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Independent regulatory commissions

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Correspondence on New York Lower Raquette River Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a general correspondence to address concerns regarding the New York Lower Raquette River Hydroelectric Project, operated by Brookfield Renewable. The correspondence focuses on upstream eel passage and protection at the project's developments, specifically the Raymondville eel ladder, which has experienced issues with damage and prolonged outages. FERC staff require the project owner to provide measures to prevent future lapses in upstream eel passage and ensure compliance with the 2008 Order and Condition 10 of the Water Quality Certification.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Raymondville eel ladder has experienced lapses in upstream passage for the previous three or more years, with the FWS stating they are unsure how often the ladder panels have been out of contact with the water.
  • The project owner, Brookfield Renewable, has not planned to implement interim eel transport around the Raymondville development in the event of eel ladder damage during unseasonable high flows.
  • FERC staff require the project owner to define how they will monitor and maintain records of eel ladder operation and address the need to repair the eel ladder once damages are observed.
  • The project owner must also consult with the resource agencies on the feasibility of implementing additional methods to increase the resiliency of the eel ladder and provide interim upstream passage measures during times of damage.
  • Brookfield Renewable has been ordered to file a response to the letter and proposal to prevent future prolonged lapses in upstream eel passage by March 16, 2026, along with documentation of their consultation with the resource agencies.

Statistics:

  • The Raymondville eel ladder has experienced prolonged outages for at least three years.
  • The FWS has inspected the project's eel ladders multiple times since 2022, noting issues with algae growth and clogging and damage to the Raymondville eel ladder.
  • Brookfield Renewable filed a letter with FERC on September 25, 2025, reporting the repair of the Raymondville eel ladder on June 13, 2025.
  • FERC staff require the project owner to define how they will address the need to repair the eel ladder once damages are observed, including the timing of repairs.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20426
  • Office of Energy Projects Project Nos. 2330-072 and 9222-026
  • New York Lower Raquette River Hydroelectric Project
  • Brookfield Renewable, 184 Elm Street, Potsdam, NY 13676
  • United States Fish and Wildlife Service, arianna_ramirez@fws.gov
  • Erik Hazelton, Aquatic Resources Branch, Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance, erik.hazelton@ferc.gov

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