Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approves Fishway Operation and Maintenance Plan for Watson Dam Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the Fishway Operation and Maintenance Plan for the Watson Dam Hydroelectric Project No. 6240, located on the Cocheco River in the City of Dover, Strafford County, New Hampshire. The plan was submitted by Watson Associates, L.P. on November 22, 2024, and involves operation and maintenance procedures for the existing downstream fishway, as well as a proposal for upstream eel passage. The plan was developed in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The approval of the plan ensures that the fishway operates as intended, while also providing for the protection of aquatic resources.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Fishway Operation and Maintenance Plan was submitted by Watson Associates, L.P. on November 22, 2024, and involves operation and maintenance procedures for the existing downstream fishway.
  • The plan was developed in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
  • The plan proposes annual operating time periods and flow release requirements for the fishway, water flow and measurement monitoring, annual fishway inspections and maintenance periods, and procedures to ensure that the fishway operates as intended.
  • The licensee plans to meet annually in September with the resource agencies to discuss previous and following year operations, any maintenance needs, and any changes or updates to the Plan.
  • The license's Plan provides a section that will be updated once the fishway is established based on the results of the siting study.
  • The licensee proposes to submit a report to the New Hampshire FGD and FWS annually by January 31, summarizing the current status of fishway structures and flows, deviations or issues experienced during operations, assessment of high and low flow conditions that may have occurred during the previous season, and any other relevant information to assess operations and maintenance.
  • The Director orders that Watson Associates' (licensee) Fishway Operation and Maintenance Plan filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) on November 22, 2024, pursuant to Article 401 of the license for the Watson Dam Hydroelectric Project No. 6240, is approved.
  • The order constitutes final agency action, and any party may file a request for rehearing within 30 days from the date of its issuance.

Statistics:

  • The plan was submitted on November 22, 2024.
  • The plan involves operation and maintenance procedures for the existing downstream fishway.
  • The plan proposes annual operating time periods and flow release requirements for the fishway.
  • The licensee plans to meet annually in September with the resource agencies.
  • The licensee proposes to submit a report to the New Hampshire FGD and FWS annually by January 31.
  • The order constitutes final agency action, and any party may file a request for rehearing within 30 days from the date of its issuance.

Sources:

  • Watson Associates, L.P., 187 FERC P 62,056 (2024).
  • Document Accession #: 20250610-3044 Filed Date: 06/10/2025.
  • Project No. 6240-069 - 3 - (2024).
  • 16 U.S.C. § 825l.
  • 18 C.F.R. § 385.713 (2024).
  • P-6240-069.docx.