Private Sector Hydro Re-licensing Activities

In addition to assisting FERC in the review of license applications, Berger's Energy Services Group is involved in the preparation of license and re-license applications for utility companies. Given the Group's extensive work for FERC. We conduct a thorough Conflict of Interest review prior to accepting private consultancies to avoid any conflict between Berger's private sector client services and our FERC practice.

The 410-mile Connecticut River is the boundary between Vermont and New Hampshire and flows through Massachusetts and Connecticut before reaching Long Island Sound. In America's early years, the Connecticut River was the main transportation corridor for New England and provided access to the Atlantic. The river's waterpower helped fuel the Industrial Revolution, fostered the growth of many towns and provided a large portion of New England's early energy resources. The Fifteen Mile Falls Hydro electric Project on the upper Connecticut River, with an installed capacity of 369 megawatts, is New England's largest conventional hydropower resource. The development includes the 3,490-acre Moore, 1,093-acre Comerford and S43-acre MeIndoes Reservoirs.

The Berger Group prepared the Initial Consultation Document for New England Power Company in support of their re-licensing efforts for Fifteen Mile Falls. Berger GIS experts mapped the three reservoirs and prepared a shoreline habitat assessment using a Global Positioning System (GPS) to map accurately bathymetry and other relevant shoreline features. The Team undertook a detailed analysis of existing recreational resources; analyzed current demand using remote vehicle sensors, user interviews, creel census, and aerial counters of watercraft; and forecast future demand. Berger environmental experts also provided an accurate survey of wetlands in the project area. The study included a phase I archaeological survey of the project area, a National Register Evaluation of project facilities and a wildlife habitat assessment. The habitat study focused on bald eagles and loons and included a coordinated effort with the Audubon Society of New Hampshire to survey bird populations and habitat conditions. Berger is now assisting New England Power in preparing its re-licensing application using the recently approved fast-track approach referred to as an Applicant Prepared EA (APEA). FERC has introduced APEA to expedite hydro facility re-licensing by encouraging the early identification and resolution of environmental issues, adoption of a cooperative approach to project development and provision of a forum for the settlement of disagreements. In addition, Berger assisted Northeast Utilities in the re-licensing of its Holyoke Hydroelectric Project on the Connecticut River.