Hudson River Reservoir Height Hike: Temporary Change Sparks Comments
Published Date: 8/1/2025
Notice
Summary
Erie Boulevard Hydropower wants to temporarily change how high their Hudson River reservoir water can be. This affects communities in Warren and Saratoga counties, NY, and could impact local water flow and power generation for a short time. The public has 30 days to share their thoughts or objections before the change is approved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Reservoir Drawdown to Spillway Crest
The Spier Falls impoundment was drawn down beginning October 9, 2024 to the spillway crest elevation of 428.8 feet (six feet below the lower impoundment limit) at a target rate no faster than 1 foot per hour. The applicant plans to keep the impoundment lowered while repairs proceed and anticipates refilling by October 2025; the applicant requests a temporary variance to remain in effect until October 30, 2025. This change affects communities in Warren and Saratoga counties (towns of Moreau, Corinth, Lake Luzerne, and Queensbury) and could change local water flows during the drawdown period.
Temporary Loss of Hydropower Generation
The Spier Falls powerhouse was severely damaged by fire and both generating units are out of service, meaning the project is operating from the principal spillway crest until the powerhouse can again manage flows. The applicant says powerhouse reconstruction will take more than a year and seeks a variance through October 30, 2025, so local power generation may be reduced for the short term.
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