Press Release  MassDEP to Host October 10 Public Information Session on FirstLight Power Water Quality Certification Application

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will hold a public information session on October 10, 2024, to seek public input on FirstLight Power’s 401 Water Quality Certification application. The session will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls. Individuals can attend in-person or join the session virtually. Virtual attendees are allowed to submit written questions. Online registration is required for those wishing to attend virtually and encouraged for those attending in-person.

During the public information session, MassDEP, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will present information pertaining to the state’s Water Quality Certification process, share what has been learned from public comments to date and answer questions from the public.

FirstLight Power filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to relicense the Connecticut River hydroelectric facilities in Turners Falls and Montague and the pumped storage facility in Northfield under the Federal Power Act. As a part of the federal relicense application filed with FERC, FirstLight also must apply for and receive a Water Quality Certification from the state.

The public information session is the second of three opportunities for public participation regarding the FirstLight Water Quality Certification application. MassDEP held a 35-day public comment period in April and two virtual public hearings in May seeking comments on the application. A draft decision will be issued by late 2024/early 2025, with another public hearing and public comment period to take place at that time.

Copies of the FirstLight Power Water Quality Certification application, supporting documents, previous public comments and recordings of previous public hearings are among the items available on MassDEP’s FirstLight webpage.

Individuals who are interested in language interpretive assistance or other assistance at the public information session should, by October 3, 2024, contact Nishaila Porter  (via email); call Melixza Esenyie at the EEA Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 617-626-1282; or TTY# MassRelay Service 1-800-439-2370. This information is available in alternate format upon request — visit MassDEP Language Translation Assistance for details. 

MassDEP’s mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s natural resources – air, water and land – to provide for the health, safety and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission, MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth; to provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and to ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

###