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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