Drought Forces Dam to Cut River Flow Through Winter Months
Published Date: 3/3/2026
Notice
Summary
Great River Hydro wants to temporarily reduce water flow from its Comerford Dam on the Connecticut River due to drought, from September 29, 2025, to January 31, 2026. The government reviewed the plan and says it won’t harm the environment much. People living near the river in New Hampshire and Vermont should know about this change and can comment by March 27, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Temporary Comerford Dam Flow Cut to 600 cfs
Flows released from the Comerford Dam to the Connecticut River were proposed to be reduced to 600 cubic feet per second (cfs) from September 29, 2025 through January 31, 2026. The Fifteen Mile Falls project covers a 26-mile reach of the Connecticut River on the border of New Hampshire and Vermont and includes the Moore, Comerford, and McIndoes reservoirs.
FERC Finds No Significant Environmental Impact
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Environmental Assessment concluded that the proposed temporary variance to reduce Comerford Dam flows to 600 cfs would not constitute a major federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06504 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several filings from natural gas pipeline companies about rate changes and reports. These updates could affect how much customers pay starting as soon as April 1 or May 1, 2026. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until April 13, 2026, to comment.
2026-06503 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings from energy companies about power plant approvals, solar projects, and rate changes. These filings affect companies like Bayonne Energy Center, Heritage Power, and others, with deadlines for public comments in mid to late April 2026. Some changes could impact how much customers pay or how energy is managed starting as soon as April 1, 2026.
2026-06432 — Erie Boulevard Hydropower L.P.; Notice of Application for Non-Capacity Amendment of License Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
Erie Boulevard Hydropower wants to make some changes to their Beebee Island Project on the Black River in Watertown, NY, but these changes won’t affect how much power they produce. The government is now asking the public and agencies to share their thoughts or concerns by April 29, 2026. This process helps make sure the project stays safe and environmentally friendly without costing extra money or changing power output.
2026-06299 — Village of Saranac Lake; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests
The Village of Saranac Lake wants to keep running its Lake Flower Dam hydroelectric project in New York and has officially asked for a new license. If you live nearby or care about the river, now’s your chance to speak up by May 26, 2026. This could affect local energy and the environment, so don’t miss your shot to join the conversation!
2026-06301 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several filings from natural gas companies about rates, reports, and agreements. These filings could affect pipeline customers and market players, with some rate changes starting April 1, 2026. If you want to speak up or get involved, you need to act by early April and follow the rules to join the conversation.
2026-06298 — Village of Saranac Lake; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Lake Flower Dam Hydroelectric Project
The Village of Saranac Lake is asking for your thoughts on the environmental impact of renewing the license for the Lake Flower Dam Hydroelectric Project on the Saranac River. This is your chance to help shape how the project affects local nature and community before a final decision is made. Make sure to send your comments by April 2, 2026, so your voice counts in this important energy and environment update!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04131 — Solano Irrigation District; Notice of Intent To File License Application, Filing of Pre-Application Document, and Approving Use of The Traditional Licensing Process
Solano Irrigation District is gearing up to renew the license for its Monticello Power Plant near Winters, California, using the traditional process. This means they’ll work closely with wildlife and historic groups to keep things safe and respectful. The project affects local communities and could impact water and power use, with key steps happening throughout 2026.
Next: 2026-04134 — Evaluation of the Appropriateness of Public-Private Partnership Project Delivery, Including Value for Money or Comparable Analyses; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
The Department of Transportation is sharing clear guidance on when and how to use public-private partnerships (P3s) for building big infrastructure projects. This helps project leaders figure out if teaming up with private companies saves money and works better than traditional methods. The guidance affects anyone applying for federal credit help and kicks in now, making sure projects get smart financial reviews without adding new rules.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in