PUBLIC NOTICE: BROOKFIELD POWER TO PERFORM WORK
ON BENNETTS BRIDGE DAM/Notice of Change in Operation During
Summer/Fall of 2006 Salmon River Hydroelectric Project (FERC No.
11408)
O swego County, New York
Brookfield Power will be performing work on the Bennetts Bridge Dam
on the Salmon River Reservoir starting in August 2006. The dam
rehabilitation will require a variance from Brookfield Power’s normal
reservoir management target elevations. The Salmon River Reservoir
will be managed from August 7, 2006 through November 7, 2006 to
maintain an elevation of 927 feet (1-5 feet below normal elevations).
Additional flows will be released from July 1, 2006 through August 6,
2006 in an effort to reach the desired elevation of 927 feet by August 7,
2006. Brookfield Power, in consultation with appropriate resource
agencies, has determined the best water management practices for
accomplishing dam safety related activities while managing
environmental and recreational interests.
Reservoir Users: Compared to an average year, reservoir users may
experience lower than normal reservoir levels during July and August,
ranging from 1-5 feet below normal and then normal to lower than
normal reservoir levels during the Fall period, ranging from 0-3 feet
below normal. During the previous eight years of operations during the
Fall periods, the reservoir has reached elevations as low as 8 feet below
the 927 feet elevation. Brookfield Power’s 2006 operations should not
affect boat launches any more than normal operations during past
years.
Downstream Users: Compared to an average year, downstream users
may experience normal to above normal flows during the mid-summer
season (especially the month of July and into early August) as the
reservoir is lowered to the construction elevation of 927 feet), and then
generally average flows with flow fluctuations during the late Summer
and Fall seasons as the reservoir is maintained at elevation 927 feet
and hydroelectric operation match mother nature. Upon project
completion (November 7, 2006), expect flows to match the base flow
requirements until the reservoir can be returned to its normal seasonal
targeted operating elevation.
Whitewater Users: Whitewater releases on the Salmon River for June,
July and August will remain as scheduled. The scheduled Labor Day
whitewater release will be contingent on reservoir inflows during the
Labor Day weekend. Additional whitewater opportunities may be
available during July when Brookfield Power will be releasing additional
flows to reach the desired elevation of 927 feet.
If there are any questions, please call Brookfield Power’s Liverpool Office at
1-315-413-2700. The public is advised to continue monitoring Waterline at
1-800-452-1742 or www.h2oline.com for river flow conditions.