Lexington MA (June 24, 2020):  The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) has preliminarily approved the Pawtucket Project (LIHI #11) for a new 5-year term of Low Impact Certification. The Certificate includes the following condition:

Condition 1: The facility Owner shall continue to participate in efforts to restore fish passage in the lower Blackstone River in accordance with the MOA with RIDEM.  The Owner shall keep LIHI fully informed of all progress, delays, and changes in these efforts and agreements.  Any changes in the MOAs shall be reported within 30 days of their execution.  An updated status report on fish passage restoration shall be included with the facility’s annual compliance submittal to LIHI. LIHI certification is contingent on the Owner continuing to play a strong supportive and proactive role in achieving the goals of the Blackstone River Fish Passage Restoration Project where feasible.

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 comments@lowimpacthydro.org with “Pawtucket 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 24, 2020. The full application and reviewer’s report are available HERE.

If no appeal requests are received and the decision becomes final, the Certification term for the Project will be April 23, 2019 through April 22, 2024.