Notification of Completion of Repairs to Primary Downstream Fishway Entrance

Strategic Insights -

The Worumbo Hydroelectric Project, owned by Brown Bear II Hydro, Inc., has completed repairs to the primary downstream fishway entrance after a previous incident on May 12, 2025, which damaged the structure. The incident occurred during routine debris removal, and the Licensee was required to submit a report on the change in operation of the downstream fish passage. The repairs were completed on July 8, 2025, and the entrance was reopened, following a period of reduced river flows.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Worumbo Hydroelectric Project, located on the Androscoggin River in Lisbon Falls, Maine, suffered damage to its primary downstream fishway entrance on May 12, 2025.
  • The incident occurred during routine raking for debris removal, which dislodged the trashrack over the entrance.
  • The Licensee submitted a report on May 23, 2025, detailing the change in operation of the downstream fish passage, including the closure of entrance #3 and opening of entrance #2 as an interim measure.
  • The necessary repair work was completed on July 8, 2025, allowing for the reopening of entrance #3 and closure of entrance #2.
  • The repairs were facilitated by reduced river flows, enabling safe and effective completion of the work.
  • The Licensee, Brown Bear II Hydro, Inc., submitted a final update on the repairs to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Statistics:

  • Date of incident: May 12, 2025
  • Date of report submission: May 23, 2025
  • Date of completion of repairs: July 8, 2025
  • Number of fishway entrances affected: 2 (entrance #3 closed, entrance #2 opened as interim measure)
  • Contact information for Licensee's Compliance Analyst: Helen Jasper, (703) 470-4087, helen.jasper@eaglecreekre.com

Sources:

  • Brown Bear II Hydro, Inc. (2025, May 23). Report on Change in Operation of Downstream Fish Passage (FERC No. P-3428) [Source not available online]
  • Brown Bear II Hydro, Inc. (2025, July 8). Notification of Completion of Repairs to Primary Downstream Fishway Entrance (FERC No. P-3428) [Exact address: 888 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20426]
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [FERC] (2025, July 8). Received Correspondence from Brown Bear II Hydro, Inc. regarding the Worumbo Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. P-3428) [Source not available online]