10/13/2026
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
Department of Environmental Conservation
NOTICE OF DRAFT DECISION AND PUBLIC MEETING
HIGHGATE FALLS HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
September 14, 2026
The Village of Swanton has initiated the process to obtain a new license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to continue to operate the existing Highgate Falls Hydroelectric Project on the Missisquoi River in the in the town of Highgate in Franklin County, Vermont. As part of this process, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (Department) is reviewing an application for a Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification, required pursuant to the provisions of Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, 33 USC section 1341.
The Village proposed to relicense the Project as it has existed with a 15-foot-high inflatable bladder to manage water levels. The existing bladder failed and the Village was advised that neither repair, nor replacement are viable options. The Village is undertaking an alternatives analysis to assess designs for spillway repair. The Village is also assessing redevelopment scenarios for the Project that may result in material design changes.
Any applicant for a water quality certification must demonstrate that the project will be in compliance with the Vermont Water Quality Standards by not having an undue impact on the aquatic environment, or the designated and existing uses of the waters of the State. The Department’s tentative determination is to deny the Application without prejudice, so the Applicant may reapply when the Project scope is defined to a degree that allows an evaluation of the effects of the Project on water quality.
The Department is welcoming public feedback on this tentative determination, during a 30-day public notice period. All timely feedback will be considered in the formulation of the final decision. During this notice period a person may request a public information meeting regarding the draft decision. Written and voice memo feedback will be accepted at the address or telephone number below, or via e-mail to [email protected], until 4:30 PM on October 23, 2026.
Public Meeting: A public meeting will be held on October 15, 2026, at 1 PM at the Village of Swanton Offices located at 120 First Street, Swanton, VT 05488. Additionally, a virtual option to attend is available at: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/217240968561415?p=maNWDd1wzXrv00Wk00. Persons having an interest in the project and the affected waters are encouraged to attend and provide in person oral testimony, written statements, or data that may bear on the final water quality certification decision. The draft certification and Water Quality Standards are available by mail or at: https://enb.vermont.gov/ For information on the application or access to related documents, interested persons should contact:
Jeff Crocker, Supervising River Ecologist
Department of Environmental Conservation | Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
Mailing address: 1 National Life Drive, Davis 1 | Montpelier, VT 05620-3522
Email: [email protected] | Telephone 802.490.6151
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is an equal opportunity agency and offers all persons the benefits of participating in each of its programs and competing in all areas of employment regardless of race, color, religion, s*x, national origin, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. The meeting venue is handicapped accessible. Interpreting or listening devices or printed materials in special formats can be made available at the meeting upon request 7 days prior to the meeting. For access assistance, the Department should be called at least a day in advance of the meeting.
This bulletin provides the public with information about permits and certifications that are under consideration by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). It is updated daily, and includes permit and certification applications from most DEC programs.
