Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Intervenes in FERC Review of Two Hydroelectric Projects

Strategic Insights -

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has submitted a notice of intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the Turners Falls Hydroelectric and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Projects. The agency has been reviewing the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the projects, which were issued by FERC on May 30, 2025. The EIS assessment period has been extended until August 28, 2025, allowing for additional public comments and interventions.

MassDEP's intervention is based on its role as the water quality certification agency for Massachusetts, and its comments on the draft EIS are being filed contemporaneously with this notice. The agency has requested that the following representatives be added to the service list for this proceeding: Elizabeth Stefanik, Hydropower Program Coordinator, and MassDEP Headquarters, located at 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114.

Key Takeaways:

  • MassDEP has submitted a notice of intervention to FERC regarding the Turners Falls Hydroelectric and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Projects.
  • The agency's intervention is based on its role as the water quality certification agency for Massachusetts.
  • The draft EIS was issued by FERC on May 30, 2025, and the EIS assessment period has been extended until August 28, 2025.
  • The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has requested that the following representatives be added to the service list for this proceeding: Elizabeth Stefanik, Hydropower Program Coordinator, and MassDEP Headquarters, located at 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114.
  • The agency's comments on the draft EIS are being filed contemporaneously with this notice.
  • The document can be viewed at the link provided through the FERC electronic filing system.

Statistics:

  • 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114: location of MassDEP Headquarters
  • May 30, 2025: date the draft EIS was issued by FERC
  • August 28, 2025: expiration date of the EIS assessment period
  • 18 C.F.R. 385.214(2): provision of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulations governing the notice of intervention
  • 60 days: original deadline for interventions and comments
  • 30 days: extension provided by FERC for interventions and comments

Sources:

  • BEFORE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION FirstLight MA Hydro LLC ) Turners Falls Hydroelectric Project No. P-1889-085 Northfield Mountain LLC ) Northfield Mountain Project No. P-2485-071 NOTICE OF INTERVENTION (May 30, 2025)
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulations 18 C.F.R. 385.214(2)
  • The complete document can be viewed at the link: https://elibrary.ferc.gov