The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Oct. 31 released a draft environmental assessment on the city of New York’s plan to install the 14.08-MW Cannonsville Hydroelectric Project, which would be located on the city’s existing Cannonsville Dam, which impounds its Cannonsville Water Supply Reservoir.
The dam and reservoir are located on the West Branch of the Delaware River, near the Township of Deposit in Delaware County, N.Y.
In February 2012, the city filed an application for an original license to construct, operate and maintain the Cannonsville Hydroelectric Project. The Cannonsville Reservoir serves as a part of the city’s water supply system; the water supply intake is located on the reservoir about five miles upstream of Cannonsville Dam. Cannonsville Reservoir is also used to provide flows to the West Branch of the Delaware River.
In its license application, the city proposes to add hydroelectric equipment adjacent to the existing outlet structure where it currently releases water to the West Branch of the Delaware River. The magnitude and timing of these releases would not change as a result of the hydroelectric project’s operation. The city’s proposal involves constructing a powerhouse, excavating a tailrace, and constructing a transmission line and substation.
The city proposes to construct the powerhouse on the downstream toe of the dam, adjacent to the existing outlet works. Project operation would use flows currently released downstream into the West Branch of the Delaware River. The project would generate an estimated 42,281 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually.
FERC is taking comment on the draft environmental assessment for 30 days.
