Dam Renewal Projects

Upper Dam - 2011 Schedule Update

Work continues with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to finalize design and construction details and the schedule. Once schedule approval has been received an update will be posted, but it currently appears that major construction work will be delayed until the spring of 2012. Some preparation work may occur earlier.  This website will be updated periodically to provide the latest information. Plans are subject to change based upon regulatory approvals and project logistics.  Posted: September 2, 2011

Background

NextEra Energy Resources is planning to modify the Upper and Middle Dams on Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Richardson Lake, respectively, in western Maine. This work is needed to meet design requirements established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Licensing hydroelectric facilities is among FERC's responsibilities. Preliminary work on the dams began in 2009, and construction is expected to occur over the next several years.

 

During modification work, access across the dams will be limited during certain periods of time. A schedule of the closings will be posted on this website. NextEra Energy Resources will work with contractors to provide access to the docks. Fishing and boating access may be impacted by construction activities; however, these situations will be addressed individually as they arise during construction.

The modifications to Upper and Middle Dams are planned to include the following:

• Regrading of the downstream slope of the embankments to meet the new design requirements
• Adding additional material along the upstream embankment slope to prevent erosion
• Raising the elevation of the saddle dike at Upper Dam in the area of the canoe portage to the new design flood elevation; the work will maintain the general character of the portage
• Raising the elevation of the Black Cat Dike at Middle Dam to the new design flood elevation
• Rebuilding or replacing the existing spillways and bridges to allow for the design flood flowrates to be safely passed downstream through the structures

For more information, please contact us.