Schedule Information:
The Project is currently in the Infrastructure Construction phase. Starting in 2021, the Project team began conducting engineering and environmental surveys to assist in the planning and design of proposed new structures and anticipated access needs. This work is now complete. Permit approvals were received and construction began in the spring of 2025. We will update the schedule as the Project progresses.
Permitting Overview:
The Project team was actively engaged in the permitting process in both Vermont and Massachusetts. The Project team actively coordinated with agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, and we received all permits in hand, and construction has started.
Status of In-Progress Permit Application and Agency Consultations:
Federal Permitting
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - Authorization under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act – complete for VT, complete for MA
- Consultations under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act – complete
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges and Construction Dewatering Activities/Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) – complete
Massachusetts Permitting
- Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) – MEPA Review/Certificate of the Secretary – complete
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)-Section 401 Individual Water Quality Certificate – complete
- Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) -Massachusetts Endangered Species Act – Project Review Checklist; and Conservation Management Plan Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) - Project review under Massachusetts General Law [M.G.L.] c. 9 § 27C – complete
- Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) - Construction Access Permit Massachusetts – complete
- Department of Transportation (MassDOT) – Highway Crossing and Traffic Management Permit – complete
- Order of Conditions from each Conservation Commission within the town’s of Adams, North Adams, Florida, Monroe – complete
Vermont Permitting
- Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) Section 248 Petition – complete
- Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department – Threatened and Endangered Species Taking Permit (if needed) – complete
- Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation - Stormwater General Permit, Wetlands General Permit and 401 WQC – complete
- Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation - Stream Crossing Permit – complete
- Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation – Compliance with NPDES Stormwater Runoff From Construction Sites General Permit