Connecticut River Public Safety Announcement for Turners Falls, MA

FirstLight Update on Turners Falls Bascule Gate System Incident & Repair Effort

On Monday, July 7th, FirstLight is expected to begin repairs to the Turners Falls Dam Bascule Gate #2, requiring a drawdown of the Turners Falls Impoundment upstream of the Turners Falls Dam that is likely to beach boats and docks along the river. Before the drawdown begins, FirstLight is making every effort to maintain water levels to allow boat and dock owners to remove or adjust their vessels and structures.

FirstLight also expects that boat-based recreation and navigation on the river will be significantly inhibited for the duration of the drawdown and associated repair work. The company has consulted with state and local public safety officials and urges community members and recreation users to avoid the river during the drawdown, as the riverbed will be wet, presenting a sinking hazard.

At this time, FirstLight expects the work will take 1-5 days, though it may take longer for the river to return to normal levels should the flows remain low, as they are now.

Regarding aquatic species, while the conditions of this drawdown are not conducive to volunteer support, FirstLight is working with environmental experts on a mussel relocation plan and will have a refill rate recommended to protect an endangered dragonfly species. Downstream fish passage will be maintained during the drawdown by flow through the Turners Falls Power Canal and the Turners Falls Dam. The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) will be monitoring the developments but if you have specific questions for the company they can be directed to: https://firstlight.energy/contact-us/

Further details can be found here: https://firstlight.energy/firstlight-update-on-the-turners-falls-bascule-gate-system-incident-and-repair-effort/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLY2PJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzWjAwWW9VTm9IWFRGc1VXAR74n1BN3Dcxb3QEHW3oxGLL3vDgRwUj0ou7N45m0I3NBEUrlZScjui1-8uJPw_aem_qtlJWEzRwcbZZAcjFrMOBQ

Posted: to General Montague News on Mon, Jul 7, 2025
Updated: Mon, Jul 7, 2025