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Independent regulatory commissions

FERC Issues Formal Notice for Environmental Assessment of Ampersand Hollow Dam Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced its intention to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for the Ampersand Hollow Dam Hydroelectric Project, located on the West Branch Oswegatchie River in New York. The project's licensee, Ampersand Hollow Dam Hydro, LLC, has filed an application to surrender the project license due to the failure to obtain a lease agreement with the dam owner. As part of the decommissioning process, the applicant proposes to remove electrical equipment, the generator-turbine unit, and trashracks, while leaving the dam, fencing, portage, takeout facilities, and parking area in place. The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) will support public engagement and participation in the proceedings, and the EA will be issued for a 30-day comment period.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ampersand Hollow Dam Hydroelectric Project, located on the West Branch Oswegatchie River in New York, is proposed for surrender of its project license due to the failure to obtain a lease agreement with the dam owner.
  • As part of decommissioning, the applicant proposes to remove electrical equipment, the generator-turbine unit, and trashracks.
  • The dam, fencing, portage, takeout facilities, and parking area will be left in place.
  • The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) will support public engagement and participation in the proceedings.
  • The EA will be issued for a 30-day comment period, and all comments will be reviewed by staff and considered in the Commission's final decision.
  • The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) can help members of the public, including landowners, community organizations, Tribal members, and others, to access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes.

Statistics:

  • The Draft EA is expected to be issued by February 16, 2026.
  • The EA will be issued for a 30-day comment period.
  • The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) will be available to assist the public, including landowners, community organizations, Tribal members, and others, at (202) 502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov.

Sources:

  • FERC Formal Notice: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Ampersand Hollow Dam Hydro, LLC Project No. 6972-035 NOTICE OF INTENT TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (October 15, 2025)
  • 42 U.S.C. SSSS 4321 et seq - National Environmental Policy Act.

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