January 6, 2021: The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) has preliminarily approved recertification of the West Branch St. Regis Project (LIHI #27) for a new 5-year term of Low Impact Certification. The Project is located on the West Branch of the St. Regis River in New York.  The Certification includes the following condition:

Condition 1:  If maintenance activities along the Parishville powerhouse roadway and pipeline right-of-way are significantly altered, such as widespread herbicide application, widening of the roadway or placement of fill adjacent to the roadway where the Fernald’s sedge plant has been observed, the facility Owner shall consult with the NYSDEC regarding potential impacts to the species. The Owner shall report on any such activities in the LIHI annual compliance submittals including results of consultation and evidence of implementation of any requirements mandated by the NYSDEC to protect this species if it is found onsite.

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 “West Branch St. Regis 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 February 5, 2021. 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 September 14, 2020 through September 13, 2025.