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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Submits Comments to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Lower Crompton Dam Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) has submitted comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the Lower Crompton Dam Hydroelectric Project. The project, proposed by WW Op Zone Fund 1, LLC, aims to develop hydropower at the former industrial mill complex site. RI DEM has expressed its intention to utilize the Commission's Traditional Licensing Process (TLP) for the review of the project's licensing. However, the department has raised several key concerns, including the applicant's lack of clear ownership or control over the necessary property, conflicting information regarding existing site features, potential contamination issues, and potential flooding impacts.

Key Takeaways:

  • RI DEM has no objections to the use of the TLP for the project's licensing.
  • The applicant, WW Op Zone Fund 1, LLC, lacks clear ownership or control over the necessary property to construct and operate the project.
  • The project site has been partially investigated for contaminants, indicating exceedances of metals, TPH, and PAHs.
  • Any development of the site may require a more detailed assessment for contaminants and potential remedial clean-up or capping obligations.
  • The site contains floodplain and floodway areas, requiring proper addressing of potential flooding impacts.
  • The former central raceway lacks hydraulic capacity to accommodate significant river flows, and proposals to divert flows may raise concerns about the capacity of the raceway.

Statistics:

  • The project site has experienced exceedances of metals, TPH, and PAHs in the former central raceway.
  • The bypass reach claimed in the PAD is approximately 100 feet.
  • The proposed hydropower development at the site may require a more detailed assessment for contaminants and potentially remedial clean-up or capping obligations.
  • The applicant, WW Op Zone Fund 1, LLC, must procure ownership and/or obtain easements over the necessary property to construct and operate the project.

Sources:

  • [RI DEM's Letter to FERC, dated [no date given], regarding the Lower Crompton Dam Hydroelectric Project (FERC Preliminary Permit No. P-15403)]
  • [WW Op Zone Fund 1, LLC's Preliminary Permit Application, dated [no date given], for the Lower Crompton Dam Hydroelectric Project (FERC Preliminary Permit No. P-15403)]
  • [RI DEM's Water Quality Certification Program webpage]

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