Holyoke License Compliance
Holyoke Gas & Electric Department
Holyoke, MA
The Holyoke Project (FERC No. 2004) is a 43 MW hydroelectric project
located on the Connecticut River. Holyoke is a large complex project consisting
of two 15 MW units integral with the dam and literally dozens of smaller
units located on a three tier canal system four miles long located in
downtown Holyoke, MA. As the project is the first major dam on the Connecticut
River, anadromous and endangered fish passage issues are a major concern,
and the project has two lifts for upstream passage as well as a louver
bypass on the canal system. On August 20, 1999 the FERC issued a new project
license to the owners, Holyoke Water Power (HWP). In 2001, the Holyoke
Gas &: Electric Department (HG&E) and HWP reached an agreement whereby HG&E would buy the project.
HG&E retained Kleinschmidt in September 2001 to assist meeting compliance conditions set forth in the project's license and water quality certification. Kleinschmidt utilized its experience with engineering and regulatory issues to help develop effective compliance plans, which were prepared in a cooperative fashion with agencies and interested parties. At HG&E´s direction, Kleinschmidt helped to develop a comprehensive settlement with agencies and interested parties to address all issues related to outstanding license rehearings.
In addition to agency consultation and preparation of compliance plans, Kleinschmidt is involved in the following issues: engineering design of required structures and development of operation plans, undertaking of biological effectiveness and monitoring studies, and preparation of FERC filings.
For more information contact Gary Liimatainen.