Low Flow Inventory

Westfield River Basin

Observations

DEP's Nonpoint Source Action Strategy mentions that the section of the Little River from the outlet of Cobble Mountain Reservoir in Russell to the impoundment at Horton's Bridge, Westfield, experiences severe hydrologic alteration from reservoir management and water withdrawals. The document recommends that this section be placed on the 303(d) list of impaired waters and that the hydrologic impact of the reservoir be documented so that alternative strategies can be recommended to reduce negative impacts in the river downstream (1).

In addition, the hydropower plant on the Little River periodically shuts down when flows are too low to generate power and completely stops the flow of water downstream. At other times, the dam hydropeaks and streamflow can skyrocket, again leaving little habitat suitable for native aquatic species (2).

References

1. Miller, Tracey. July 6, 2001 . Nonpoint Source Action Strategy, Westfield River Basin. MA DEP.
2. Tom Christopher. Personal communication with Margaret Kearns, March 1, 2002.