Montgomery County, Pennsylvania owns and maintains the Norristown Dam on the Schuylkill River. The structure was transferred from PECO in the 1990s with the requirement that PECO renovate the dam and install a fish ladder. While the dam was structurally repaired and the fish ladder became operational by 2008, the site remained underutilized despite being identified by Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2012 as having hydropower potential. Verdantas Flow Labs (formerly Alden Research Laboratory) conducted feasibility studies in 2016 which confirmed the technical viability of hydropower development, but financial constraints delayed progress. Renewed interest emerged in 2021 following the announcement of federal funding opportunities for small hydropower projects, prompting the County to re-engage in design and permitting efforts.

Verdantas is currently contracted to provide comprehensive consulting services as Montogomery County pursues a FERC Exemption and hydropower development at the site. The project was structured in two phases. Phase 1 focused on feasibility, permitting, and financial analysis, while Phase 2 outlined the path to development and construction.

Completed Work: Feasibility, Permitting, and Financial Analysis

• Conducted updated feasibility studies and developed three conceptual designs, with the Voith 4-unit turbine configuration identified as the most viable, capable of generating 7,300 MWh annually—exceeding the necessary demand.
• Completed a permitting alternatives analysis and recommended pursuing a FERC exemption, which functions like a FERC License to develop and operate hydropower but does not go on in perpetuity.
• Performed high-level financial modeling and proforma analysis,
• Identified funding opportunities including the Inflation Reduction Act and explored public-private partnership (PPP) options.
• Submitted the Initial Consultation Document to begin the FERC Exemption process and initiated stakeholder engagement. 

Ongoing Technical Studies and Agency Consultation
Verdantas is currently conducting or overseeing studies requested through agency consultations, including:

• Fish passage assessment
• Hydraulic modeling
• Bathymetric survey and in-situ river flow data collection
• Fish surveys
• Water quality monitoring
• Mussel survey (subcontracted) 

Next Steps

• Complete ongoing studies and submit the Exemption application.
• Continue agency consultation and explore PPP development opportunities.
• Provide grant and funding consultation.
• Potentially support construction and additional permitting efforts.
• Investigate alternate paths for leasing or selling the site, including market valuation, marketing documentation, and partner outreach.

This project reflects Verdantas’ commitment to helping communities unlock the potential of legacy infrastructure through sustainable energy solutions. By combining deep technical expertise with a collaborative, stakeholder-driven approach, Verdantas is supporting Montgomery County in advancing a project that balances environmental stewardship, energy independence, and long-term economic value.