NorthWestern presents proposed dock program

NorthWestern Energy is looking for ways to help property owners as they move through the relicensing process. Company representatives met recently with residents whose property borders the Thompson Falls reservoir to discuss a proposed dock modification program to help residents update their docks.

In the relicensing application, NorthWestern Energy is asking for 2.5 feet of fluctuation from full pool to operate the dam. The current license allows 4 feet. The company performed testing in 2021 and 2022 to study the effects of lowering and raising the water level. “We heard you when you said ‘our docks don’t function,’” said Kim McMahon, a consultant for NorthWestern Energy.

The program being proposed would help reimburse property owners for upgrades or maintenance to docks, gangways and railings to minimize impacts of water level fluctuations. “We’re hoping to implement this program under the new license and we want to get your input and feedback,” McMahon told the two dozen community members at last week’s meeting. The program would provide funding for existing docks, but would not pay for new dock construction. McMahon also noted that if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approves less than 2.5 feet of fluctuation capacity in the new license, the program would not be developed.

With the program, NorthWestern Energy would review proposed changes to docks presented by land owners. After the plan is approved, property owners would submit receipts and receive reimbursement for repairs and updates from the company. McMahon noted that the property owners would be responsible for obtaining any permits for work to be completed, such as from Green Mountain Conservation District.

The current FERC operations license for the Thompson Falls dam expires in December 2024. Property owners were supportive of the dock program presented, but expressed concerns with the permitting process as they said obtaining permits can sometimes be a lengthy process. Other questions from property owners included whether they would be reimbursed for homeowner labor and if NorthWestern Energy could provide assistance with design and engineering. NorthWestern Energy noted the concerns and will take those into account as they further develop the proposed program. “We do work with Green Mountain but we have not yet talked to them about this program,” said Andy Welch, manager of Hydro License Compliance with NorthWestern Energy. “We will give them an overview of the program.”

“We realize this isn’t a one-size-fits-all program and will review docks on a case-by-case basis,” McMahon said. She added that this would be a five-year program, giving time for property owners to have work completed, and that reimbursements would be provided within 30 days. However, she stressed that the projects would have to be approved ahead of time by NorthWestern.

A draft license application has been submitted to FERC by NorthWestern Energy. For more information on relicensing, go to http://www.northwesternenergy.com.