CT HB05520

Any person may petition the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection for fish passage evaluation at hydroelectric dams not under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jurisdiction

Fish passages must meet Connecticut River Migratory Fish Restoration Cooperative standards developed by the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission to be deemed safe, timely, and effective for migratory fish at all life stages

Commissioner must publish tentative determination within 180 days of petition, provide at least 30 days for public comment, and hold a public hearing before final determination

Commissioner may order conditions including construction of fishways, removal of artificial obstructions, maintenance of minimum water flows, and remediation of ineffective or harmful existing fish passage structures

For dams not covered by the new hydroelectric provisions, existing petition process requiring 10+ property owners is retained, with fishways required to remain open April 1 through November 1 unless otherwise specified