Vermont Village Dams Up for Hydro License Comments
Published Date: 9/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The Village of Swanton, Vermont, is applying for a new license to run the Highgate Falls Hydroelectric Project on the Missisquoi River. This means local folks and energy users might see changes in how power is made and managed, with the government now reviewing the project’s environmental impact. If you want to speak up or get involved, you’ve got until November 7, 2025, to send in your comments or protests.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Dam operation and flow rules
The project would change how the dam is run: run-of-river mode with a 3-inch impoundment fluctuation from March 31 through June 15; peaking mode from June 16 through March 30 with a maximum 24-inch drawdown (reduced from 30 inches); refill within 8 hours after each drawdown. Minimum flows would be 200 cubic feet per second (cfs) or inflow downstream of the primary powerhouse, and bypassed reach minimums of 150 cfs (Apr 1–May 31), 70 cfs (Jun 1–Jun 30), and 35 cfs (Jul 1–Mar 31).
Local recreation access and safety upgrades
The project would add or improve recreation access and safety: improve an existing parking area for 5 to 7 cars, develop access for hand-carry watercraft to the impoundment and downstream areas, install a warning system to alert recreation users to flow increases, and develop a recreational maintenance and enhancement plan. The Village would also provide 1 to 3 inches of spill over the dam for aesthetic flows on certain holidays.
Onsite electric vehicle charging added
The Village proposes to install an electric vehicle charging station that can serve 5 vehicles at the project site. This adds local EV charging access near the dam and impoundment area.
Public comment and intervention deadlines
The public may file motions to intervene, protests, comments, recommendations, terms, conditions, and prescriptions by November 7, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Reply comments are due December 22, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and final amendments must be filed by October 8, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Environmental protection and cultural plans required
The Village proposes to develop several protection plans: a freshwater mussel plan (relocation during drawdowns and mussel surveys every 5 years), a plan to protect horn‑leaved riverweed downstream of Swanton Dam ledges, a historic properties management plan, and a post‑licensing evaluation of fish passage using the downstream Swanton Dam canal works.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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