Hydropower Firm Seeks Okay for River Tweaks Sans Power Boost
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Pneumatic Flashboards Improve Dam Safety
The project would replace 3‑foot wooden flashboards with a pneumatic flashboard system (steel plates supported by inflatable air bladders) to enhance operational control, improve the dam safety program, and improve operational efficiency at the Beebee Island Project on the Black River in Watertown, New York. The new system can be raised or lowered in response to operational needs or flood events and is intended to reduce reservoir elevation fluctuations.
Temporary 1‑foot Reservoir Drawdown
The licensee proposes a drawdown of approximately 1.0 foot below the crest of the dam for a duration of approximately six weeks to install the pneumatic flashboard system at the Beebee Island Project on the Black River in Watertown, New York. Reservoir elevation would be returned to normal following construction activities.
Temporary Minor Turbidity During Installation
Installation of the pneumatic flashboard system may cause temporary and minor disturbances to turbidity during construction, which the licensee says would be minimized through best management practices and adherence to environmental regulations. The installation period is tied to the roughly six‑week drawdown and reservoir activities at the Beebee Island Project in Watertown, New York.
Minimum Flow Release Remains Unchanged
The proposed work would have no effect on the minimum flow release of the project at the Beebee Island Project on the Black River in Watertown, New York. Existing minimum flow conditions would be maintained after installation.
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