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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Formal Notice for Environmental Assessment of Vischer Ferry Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a formal notice announcing its intent to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for the Vischer Ferry Hydroelectric Project, a 11.8-megawatt facility located on the Mohawk River in New York. The project's relicensing application was filed by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) on May 25, 2022. FERC staff has determined that licensing the project would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the environment, and therefore, an EA will be prepared for public review and comment. The EA is expected to be issued on May 25, 2026, and will be available for a 30-day public comment period.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vischer Ferry Hydroelectric Project, operated by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), has submitted a relicensing application to continue operating the 11.8-megawatt facility on the Mohawk River in New York.
  • The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a formal notice announcing its intent to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for the project, following a review of the relicensing application and comments submitted.
  • FERC staff has determined that licensing the project would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the environment, and therefore, an EA will be prepared for public review and comment.
  • The EA is expected to be issued on May 25, 2026, and will be available for a 30-day public comment period.
  • The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is the owner and operator of the Vischer Ferry Hydroelectric Project, which is located on the Mohawk River in Saratoga and Schenectady Counties, New York.
  • The FERC's Office of Public Participation (OPP) is supporting public engagement and participation in the Commission's proceedings, and can provide assistance to interested parties regarding the project.
  • Interested parties can contact the OPP at (202) 502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov for public inquiries and assistance with making filings.

Statistics:

  • 11.8 megawatts: The capacity of the Vischer Ferry Hydroelectric Project.
  • 30 days: The public comment period for the environmental assessment (EA).
  • May 25, 2026: The expected date for the EA to be issued.
  • May 25, 2022: The date on which the New York Power Authority (NYPA) filed the relicensing application.
  • 1: The unique identification number for documents related to this environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
  • EAXX-019-20-000-1750060302: The document accession number for the EA.
  • 20250616-3016: The filing date for the notice of intent to prepare an environmental assessment (EA).

Sources:

  • Document Accession #: 20250616-3016 Filed Date: 06/16/2025 NOI_to_PrepareEA_P-4679-050.docx
  • FERC's Office of Public Participation (OPP) at (202) 502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov

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