The residents of the Hoosac Tunnel section of the town of Florida, living along the Deerfield River near Bear Swamp’s Fife Brook, have serious concerns about Brookfield Power New England’s proposed flow release warning system under Article 304 of the Bear Swamp Project relicensing, FERC Project #P-2669.
We are very frustrated by the way Brookfield has handled the situation. They say that they want stakeholder feedback, but their actions have not reflected that to the families who actually live in the valley, let alone all the people who use the river recreationally. They posted a notification letter at the bottom of the Safewater website and mailed only a small number of households in the valley the same letter. Brookfield was invited to speak to the residents at the monthly Selectboard meeting, yet they declined. Their actual outreach came very late in the process, leaving little opportunity for meaningful public input.
Communities like ours deserve transparency, respect, and a real seat at the table. We understand that public safety matters, but the proposed warning system is far more intrusive than necessary. Brookfield’s plan for sirens reportedly ranging from 120 to 130 decibels, sounding at 15-minute intervals during releases, would not only disrupt daily life for residents, but also damage the quiet character that defines this valley.
In a narrow river corridor where sound carries and reverberates, these sirens would affect families, pets, farm animals, and anyone trying to live, work, or simply enjoy the peace of the area. One of the proposed five sirens is right across the road from a resident’s house. Sirens at the level Brookfield is saying is necessary for the relicensing, would require ear protection to be worn when they go off and could damage unprotected ears.
Besides the disruption to our daily lives, another of our concerns is the effect on wildlife and the river habitat. Some of the proposed sites would require massive tree clearing, trees right up at the river’s edge. Additionally there are two beaver dams as well as bald eagle families that would be negatively impacted by the placement of some of these sirens.
Our valley is home to bald eagles, deer, bears, beavers, and many other species that depend on the river corridor, and we are deeply concerned that repeated sirens and flashing lights could disturb their habitats, homes and behavior. Once these natural conditions are altered, they cannot easily be restored.
This valley is not just a backdrop for industrial operations; it is a living landscape that supports both community life and wildlife. This valley has deep roots. Most of the families have lived here for generations because of its natural beauty, its quiet, and its sense of peace. Those qualities are now at risk, and Brookfield should be required to do better: engage openly, listen seriously, and revise this proposal so that public safety does not come at the expense of wildlife, residents, and recreation.
Lisa Furlon-Tanner, on behalf of more than a dozen families of Hoosac Tunnel
Florida