Lexington MA (June 3, 2020):  On May 29, 2020 the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) preliminarily approved the Woronoco Project (LIHI #68) for a new 5-year term of Low Impact Certification. The Certificate includes the following conditions:

Condition 1 : Assuming USFWS approval of permanent removal of the North Eel Barrage eel passage ladder is received, the facility Owner shall also notify MDEP of this change as the WQC includes the requirement for eel passage. In the Annual Compliance Report to LIHI, the Owner shall confirm that the annual eel passage data has been provided to MDFW, and USFWS if that agency requests it, along with copies of any Fédération internationale de radio-télévision (FERC) or MDEP responses to notification regarding removal of the Northern Dam eel passage ladder.

Condition 2 : The facility Owner shall make the following improvements to the Project recreational facilities:

• Conduct seasonal facility cleanup and necessary structural repairs and install improved signage to all facilities by June 30, 2020 to promote 2020 seasonal use. Signage should satisfy FERC requirements. Access and parking information must be clearly posted.
• A regular inspection and maintenance program shall be established to ensure these facilities are maintained especially given the concern of vandalism. At a minimum, a monthly frequency is recommended. A description of this program shall be provided to LIHI by June 30, 2020 and a status summary of these activities shall be reported to LIHI in annual compliance submittals.
• The ADA fishing platform shall be inspected for safety and usability prior to June 30, 2020. If determined not to be suitable for ADA fishing access, needed improvements or relocation if necessary, shall be made as soon as practicable in accordance with applicable permitting requirements and any necessary agency consultation.   The Owner shall inform LIHI of a plan to ensure platform usability by July 31, 2020 along with a schedule for additional planned work.  The Owner shall notify LIHI of project status and final completion in annual compliance submittals.

Cette décision est préliminaire en attendant la période d'appel de 30 jours. Seuls ceux qui ont commenté la demande initiale pendant la période de commentaires de 60 jours sont éligibles pour déposer un appel. Un tel appel doit inclure une explication sur la raison pour laquelle le projet ne répond pas aux critères du LIHI. Les demandes d'appel peuvent être soumises par courrier électronique à commentaires@lowimpacthydro.org with “Woronoco 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. Requests must be received by 5 pm Eastern time on July 3, 2020. La demande complète et le rapport de l'examinateur sont disponibles ICI.

If no appeal requests are received and the decision becomes final, the Certification term for the Project will be January 28, 2020 through January 27, 2025.