Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently issued a ruling that will maintain the summertime water levels in the Waterbury Reservoir year-round.
The DEC decision was part of a water quality certification for Green Mountain Power's hydroelectric project. In addition to maintaining summertime water levels at the reservoir to protect water quality and recreational uses, the decision calls for GMP to manage the flow of water through the dam in a way that mimics the natural flow of Little River. That will improve fish habitat and the flow of the river.
The decision requires GMP to replace the existing flood control gates which will allow the utility to change how water is released through the turbines so that large fluctuations, which are harmful to downstream fish and aquatic life, are reduced.
And this is great news. Waterbury Reservoir is an important and significant destination for residents and tourists alike. Some 42,000 people use the reservoir annually. The area offers beaches, boat launches, trails, parks, motorized and human-powered boating, swimming and more. In years past, water levels were lowered with an eye to spring melt and most recently for repair work on the dam.
It is great news for the aquatic health of the reservoir. Maintaining a constant water level is better for fish habitat and it is great news for Green Mountain Power.
The utility needs its state water quality certification to get its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license. And the DEC needs to make sure that the dam's primary purpose – flood control –is continued. This decision provides for that.
Additionally, the DEC will work with the Army Corps of Engineers to have the dam safety at the new year-round levels assessed as part of the gate and spillway replacement project.
The DEC will hold a public meeting to take comments on the decision on Saturday, December 6, at Crossett Brook Middle School. The meeting runs from 1 to 3 p.m. The DEC will accept written comments until 4:30 p.m. on December 6.
—LAL
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