Deal reached for six dams

Feb 25 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Elizabeth Graham Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.

 

Erie Boulevard Hydropower LP has reached a settlement agreement with St. Lawrence County and environmental and government groups that paves the way for a new 40-year license to operate six hydropower dams on the Oswegatchie River.

The agreement, signed earlier this month, will be forwarded to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which will consider it as part of the company's relicensing process. Erie Boulevard Hydropower is owned by Brookfield Renewable Energy.

The agreement covers dams at Browns Falls, Flat Rock, South Edwards, Oswegatchie, Heuvelton and Eel Weir. Other parties to the agreement are the Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Park Agency, Clifton-Fine Economic Development Corp., state Department of Environmental Conservation, state council of Trout Unlimited and U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service.

St. Lawrence County planner Jon R. Montan said among the deal's major provisions is an Oswegatchie River Management Fund for recreational and environmental improvement projects, which the company will fund at $2,000 a year plus 2 percent escalation. Also planned are dam improvements to facilitate fish passage at Eel Weir and Heuvelton, recreational upgrades, and waterfowl habitat improvements at all of the dams.