Update on Salmon River Project: Brookfield Renewable's Progress with FERC

Strategic Insights -

Brookfield Renewable, on behalf of licensee Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP, has provided an update to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on the recent progress with the Salmon River BOC Team. The update includes revisions to the discharge rating curve and a proposed approach for residual precipitation application. The documents, once accepted by the BOC, will be submitted to the FERC for review by September 30, 2025. This development marks significant progress in the project, with a focus on ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the Salmon River Project.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brookfield Renewable has submitted an update to the FERC on the Salmon River BOC Team's progress, highlighting revisions to the discharge rating curve and a proposed approach for residual precipitation application.
  • The discharge rating curve was revised by HDR and shared with the BOC for review, with Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP, offering to review the Bennetts Bridge Spillway Rating Curve with HDR and make adjustments as necessary.
  • AWA has assembled an approach memo for the residual precipitation application, which has been shared with the BOC for their review.
  • Upon BOC acceptance of the two documents, they will be submitted to the FERC for subsequent review by September 30, 2025.
  • The update emphasizes the importance of collaboration between Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP, and the FERC to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Salmon River Project.
  • The BOC Team includes representatives from HDR, AWA, and the FERC, with a focus on addressing action item 6-1 and determining residual precipitation for a 5-square mile PMP centered above Lighthouse Hill Dam.

Statistics:

  • The Salmon River BOC Team is comprised of representatives from HDR, AWA, and the FERC.
  • The proposed approach memo for residual precipitation application is expected to be submitted by September 30, 2025.
  • The discharge rating curve was revised by HDR and shared with the BOC for review.
  • The Bennetts Bridge Spillway Rating Curve is to be reviewed by Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP, with HDR and necessary adjustments made.

Sources:

  • Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP. (August 12, 2025). Subject: Salmon River Site Specific PMF/PMP study - Discharge Curve and Residual Rainfall. Submitted to Mr. David Capka, P.E., Director Division of Dam Safety and Inspections, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
  • Brookfield Renewable. (n.d.). New York Salmon River Project. Retrieved from https://elibrary.ferc.gov.