Claire Belanger
2025 Shoreline Management Plan Review and Update
As part of its approval of the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requires a periodic review and update of the SMP. As a result of that required review, FirstLight has updated the SMP with its proposed modifications. The revised SMP has been provided to Stakeholders for consultation. To view and…
Read moreFirstLight to Begin Annual Drawdown of Candlewood Lake on January 7
NEW MILFORD, Conn. – January 6, 2025 – FirstLight, the owner and operator of the Rocky River Pumped Hydro Storage Station, will initiate the deep drawdown season for Candlewood Lake, which includes Squantz Pond, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. The deep drawdown, executed in consultation with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the…
Read moreFirstLight to Extend Annual Turners Falls Power Canal Drawdown
In late August, FirstLight began a planned maintenance project on the Turners Falls Power Canal Left Dike to install a seepage management system to address Federal Energy Regulatory Commission dam safety requirements. In recent days, FirstLight’s project team and expert consultants identified the need to drawdown the Power Canal to safely perform the excavations necessary…
Read moreObserving National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Today, we observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a critical acknowledgment of the tragic legacy of Canada’s residential schools and a day of commemoration, mourning and reflection honoring and recognizing both the children who never returned home and the Survivors of residential schools as well as their families and communities. An essential component of…
Read moreJournée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation
Aujourd’hui, nous observons la Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation, une reconnaissance essentielle de l’héritage tragique des pensionnats au Canada. C’est un jour de commémoration, de deuil et de réflexion, en hommage aux enfants qui ne sont jamais rentrés chez eux, ainsi qu’aux Survivants des pensionnats, à leurs familles et à leurs…
Read moreFirstLight Annual Drawdown of Lake Zoar, Lake Lillinonah, and Candlewood Lake
Lake Zoar – Beginning on October 19, 2024, FirstLight will conduct a drawdown of Lake Zoar at the Stevenson Dam to conduct its annual maintenance and inspection activities. The normal summer operating range of the station is from 103’-100.5’, and the drawdown will target an elevation of 98.5’. The drawdown will lower lake levels to minimum…
Read moreFirstLight Update on Debris Removal Efforts
Beginning tomorrow, August 22nd, FirstLight will begin releasing debris that has collected between the boat barrier and the Stevenson Dam through the dam’s sluice gates. To support the public’s ability to recreate on the river, we will avoid passing debris Friday through Sunday to enable weekend recreation. It is essential for FirstLight to begin this…
Read moreFirstLight Notice on Canalside Rail Trail Bike Path Detour
Beginning Wednesday, August 21st, a portion of the Canalside Rail Trail Bike Path from the 11th Street Bridge to Depot Street will be closed to allow FirstLight to complete a maintenance project on the Turners Falls Power Canal Left Dike. The closure is expected to continue through late October. To support public awareness of the…
Read moreFirstLight Statement on Debris Removal Efforts Following Sunday’s Extreme Rainfall and Flooding
Following the extreme rainfall event and associated flooding that impacted Southwestern Connecticut and the Lower Housatonic River area on Sunday, August 18th, both man-made and natural debris made its way downstream and collected above the Stevenson Dam. Starting Thursday, August 22nd, FirstLight will begin a phased effort to safely address the debris field. Smaller woody…
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