Maine Dam Seeks New License in Routine Regulatory Filing
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
Great Lakes Hydro America wants a new license to keep running the Penobscot Mills Hydroelectric Project in Maine. The government is now reviewing the application and asking the public and stakeholders to share their thoughts by August 28, 2026. This process could affect local communities, the environment, and how energy is produced in the area, with important decisions coming soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Minimum river flows and lake levels
If you live in Maine near the Penobscot Mills Project, GLHA proposes specific water levels and minimum flows: target North Twin impoundment elevations of 490.42 ft NGVD 29 from May 1 through August 21 and 488.42 ft NGVD 29 from August 22 through October 15; a 3,000-cfs minimum flow in the West Branch from August 22 through October 15 when elevation exceeds 488.42 ft (otherwise 2,000 cfs downstream of Shad Pond); and a 60-cfs minimum flow from Millinocket Lake Storage to Millinocket Stream.
Battery storage to enhance reliability
The Penobscot Mills Project includes two battery energy sites that operate as a single battery energy storage system to enhance system reliability; the total rated capacity of the project is 67.9 megawatts.
Seasonal whitewater boating flows
If you boat or recreate on Millinocket Stream in Maine, GLHA proposes seasonal whitewater boating flows of 600 cubic feet per second (600 cfs) in Millinocket Stream.
Fish passage and American eel measures
GLHA proposes to continue operating the pool-and-weir fish passage at North Twin, provide American eel passage, conduct eel studies, and develop a fishway operations and maintenance plan for the Penobscot Mills Project in Maine.
Public posting of lake levels and streamflows
GLHA proposes to post lake level and streamflow information for North Twin and Millinocket Lake Storage on Brookfield Renewable, N.A.'s SafeWaters website so the public can view current conditions.
Conservation and shoreline buffers maintained
GLHA proposes to maintain a 200-foot conservation buffer and a 100-foot vegetation buffer around the Millinocket Lake Storage, North Twin, Millinocket, and Dolby impoundments and to maintain Umbazooksus Lake as wetland and wildlife habitat.
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Key Dates
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Previous: 2026-13460 — ANR Pipeline Company; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Planned Northwoods Project, and Notice of Public Scoping Sessions
ANR Pipeline Company plans to build and operate new pipeline facilities across parts of Wisconsin and Michigan, which could affect local environments and communities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is asking the public to share their thoughts on possible environmental impacts by July 29, 2026, to help decide if the project should move forward. This is a chance for folks to speak up before any big money or construction starts!
Next: 2026-13462 — Alabama Power Company; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
Alabama Power Company wants to use some land and water at the Coosa River Hydroelectric Project in Cherokee County, Alabama, for a new purpose. This could affect local communities and the environment, so the public has until July 29, 2026, to share their thoughts or get involved. No big money changes are announced yet, but this is the first step in the process.