Planned Deviation Report for Worumbo Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Worumbo Hydroelectric Project, owned by Brown Bear II Hydro, Inc., has submitted a planned deviation report to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding an impoundment level deviation that occurred on July 7, 2025. The deviation was necessary to safely facilitate flashboard reinstallation on the Androscoggin River in Lisbon Falls, Maine. The project staff worked with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to ensure compliance with license requirements.

Key Takeaways:

  • The planned deviation report was submitted by Brown Bear II Hydro, Inc. to the FERC on [no specific date mentioned].
  • The deviation occurred on July 7, 2025, and lasted approximately 10 hours, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • The impoundment level was reduced from 98.5 feet to 96.0 feet MSL to enable a safe working environment for flashboard reinstallation.
  • The license holder received agreement from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife on July 1, 2025, prior to initiating the deviation.
  • Project staff walked the bypass reach area to monitor for potential environmental impacts and relocated one trout during the planned deviation.
  • No environmental impacts were observed during the deviation.

Statistics:

  • Impoundment level deviation: 2.5 feet (98.5 feet MSL to 96.0 feet MSL)
  • Duration of deviation: 10 hours
  • Flow reduction: 30 cfs (below the required 100 cfs to leakage)
  • Minimum flow maintained: 1700 cfs through the downstream fishway and the units
  • Number of trout relocated: 1

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) [no specific reference or date]
  • Worumbo Hydroelectric Project Report of Planned Deviation [no specific reference or date]
  • Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife [no specific reference or date]
  • Brown Bear II Hydro, Inc. (no specific reference or date)