The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a notice regarding the water quality certification for three hydroelectric projects in New Hampshire. These projects are operated by Briar Hydro Associates, LLC and include the Rolfe Canal, Penacook Upper Falls, and Penacook Lower Falls Hydroelectric Projects. The notice states that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services received requests for water quality certification on November 4, 2024, and has one year to act, until November 4, 2025. If the department does not respond by this date, the certification is considered waived under section 401(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act.
Simple Explanation
The people in charge of checking if the water is clean enough for fish and plants in New Hampshire were told they have until next year to decide if three dams can keep going without hurting the water. If they don't decide by then, it's like saying "yes" by default.