FERC Requests Update on Endangered Species Determination for Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has written to the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to request an update on the status of the endangered species determination for the Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project in Maine. The project, owned by Rumford Falls Hydro, LLC, was the subject of a previous request for concurrence from NMFS under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. FERC notes that they did not receive a response to their initial request and is now seeking a response within 15 days, or by July 23, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC has requested an update on the status of the endangered species determination for the Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project, which is located on the Androscoggin River in Maine.
  • The project was previously assessed by FERC staff as potentially affecting but not adversely affecting Atlantic salmon and its critical habitat.
  • NMFS was requested to concur with this assessment on March 1, 2024, but a response was not received.
  • FERC is seeking a response from NMFS within 15 days, or by July 23, 2025.
  • The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing and provides instructions for submitting a response through the Commission's eFiling system.
  • The project, owned by Rumford Falls Hydro, LLC, was the subject of a previous FERC request for concurrence from NMFS under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.

Statistics:

  • FERC requested a response from NMFS within 60 days of their initial letter, or by April 30, 2024.
  • The Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project is located on the Androscoggin River in the town of Rumford, Oxford County, Maine.
  • The project is owned and operated by Rumford Falls Hydro, LLC.
  • The Atlantic salmon species was assessed by FERC staff as potentially affected but not adversely affected by the project.

Sources:

  • FERC Correspondence with NMFS, July 8, 2025, File Number P-2333-094
  • FERC Staff's letter to NMFS, March 1, 2024, Document Accession Number: 20240301-3016
  • 7 U.S. Code § 691(a)(1) - Endangered Species Act.