NH Plans to Tear Down Squam Lake Dam: Eco Win or Energy Loss?
Published Date: 2/10/2026
Notice
Summary
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services wants to shut down and remove the Squam Lake Dam hydroelectric project on the Squam River. The government reviewed the plan and found it won’t harm the environment in a big way. People have until March 9, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this change could affect local energy and river use.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Proposal to Decommission Local Hydropower
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services filed to surrender the exemption and decommission the Squam Lake Dam Hydroelectric Project (Project No. 5274) on the Squam River in Grafton County, New Hampshire. The filing begins a formal process at FERC under docket P-5274 for removing the facility.
FERC Finds No Significant Environmental Effect
FERC staff prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for surrendering the exemption and concluded that the proposed surrender would not be a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. The EA is available through FERC's eLibrary under docket P-5274 and public comments are due March 9, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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Key Dates
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