1. Environmental Considerations
And how they may affect the role of hydro in New England’s energy future
Tim Brush and Jen Stone
Normandeau Associates
Westmoreland, NH

2. Outline Waterpower Technologies Facts of the Matter
Typical Environmental Issues
Regulatory Drivers
Some Specifics
Bottom Line

3. Waterpower Technologies
Conventional Hydropower
Dam
Head
Turbines
Spillway

4. Waterpower Technologies
Pumped Storage
Upper and lower reservoirs
Pumps/turbines
A twist, but high value

5. Waterpower Technologies
Hydrokinetic
Tidal/Wave/Lock
Velocity component of Bernoulli’s equation
Small energy output relative to conventional because of no head (except for lock application)
Value in use of arrays and as components of meeting Renewable Portfolio Standards

6. Facts of the Matter
We have impacted our landscape in many ways, including virtually all rivers
We cannot revert to “pristine” condition
Dam removal – many should go but…
Cost of compliance with agencies and special interest demands very high – costs come back to you
Ancillary benefits of hydro – no other industry compares

7. …Facts of the Matter
23,000 MW could be developed by 2025 without building a single new dam
In many (if not most) cases, fish restoration targets are overly optimistic
Licensing/Relicensing Costs, Time, and Uncertainty

8. Typical Environmental Issues
Instream Flow
Recreation
Connectivity
Water Level Fluctuations
Endangered Species
Non-native Species
Special Interests

9. Regulatory Drivers Federal Power Act Endangered Species Act
Clean Water Act
Magnuson Stevens Act
States law
Others

10. Regulatory Drivers Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
FPA Section 18
CWA Section 401
Licensing/Relicensing Process
PM&E’s
Special Interest Groups
Years to complete process

11. Some Specifics
Instream Flow

12. Some Specifics
Connectivity – Migratory Fish

13. Some Specifics
Fish Passage

14. Other Limiting Factors
Some Specifics
Other Limiting Factors
Non-native Species
Contaminants
Water Quality
Watershed Development

15. Bottom Line
Technically - waterpower technologies could be implemented in short order
23,000 MW without any new dams!
There are new incentives to help achieve this but many obstacles remain
From an environmental perspective, it’s my opinion that this is a ‘no brainer’

16. Normandeau Associates
Thank you
Tim Brush
Normandeau Associates