You can help make the Farmington River safe for people and fish

Rainbow Dam on the Farmington River, CT | Farmington River Watershed Association

The Farmington River is a vital source of clean drinking water for the region, supports diverse fish and wildlife, and provides boating and other recreation opportunities. But the Rainbow Dam, an outdated hydropower dam near the mouth of the river, is sapping life from the river, blocking fish migration and spurring outbreaks of toxic algae blooms that are harmful to people, pets, and wildlife. Farmington River Power Company and Stanley Black & Decker need to be held accountable for dam operations and ensuring they meet reasonable standards for public health and safety, and the health of the river.

The Farmington River is the Connecticut River’s longest tributary and is a crucial part of life to plants, animals, and people alike, all of which depend on it for survival and wellness. Since there are no dams on the Connecticut River downstream of the Farmington River confluence, experts agree, it is critically important for restoring migratory fish access between Long Island Sound and the Upper Farmington River. Decades of work and successful progress to protect and restore the Farmington River -- as a world-class cold-water fishery, recreation destination, and potential home for hundreds of thousands of migratory fish -- hinges on threats posed by the Rainbow Dam. The company has had well over a century of largely unrestricted use of the Farmington River. It is time for them to demonstrate that they respect the river that they have been exploiting for over a century.

Join us in urging CT DEEP to continue its leadership in river restoration and convince Stanley Black and Decker to act now to put the Farmington River first, ensuring its health and safety for generations to come.

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CEO

Donald

Allan

Stanley Black & Decker

Dear Don Allan,

The Rainbow Dam is screwing up the terrific progress we have made protecting and restoring the Farmington River watershed. Commissioner Dykes, you have demonstrated strong leadership in river restoration and environmental stewardship on behalf of Connecticut. We want you and Stanley Black & Decker to continue being leaders.

The Rainbow Dam – a small, aging and poorly maintained hydropower dam on the Farmington River –  isn’t needed to meet the clean energy goals of Governor Lamont. The Rainbow Dam kills migratory fish, contributes to the regular creation of toxic algae blooms in the Rainbow Reservoir, and blocks over 95% of the watershed’s habitat for migratory fish. Aging and failing turbines only generate at night to avoid overheating. This facility violates state and federal environmental laws and that needs to change.

I want to see a Farmington River that doesn’t make people sick if they swim or boat in it. I want to see a Farmington River with hundreds of thousands of migratory fish swimming upstream every spring. Rivers belong to the public and I want my voice heard.

The Farmington River is a widely sought recreation destination for anglers, kayakers, tubers, and more. It provides drinking water for hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents and supports businesses, industry, and the local economy. It is long past time for Stanley Black & Decker to live up to its ideals. The company states in its website: “We’re making a positive impact in various areas such as the environment, health and safety, innovation, sustainability, and community involvement. However, we acknowledge that there is still more work to be done.”  I am holding CEO David Allan to this commitment to continue doing more for the Farmington River, your employees, shareholders, and the people of Connecticut.

There is a historic opportunity for Stanley Black & Decker to take advantage of federal funds to support a permanent solution to righting the wrongs that Rainbow Dam has created for decades. The time to act is now.

Sincerely,

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