NYPA and the NYS Canal Corporation Take Storm Readiness Actions to Proactively Address Potential Impacts from Tropical Storm Henri

For Immediate Release: 08/22/21

Contact: NYPA Media Relations | 914-681-6770 | media.inquiries@nypa.gov

WHITE PLAINS—The New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation are taking proactive steps to prepare for storm response related to Tropical Storm Henri, especially in the Mohawk Valley and in Southeastern New York.

 

Blenheim-Gilboa Preparations

At its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Plant in Schoharie County, NYPA has positioned water levels at both its upper and lower reservoirs to provide optimal flexibility and functionality in preparation for potential high-water flows from this storm. NYPA’s site operations staff have performed the facility’s storm preparation procedures, inspected and tested equipment, and staff are positioned to continue to ready the facility for storm response. Additionally, staff is in close contact with county emergency management officials and will continue outreach throughout the storm.

 

NYPA has also made a request to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to preemptively reduce the water level of the Schoharie Reservoir to minimize, to the extent possible, the potential downstream flood impacts associated with Tropical Storm Henri. NYPA and DEP are committed to minimizing downstream flood impacts and these efforts will not result in negative operational impacts to NYPA and DEP assets.

 

Canal Corporation

In preparation for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Henri, the Canal Corporation is lifting its movable dams along the Erie Canal and Mohawk River between Lock E-8 in Rotterdam and Lock E-15 in Fort Plain. Lifting the movable dams will lower water levels and is a necessary action to mitigate the risk of potential flooding in this area. The initial lowering of water levels throughout this area began yesterday with the lifting of the movable dams having begun at 7:30 a.m. this morning (Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021).

 

The Canal Corporation is working with marinas, vessel owners, dock owners, and others to notify them of the potential risk for damage from lowered water levels and expected weather.

 

In addition, the Canal Corporation has taken preemptive measures to create additional storage capacity in both Hinckley and Delta Reservoirs in anticipation of precipitation from Tropical Storm Henri.

 

The Canal Corporation will continue to monitor the path of the storm and will update the public accordingly through additional Notice to Mariners alerts. Members of the public may sign-up to receive these notices here.

 

NYPA’s Ongoing Storm Preparation Actions

Throughout the weekend, the New York Power Authority has secured and prepared all transmission and generation assets and prepared to support power restoration activities in storm affected areas as needed. NYPA and the New York State Canal Corporation are proactively communicating and collaborating with sister state agencies, as well as with regional and local emergency preparedness professionals.

 

NYPA has activated its organization-wide Incident Command System (ICS) response operations in White Plains and has set up regional ICS commands in expected areas of impact including in Southeastern New York and in the Mohawk Valley. NYPA’s transmission operations team has activated and positioned staff, including line crews and drone pilots to assess any damage, in potentially affected areas.

 

NYPA has made outreach through mutual aid agreements to ensure partner utilities can rely on NYPA for assistance. NYPA’s electrical contractors on retainer have made their contractors available to assist with storm preparations and response efforts. NYPA is collaborating with its 51 municipal utilities and cooperatives outside potentially affected areas to be ready to assist impacted utilities as needed.

 

NYPA incident command leaders and staff are monitoring weather conditions and forecasts to ensure ongoing preparedness, response efforts, and continuity of operations. 

 

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80% of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.