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Independent regulatory commissions

Revised SDR Submission for Lower Barker Project Fish Passage Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Lower Barker Project, a hydroelectric dam on the Little Androscoggin River in Auburn, ME, is undergoing a revised submission for the Supporting Design Report (SDR) for the proposed fish passage project. The update addresses comments from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the installation of enhanced fish passage facilities. KEI (USA) Power Management Inc., the project's operator, has submitted the revised SDR to the FERC for approval.

Key Takeaways:

  • The revised SDR addresses FERC's comments on the original submission, including concerns about the proposed fish passage work's impact on the spillway structure and the need for additional structural design and stability calculations.
  • KEI (USA) requested a formal letter to extend the time to complete the slab, buttress, and strut repairs, citing delays and the need for additional time to complete the work.
  • The project's engineer-of-record, Alfred Nash, confirmed that the fish passage installation can proceed without changes to the passage design or dam repair details.
  • The revised SDR includes a revised Quality Control and Inspection Plan (QCIP), a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, and a Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plan.
  • Field investigations were conducted to establish the configuration of affected existing structures, and additional details have been added to the contract drawings.
  • The project team discussed potential impacts of heavy flows through the right stop log structure, and measures to avoid an easily erodible thin layer of concrete at the eel ladder ramp.
  • The datum information has been added to the drawings, and the required minimum thickness of new concrete has been defined.
  • Clarifications have been made regarding the grizzly rack installation and the design water level for the cofferdam.

Statistics:

  • 11 FERC comments have been addressed in the revised SDR.
  • The updated schedule for the dam buttress and strut repairs was filed on July 14, 2025.
  • The proposed fish passage project will not impact the structure's deficiency areas on the left abutment.
  • The reservoir water level will be monitored for thermal conditions.
  • Concrete placement and curing measures will be sufficient to prevent excessive thermal stresses.

Sources:

  • [1] KEI (USA) Power Management Inc. (2025, September 5). Revised SDR Submission for Lower Barker Project Fish Passage Project [ Filed Electronically]. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

[Note: The complete document can be viewed at this link: https://elibrary.ferc.gov]

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