Normandeau Leads Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) | Bedford, NH — Tuesday, January 29, 2013 — Normandeau Associates is leading the preliminary TransCanada relicensing process for the Wilder (#1892), Bellows Falls (#1855) and Vernon (#1904) hydroelectric projects. TransCanada is following the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) to relicense the projects, which are due to expire in 2018.
The Normandeau team developed Notices of Intent and Preliminary Application Documents for each project, participated in stakeholder meetings and agency consultations, and provided strategic license planning support. The formal scoping process and draft ILP Study Plan are expected to be completed in 2013. Normandeau scientists also conducted three comprehensive pre-licensing studies. A baseline water quality study was conducted to provide data on project compliance with state water quality standards. The presence of state-listed rare, threatened and endangered species and exemplary communities was surveyed over 120 miles of river, island and shoreline project lands. Evaluations of hydroelectric project operations through development of discharge rating curves and field surveys were also conducted to determine if normal operating discharges from the Wilder project impacted the federally endangered Jesup's milk vetch (Astragalus robbinsii var. jesupii), a plant species which occurs only at three sites globally, all of them along the Connecticut River downstream of Wilder.
Normandeau Associates has an intimate knowledge of the Connecticut and Deerfield Rivers, and has conducted numerous scientific studies in these watersheds since 1989. In addition to the completion of numerous water quality studies, Normandeau has conducted several Atlantic salmon and American shad migration and fish passage evaluations over the years in support of FERC license compliance requirements, as well as the relicensing of the Deerfield River Project (#2323) and the Fifteen Mile Falls Project (#2077). |
|
About Normandeau Associates, Inc.
Normandeau Associates, Inc. is one of the largest science-based environmental consulting firms in the United States serving both the private and public sectors. Founded in 1970, it is a trusted leader in delivering sound, innovative scientific solutions to a global clientele. Normandeau's extensive team of experienced field scientists, analysts, researchers, and permitting specialists delivers technically credible information to help achieve project goals, meets regulatory requirements, and promotes sustainable economic development while protecting and restoring natural resources. Headquartered in Bedford, New Hampshire with offices nationwide, Normandeau is 100% owned by its employees. For more information please contact Normandeau at (603) 472-5191 or visit www.normandeau.com.
Normandeau Associates Media Contact
Elizabeth Evarts
603.472.5191 Ext 115
bevarts@normandeau.com
|
