LIHI Certificate #14C – Lower Raquette River Project, New York

LIHI Certificate #14C - Lower Raquette River Project, New York

Nombre del proyecto	Lower Raquette
Certificado LIHI No.	14C
Plazo del certificado LIHI	9 de julio de 2019 – 8 de julio de 2029
Dueño	Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP, una subsidiaria de Brookfield Renewable Energy Group
Estado	Nueva York
Ubicación	Located along the Raquette River between river mile 20 and 28 in St. Lawrence County, New York.
Capacidad instalada	Total: 18.0 MW Norwood: 3.1 MW East Norfolk: 4.8 MW Norfolk: 7.0 MW Raymondville: 3.1 MW
Generación media anual	102,520 MWh
Tipo de instalación	modificado correr del río
Comisión Federal de Comercio No.	P-2330 issued in 2002, expires 12/21/2033

The Lower Raquette River Project is located on the Raquette River in St. Lawrence County, New York. The Raquette River has a total drainage basin of 1,269 square miles at its mouth and originates in the Adirondack highlands at Blue Mountain Lake, Raquette Lake and Long Lake. The river flows generally north-northwest for more than 146 miles, through Potsdam, New York, and empties into the St. Lawrence River, near Massena, New York. Historically, the river has been developed for waterpower for sawmills, paper mills, tanneries, and other industry.

Existen un total de 19 proyectos hidroeléctricos en el río Raquette, incluidos Piercefield (LIHI #156), Raqueta Superior (LIHI #14A), Middle Raquette (LIHI # 14B), y Yaleville (LIHI #157) located between two developments in the Lower Raquette Project.

The project is comprised of four developments: Norwood, East Norfolk, Norfolk, and Raymondville. Raymondville is the first presa on the river. The developments were constructed in 1928 for the sole purpose of power generation.

El proyecto incluye cuatro desarrollos:

Norwood: The dam is a concrete-gravity structure, 188 feet long by 24 feet high with 1-foot-high wooden tableros de flash. It impounds a 350-acre reservoir. The intake structure is concrete with steel trashracks, a skimmer section, and three motor-operated steel sliding puertas. There are two timber flood gates, one 9 feet, 9 inches wide by 12 feet high, the other is 12 feet high by 12 feet wide. The concrete log chute has a Detener registro opening 11 feet, 2 inches by 4 feet, 6 inches high. The central eléctrica is made of concrete and brick and contains one 3.1-MW generating unit. The powerhouse is integral to the dam so there is no bypassed reach.
East Norfolk: The dam is a concrete-gravity structure that consists of a 195 ft long ojiva aliviadero, 28 ft stoplog structure, and an additional 50 ft wide ogee spillway section. The dam impounds a 135-acre reservoir. The concrete intake structure is equipped with steel trashracks, a skimmer section, and an ice chute with a three steel sliding gates. The steel canal artificial is 32-foot wide by 1,398 foot long and oval shaped. The dam creates a bypassed reach approximately 2,100 feet long. The powerhouse contains a single 4.0 MW generating unit.
Norfolk: The dam is a concrete structure, 380 ft long spillway, 20 feet high with 10-inch flashboards, three 12-foot-wide by 10-foot-high steel headworks gates, and two 9-foot-high by 9-foot-wide sluice gates. The dam impounds a 10-acre reservoir. A power canal extends approximately 1,275 ft downstream from the canal intake and connects to a 14-foot diameter, 715-foot-long woodstave compuerta, which transitions to a 14-foot diameter103-foot-long steel penstock that is fitted with a motor-operated butterfly valve. The stave is protected by two steel trashracks and has a skimmer section and a 6-foot wide by 6-foot-high ice sluice. The ice sluice is used for flushing ice and debris downstream. The dam creates a bypassed reach approximately 3,700 feet long. The power canal is 1,275 feet long. The powerhouse is made of concrete and brick and contains a single 4.5 MW generating unit.
Raymondville: The dam is a 292-foot-wide by 17-foot-high concrete gravity structure with 2-foot-high rubber and steel flashboards. The dam impounds a 50-acre reservoir. There are two 4-foot by 4-foot pond drains and a 48-foot-wide by 447-foot-long concrete power flume with trashracks, an ice chute, and three steel flume intake gates, each 12 feet wide by 10 feet high. The dam creates a bypassed reach approximately 330 feet long. The powerhouse is made of concrete, brick, and steel, and contains a single 2.7 MW generating unit.

El proyecto opera en un de pasada mode. From 2002 to about 2007, the project developments were operated in a pulsing mode. The normal reservoir fluctuation was limited to no more than 0.5 foot at the Norwood, East Norfolk, and Raymondville developments and no more than 1.0 foot at the Norfolk development. As subsequently modified in 2006 the operation of all the developments was changed from a pulsing mode to a run-of-river mode. This mode of operation targets a normal maximum fluctuation limit of 0.2 feet below the dam crest or top of flashboards. However, up to 0.5 feet of impoundment fluctuation is allowed before an impoundment level deviation notification to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is warranted. This mode maintains reservoir levels at or near the top of the dam crest or top of tablero de flash.

Minimum flows are provided at each of the developments and were developed based on a Delphi study. The flow volumes and periodicity at each development were intended to support multiple resource agency management objectives that prioritized restoration of walleye spawning and incubation as the top priority, fish movement, restoration of benthic invertebrate and forage fish production, ribereño y humedal production, aesthetics, safety, and water quality. In reaches where little improvement could be made the flow volumes were kept minimal. In reaches where significant benefits were expected, larger volumes and/or longer periods of seasonal flows were established.

Norwood: A continuous fish conveyance flow of 20 cfs is released for downstream passage;
East Norfolk: A year-round 75 cfs release is maintained into the bypass reach through the stop log section near the left shore and intake.
Norfolk: A year-round 75 cfs release is maintained below the confluence of the trash sluice channel and the bypass reach. A release of 55 cfs is maintained from the stop log section of the dam near the right shore and cabeza gates at the upstream end of the bypass reach. A second release of 20 cfs is maintained in the trash sluice channel which enters the bypass reach.
Raymondville: A fish conveyance flow of 20 cfs is released into the bypass reach for downstream passage. A flujo base below the development is also provided which varies depending on river conditions (wet, normal, dry or critically dry years). All flows are spilled from the dam when the development is not operating.

Waters within the project reach are designated as Class C. These waters are managed to achieve and maintain a level of quality that fully support aquatic biota, wildlife, aquatic habitat, swimming and other primary contact recreation, boating, fishing, and other recreational uses. NYSDEC has not identified any impaired waters in the project reach. The project voluntarily built and installed invasive species disposal stations in accordance with NYSDEC design at each development’s boat launch to mitigate the spread of the invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil species. The milfoil species is typically carried from one waterbody to another via recreational boats, kayaks, and canoes.

Upstream passage is provided at the developments for American eel, a catádromo species. An eel passage plan was developed through consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and NYSDEC. The eel passage facilities consist of 18-inch-wide aluminum canales with solid bottoms, installed with a maximum slope of 45 degrees, one-foot-wide aluminum troughs to convey attraction flows, pumps, and siphons to provide attraction and ladder flows, removable cover plates at East Norfolk, Norfolk, and Raymondville and substrate liners in the flumes. Sifón pipes are used to supply attraction flows of 120 gallons per minute (GPM) and pumps provide 20 GPM into the ladders. The ladders are hinged in the lower sections to prevent damage during high flows, ice and from other debris impacts. Downstream passage for river species is provided via the minimum flow releases at each development. Resident river fish species include a diverse group of game and pan fish. NYSDEC manages the river as a mixed cool-water/warm-water fishery. The most abundant species are walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, rock bass, pumpkinseed, and brown bullhead. Trashracks with 1-inch spacing at the developments mitigate the potential for arrastre.

The project boundary consists of over 2,000 acres, including the reservoirs. The overbank areas in the impoundments consist of rural housing and industrial uses. The overbank areas of the Lower Raquette River, located between the developments, consist of agricultural and natural lands of non-significant ecological value.

Threatened or endangered species potentially present in the project vicinity include the Northern long-eared bat, several wintering migratory birds, bald eagle, yellow lampmussel, lake sturgeon, and downy phlox as identified through consultation with NYSDEC. No critical habitat has been identified in the project area for the listed bird species as noted by USFWS. Populations of yellow lampmussel have been determined to be healthy and run-of-river operations mitigate any potential project impact on the species. Similarly, lake sturgeon populations are not expected to be adversely impacted due to project run-of-river operations. Consultation with NYSDEC and USFWS noted presence of downy phlox in an undisclosed location near one development but concluded that operations would not impact the species.

The project was constructed in 1928 but no structures at the developments meet the criteria for listing on the Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos. Additionally, no properties of indigenous religious or cultural significance were identified in the project area despite the close proximity of the project to the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe’s reservation downstream.

Public access is provided free of charge and recreational resources at the project include:

Norwood: canoe portage, boat launch, picnic facilities, and parking area.
East Norfolk: canoe portage with parking.
Norfolk: canoe portage with parking.
Raymondville: canoe portage, car top boat launch, and picnic facilities with parking.

Estado de cumplimiento

El Certificado incluye las siguientes condiciones específicas de la instalación:

Condición 1: El propietario de la instalación deberá seguir presentando informes anuales a LIHI en sus presentaciones anuales de cumplimiento, que documenten las desviaciones operativas ocurridas a lo largo del año, ya sean involuntarias o planificadas. El informe deberá presentarse simultáneamente con la declaración anual de cumplimiento.

Condición 2: The Facility Owner shall provide status updates in annual compliance submittals regarding any agreements related to the USGS gage relocation and/or other alternatives implemented for stream flow monitoring at Raymondville.

2023: No material changes or compliance issues were identified. The project remains in compliance based on the annual review. For Condition 1, the project reported several minor deviations not considered FERC violations. For Condition 2, the project reported no change in status.

2022: No material changes or compliance issues were identified. The project remains in compliance based on the annual review. For Condition 1, the project reported several minor deviations not considered FERC violations and one base flow deviation at Raymondville that was considered a FERC violation, although it was of very short duration, the project took corrective actions, made proper agency notifications, and no adverse impacts were identified. For Condition 2, the project reported no change in status.

2021: There were no reported changes or compliance issues. The project remains in compliance based on the annual review. For Condition 1, the project reported several minor deviations not considered FERC violations. For Condition 2, the project reported no change in status.

2020: There were no reported changes or compliance issues. The project remains in compliance based on the annual review. For Condition 1, the project reported four minor deviations not considered FERC violations. For Condition 2, the project reported no change in status.

2019: La presentación de informes anuales para el Certificado actual aún no ha entrado en vigor.

Historial de certificaciones

1 de enero de 2022: El plazo del Certificado LIHI se ha extendido de acuerdo con la Revisión 2.05 del Manual de Certificación LIHI 2.ª Edición emitido el 1 de enero de 2022. Consulte la tabla de instalaciones anterior para conocer el nuevo plazo.

7 de febrero de 2020: The decision to recertify the Lower Raquette Project became final after the close of the appeals period on February 5, 2020 with no appeals filed. The Certification term is from July 9, 2019 – July 8, 2024.

6 de enero de 2020: The Low Impact Hydropower Institute has preliminarily approved Low Impact Recertification for the Lower Raquette Hydroelectric Project. This decision is preliminary pending the 30-day appeal window. Only those who commented on the initial application during the 60-day comment period are eligible to file an appeal. Such appeal needs to include an explanation as to how the Project does not meet the LIHI criteria. Appeal requests can be submitted by email to comentarios@lowimpacthydro.org with “Lower Raquette Hydroelectric Project” in the subject line, or by mail addressed to the Low Impact Hydropower Institute, 329 Massachusetts Ave, Suite 6, Lexington, MA 02420. All requests will be posted to the website. The applicant will have an opportunity to respond and any response will also be posted. Las solicitudes deben recibirse antes de las 5 p. m., hora del Este, el 5 de febrero de 2020. La solicitud completa y el informe de los revisores están disponibles a continuación. Si no se reciben solicitudes de apelación y la decisión es definitiva, el plazo de certificación del Proyecto será del 9 de julio de 2019 al 8 de julio de 2024.

13 de agosto de 2019: The Low Impact Hydropower Institute has received a complete application for Low Impact Recertification of the Lower Raquette Hydroelectric Project. LIHI is seeking public comment on this application. Specifically, we are interested in knowing whether you think the Project meets the LIHI Low Impact Certification Criteria, as revised in the 2nd Edition Handbook. Please review the program and criteria in LIHI’s revised Manual y luego revise los materiales de solicitud del Proyecto a continuación. Comentarios que están directamente relacionados con criterios específicos de LIHI (caudales, calidad del agua, paso de peces, etc.) serán de gran ayuda, pero se tendrán en cuenta todos los comentarios. Los comentarios pueden enviarse al Instituto por correo electrónico a comentarios@lowimpacthydro.org with “Lower Raquette Project Comments” in the subject line, or by mail addressed to the Low Impact Hydropower Institute, 329 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 6, Lexington, MA 02420. Los comentarios deben recibirse antes de las 5:00 p. m., hora del Este, el 12 de octubre de 2019. Se considerarán todos los comentarios. Se publicarán en el sitio web y el solicitante tendrá la oportunidad de responder. También se publicarán todas las respuestas.

15 de mayo de 2015: The Lower Raquette River Hydroelectric Project has been certified for a third term of low impact certification, effective July 9, 2014 and expiring July 9, 2019, with the following conditions:

Condición satisfecha en 2016. Facility owner shall develop a draft Deviation Reduction Plan (DRP) and submit it to LIHI no later than three months after LIHI certification of LRRP. The DRP define proactive operational control approaches for dam releases and pond level maintenance that will reduce the likelihood of operational deviations occurring in the future. The DRP needs to address the specific problems and potential recommendations identified in the reviewer’s report. Options to be considered should include audible alarms in control centers and controladores lógicos programablesEl Plan de Reducción de Desastres (PRD) deberá describir las opciones consideradas, las seleccionadas y un cronograma de implementación. El personal de LIHI revisará y comentará el borrador del plan y estará disponible para asistir en el desarrollo del PRD, si se solicita. El PRD final debe ser completado y aprobado por EBH y LIHI a más tardar seis meses después de la certificación de LIHI.
Condition continued in 202o certification. El propietario de la instalación deberá presentar informes anuales a LIHI que documenten las desviaciones operativas del caudal del cauce o de los niveles del estanque ocurridas durante cada año de certificación. El informe deberá describir todas las desviaciones ocurridas, independientemente de si fueron planificadas o no intencionales, o si la FERC las considera finalmente como no violatorias de la licencia. El informe debe presentarse simultáneamente con la declaración anual de cumplimiento y el pago de la cuota anual de certificación.

In rendering this Certification, the Institute’s Executive Director used authority delegated by the LIHI Governing Board and the unanimous recommendation by the LIHI Governing Board Technical Committee resulting from a full review of the Application Reviewer’s report (available in the Files section below) and all public comments and additional materials provided by the Applicant.

12 de mayo de 2014: El Instituto de Energía Hidroeléctrica de Bajo Impacto recibió una solicitud para un tercer período de certificación del Proyecto del Río Raquette. El plazo actual de la certificación vence el 9 de julio de 2014, pero para dar tiempo a los comentarios públicos y a la revisión interna, se ha extendido hasta el 30 de agosto de 2014.

15 de abril de 2010: El Proyecto del Río Raquette ha sido certificado como de bajo impacto por un segundo período de cinco años, vigente desde el 9 de julio de 2009 hasta el 9 de julio de 2014.

27 de octubre de 2004: El Proyecto del Río Raquette ha sido certificado como de bajo impacto por un período de cinco años, a partir del 9 de julio de 2004 y hasta el 9 de julio de 2009.