NH State Representative Steven Smith

UPDATE: DRAWDOWN INITIATED: As previously indicated, Great River Hydro will be initiating the drawdown of the Bellows Falls Dam impoundment on the Connecticut River this afternoon.

GRH will slowly lower the impoundment, conduct the necessary post-flood restoration work, and then gradually refill the impoundment to normal operating levels. The entire process will take approximately 3 days. We will communicate with you again when the work is completed.

During the drawdown, visitors to Connecticut River will see exposed riparian areas upstream of Bellows Falls dam, most visible closest to the Bellows Falls dam. We are taking every measure to mitigate, to the extent possible, risks and impact to environmental resources in and adjacent to the Connecticut River.

All recreational use of the river is strongly discouraged during the drawdown period as reduced flows may expose previously submerged hazards and dangerous conditions could exist in exposed flats. Public safety devices at the dam will be restored as soon as possible. Boat ramps at the following locations remain temporarily closed until that work is completed: Herricks Cove (Rockingham, VT), Charlestown (Charlestown, NH), and Pine Street (North Walpole, NH). 

Boating continues to be strongly discouraged upstream of Vernon Dam until public safety devices can be restored there as well.

Further updates will be provided as soon as possible.  Please contact communications@greatriverhydro.com or (802) 291-8104 with any questions.

Brandon Kibbe

Director of Business Development and Legislative Affairs

Great River Hydro, LLC

69 Milk Street, Suite 306

IMPORTANT ADVISORY:  As part of our successful flood control response during the historic rain event on July 10, 2023, Great River Hydro (GRH) raised the stanchion flashboards at our Bellows Falls dam on the Connecticut River in accordance with the dam’s design, its operating procedures, and its FERC license.

With the floodwaters receding, GRH is now preparing to reset the stanchions and restore the flashboards to their normal operating positions.  The restoration project will involve drawing down the impoundment upstream of Bellows Falls dam for a brief period to accomplish the work.

As soon as early next week (dependent upon when optimal flow conditions can be reached), GRH will slowly lower the impoundment, conduct the necessary work, and then gradually refill the impoundment to normal operating levels. The entire process will take approximately 3 days. We will communicate with you again when the drawdown is set to begin.

During the drawdown, visitors to Connecticut River will see exposed riparian areas upstream of Bellows Falls dam, most visible closest to the Bellows Falls dam. We are taking every measure to mitigate, to the extent possible, risks and impact to environmental resources in and adjacent to the Connecticut River.

All recreational use of the river is strongly discouraged during the drawdown period as reduced flows may expose previously submerged hazards and dangerous quagmire conditions could exist in exposed flats. Recreational boating upstream of Bellows Falls Dam will continue to be discouraged after the impoundment is re-filled until GRH can fully restore all public safety measures. Boat ramps at the following locations remain temporarily closed for public safety purposes: Herricks Cove (Rockingham, VT), Charlestown (Charlestown, NH), and Pine Street (North Walpole, NH).  Further updates will be provided as soon as possible.

We would appreciate your assistance in sharing this information within your own local networks or community social media outlets.

If you have any questions, please contact me at my mobile or email address below. Please check the website for updates: www.greatriverhydro.com. The public may also contact Great River Hydro at communications@greatriverhydro.com or (802) 291-8104.

Brandon Kibbe

Director of Business Development and Legislative Affairs

Great River Hydro, LLC

69 Milk Street, Suite 306

Westborough, MA  01581

www.greatriverhydro.com

Mobile: (413) 834-1909

bkibbe@greatriverhydro.com

NEWS RELEASE

DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management www.nh.gov/hsem

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, July 13, 2023 Vanessa Palange Community Outreach Coordinator C: (603) 545-9499

NH RESIDENTS AND VISITORS SHOULD PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL FLOODING CONCORD, N.H. –

New Hampshire is expected to receive another round of widespread rain starting late Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. A Flood Watch has been issued for Cheshire, Coos, Grafton and Sullivan counties through late Thursday night. A Flood Watch means flooding is possible and everyone in the watch area should be prepared. A Flood Warning means flooding is imminent or already occurring and everyone in the warning area should take action and seek higher ground immediately. The New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) urges residents and visitors to prepare now for possible flooding. “With more rain in the forecast and the possibility of additional flooding, the safety of residents and visitors is of upmost importance,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “Plan ahead, be prepared, monitor local weather forecasts, and be on alert for changing conditions.” Floods are one of the most common hazards in the U.S. and impact New Hampshire annually. In 2022, 102 people in the United States died during floods, according to the National Weather Service. “We strongly encourage residents and visitors, especially campers staying at sites along rivers and streams, and campgrounds in low-lying parts, to know what to do if evacuation is needed,” said HSEM Director Robert Buxton. “Know what to do and have what you need to stay safe. Prepare your emergency kit now for at least three days and make sure your family is familiar with your emergency plan. Don’t forget to include your pets.” Buxton offers the following safety tips:

• If flooding occurs get to higher ground immediately.

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service.

• Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of water can sweep your vehicle away. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

• If you must evacuate, secure your home, including disconnecting electrical appliances.

• If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water. Just 6 inches of water can reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

• Avoid floodwaters as they may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

• If driving in a vehicle, remember the saying, “turn around, don’t drown.”

• Find the latest road conditions and closures at newengland511.org.

• Never attempt to drive down a closed road or move traffic barriers.

Learn more about flood safety at ReadyNH.gov. ### NOTE: The National Weather Service issues a Flood Watch when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.