Rumford Falls Hydro LLC (RFH) has initiated or completed several studies at the Project consistent with the July 7, 2020 Revised Study Plan (RSP), as modified and/or approved in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC or Commission) August 6, 2020 Study Plan Determination, which included the following eight studies:
- Water Quality Study
- Angler Creel Survey
- Recreation Study
- Historic Architectural Survey
- Aesthetic Flow Study
- Impoundment Bass Spawning Survey
- Flow Study for Aquatic Habitat Evaluation
- Whitewater Boating Study
The Water Quality Study, Impoundment Bass Spawning Survey, and Historical Architectural Survey were completed in 2021. The Water Quality Study and Impoundment Bass Spawning Survey study reports were filed with FERC in the Initial Study Report on August 6, 2021. The Draft License Application (DLA) was filed with FERC on May 2, 2022. The Historic Architectural Survey Report will be filed with FERC in May 2022.
The Angler Creel Survey, Recreation Study, Aesthetic Flow Study, Flow Study for Aquatic Habitat Evaluation, and Whitewater Boating Study are being conducted in 2022. RFH files quarterly study progress reports, which describe the progress on current studies underway as part of the relicensing process.
The Updated Study Report will be filed with FERC on August 7, 2022, and the Final License Application will be filed with FERC on September 30, 2022.
The Recreation Study will assess current recreation usage and future recreation needs in the Project area, including Rumford Falls Trail, Veterans Park, the West Viewing area, J. Eugene Boivin Park, as well as other recreation facilities. The Recreation Study will include a recreation facility inventory and assessment, recreational use observations, a focus group site visit and discussion, as well as visitor and online surveys. As specified in the RSP and DLA, following completion of the Recreation Study, RFH will develop a recreation management plan to provide for management of recreational facilities throughout the term of the license..
Other Licensing Documents – Copies of documents are available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission’s website, ferc.gov, using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number, P-2333, to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll-free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY, (202) 502-8659.