October 30, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

By Bill McDavitt, Integrated Statistics, under contract to Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, Habitat Conservation Division

Hydroelectric facilities use the energy of river water spilling down the height of a dam to power turbines, which generate electricity. These facilities generally operate under a license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the Commission). These licenses typically last a long time-30 to 50 years.

When licenses need to be renewed, we have an opportunity to review how the power plant operates, not just in terms of generating electricity but also in how it affects the environment. The Habitat Conservation Division works with these facilities to ensure that their operations are not harming diadromous fish and their habitats.

Read the rest of the story about how we work with hydropower facilities in our region to improve fish passages.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, at 978-281-9175 or Jennifer.Goebel@noaa.gov.