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Morrisville Water & Light warns study delays on Green River Reservoir hinder hydro operations and investment
Summary
Morrisville Water & Light manager Scott Gaston told the committee that a multi-year relicensing and study process for Green River Reservoir has delayed permits and blocked investment; he urged faster resolution and voiced concern about rules that prevent modest drawdowns needed for hydro operation and flood management.
Scott Gaston, general manager of Morrisville Water & Light, told the Senate Natural Resources & Energy Committee that delays in a state study of Green River Reservoir (part of S.319 deliberations) are preventing the municipal utility from operating or investing in its hydroelectric assets. "The last thing in the world we want is to let go of a viable hydro asset because we've been regulated out of existence," Gaston said.
Gaston recounted the permit and relicensing history: relicensing began in 2009 and required studies began in 2016. He told the committee the state has since required additional modeling and economic analysis that has delayed issuance of a permit for three years. Gaston said the permit language currently restricts drawdowns in summer to "absolutely no water" and limits winter drawdown to a foot or so, conditions he and his engineers say make operation or sale functionally impossible.
Gaston said Morrisville had contributed funds to keep studies moving and that he has approached prospective purchasers and operators who concluded the current regulatory constraints prevent viable operation. He described the local impacts: the reservoir supports Green River State Park and regional recreation, but the operation's economics are critical for Morrisville's roughly 4,100–4,900 customers. Gaston asked the committee to consider accountability for the timeline and to weigh options to split permits so other, non-controversial dams (Morrisville and Cadiz Falls) could proceed with investment while Green River study work continues.
The committee questioned the mechanics and options after the study is completed; Gaston said any action by ANR would come back to the legislature before major transfer or operational changes. He emphasized that delays are imposing real costs and uncertainty. "The impact of that on us is, you know, it's 1 permit for all 3 of our facilities. I can't invest in any of those facilities reasonably when I don't know if the permits can go through," Gaston said.
Gaston also noted that the federal regulator (FERC) and other third‑party engineering inspections are part of the process. He urged clearer timelines and suggested the committee consider whether the state taking responsibility for some functions would be preferable if regulatory constraints continue to make local ownership nonviable.
