dam during the upstream migratory fish passage season and 100 cfs, or inflow whichever is less, to the bypassed reach during the rest of the year. These mandatory flow releases set specific minimum river flows for fish passage and river conditions.
Decommissioning One Canal Power Station
In the amended application Boott proposes to decommission the Assets Power Station (three units, total installed capacity 792 kW) but continue operating the other three canal power stations. The company would file a decommissioning plan for the Assets Power Station within 1 year of license issuance.
Replace Fish Elevator with Ladder Within 3 Years
Boott proposes to replace the existing fish elevator at the E.L. Field Powerhouse with a short tailrace fish ladder within three years of license issuance, then cease use of the elevator and conduct a 1-year 'shakedown' and effectiveness evaluation of the new ladder. The fish ladder work is intended to move migratory fish upstream to the bypassed reach.
Nightly E.L. Field Powerhouse Shutdowns
Boott proposes nightly shutdowns of the E.L. Field Powerhouse from August 15 through November 15 each year until a proposed fish exclusion facility is installed. These shutdowns would temporarily stop generation overnight during that period.
Tour Boat Operations Agreement Maintained
Boott proposes to maintain an operating agreement with the National Park Service to allow tour boat operations to navigate the canal system. That provision supports continued boat tours and related recreation activities at the project.
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