2026-16168NoticeWallet

Beaver River Hydro Project Seeks New License Amid Comments

Published Date: 8/7/2026

Notice

Summary

Erie Boulevard Hydropower wants a new license to keep running its Beaver River hydroelectric project in New York. The public can now share their thoughts, protests, or suggestions by October 5, 2026, with replies due by November 17. This process affects local communities, the environment, and energy users, and it’s all about making sure the project runs safely and fairly.

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Minimum River Flow Requirements

The license proposal would continue minimum flow releases to bypassed reaches on the Beaver River in New York: 45 cfs at Moshier and Eagle; 35 cfs at Soft Maple; 20 cfs at Effley, Elmer, and Belfort; 60 cfs at Taylorville; and 30 cfs at High Falls. It also proposes a minimum release of 250 cfs downstream of the High Falls powerhouse. These required flows keep water in river sections below each dam and downstream of High Falls.

Scheduled Whitewater Releases for Recreation

The applicant proposes scheduled whitewater flow releases on the Beaver River in New York: one 4-hour release of 400 cfs from Moshier dam; five 4-hour releases of 200 cfs from Taylorville dam; and five 4-hour releases of 200 cfs from Eagle dam. These releases are intended for whitewater boating events and affect when rapids and flows suitable for recreation will be available.

Limits on Reservoir Level Changes

Erie proposes limits on how much reservoir levels can drop at each development on the Beaver River in Lewis and Herkimer Counties, New York. For Moshier, Soft Maple, and Effley the limits are 1.0 foot from May 1 through June 30 and 1.5 feet from July 1 through April 30; Eagle, Elmer, Taylorville, and Belfort are limited to 1.0 foot; High Falls is limited to 1.5 feet downward from the crest or flashboards. These limits affect shoreline conditions, boating access, and waterfront uses near the project reservoirs.

Maintained and New Recreation Facilities

The license application proposes ongoing operation and maintenance of project recreation facilities on the Beaver River in New York, including a Soft Maple campground with 10 tent sites, island campsites, picnic areas, portage routes, boat launches, fishing access trails, and parking at several developments. These facilities affect where and how people can camp, fish, and boat at the project reservoirs and bypassed reaches.

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Key Dates

Published Date
8/7/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Energy Department
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
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