Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

000001dd0585df8a39709e9eac50

Bar Mills next steps

From

• Mark Woodruff <[email protected]>

To

• Cindy Fanning <[email protected]>
• Dan Yarumian <[email protected]>
• David Field <[email protected]>
• Heath Knight <[email protected]>
• Jamie Marshall <[email protected]>
• jim boutin <[email protected]>
• Mark Blier <[email protected]>
• Paul Mattor <[email protected]>
• Renee Lewis <[email protected]>
• Terry Walters <[email protected]>

Cc

• Andy Fisk (American Rivers) <[email protected]>

Date

Fri, Jun 26, 2026 · 12:07 p.m. ET

• 2026 0622-5090_20260619 To FERC Bar Mills Headpond Variance Request_BWPH.pdfNot posted

  The original PDF is not in this public copy. The words copied from it are below.

  Read from the file

  BROOKFIELD WHITE PINE HYDRO LLC 460 Civic Center Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 T +1 207.755.5600 F +1 207.755.5655 brookfieldrenewableNA.com June 19, 202 6 Bar Mills Project FERC No. 2194 - ME Debbie - Anne A. Reese, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20426 Subject: Bar Mills Project (FERC No. 2194 - ME) Headpond Variance Request Spillway Flashboard Removal Dear Secretary Reese: Brookfield White Pine Hydro LLC (BWPH) is the owner and operator of the Bar Mills Project (Project) in the towns of Buxton and Hollis. The Project is located on the Saco River in the state of Maine. As you know, BWPH is in the process of planning to surrender its license for this facility and remove the dam structure from the river. The purpose of this letter is to request a temporary headpond variance which would lower upstream water levels on the Saco River from spring 2027 through the commen cement of removal activities. Background and Request The Bar Mills Project powerhouse has remained offline since 2017. Since this time, all river flow has been routed over the bypass spillway, resulting in the project operating in an abnormal configuration relative to its licensed mode of operation. BWPH staff manually raise and lower the Project’s flashboard s to maintain licensed headpond elevation s. The Project is currently governed by Article 401 of the August 26, 2008, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license and June 19, 2008, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) Water Quality Certificate and features 51 spillway hinged flashboards that are 6.75 f ee t high. Assuming your concurrence, BWPH intend s to lower any flashboards that remain in the raised position following the spring run - off to the spillway crest on or after May 1, 2027, subject to river conditions and the ability to safely perform the work. Licensed and proposed headpond elevations are as follows: Operating Condition Period Headpond Elevation (ft msl) Normal full headpond Year - round 148.5 Low headpond April 1 - June 30 147.5 Low headpond July 1 - March 31 146.5 Flashboards lowered* As applicable and proposed Approximately 141.75 *Corresponds to the spillway crest elevation and may vary based on inflow conditions. BWPH proposes to maintain the variance condition through the summer of 2027 or until decommissioning removal activities commence. Justification Our proposal addresses several safety and ecological concerns. For example, the permanent lowering of flashboards would alleviate dam and personnel safety concerns associated with

  BROOKFIELD WHITE PINE HYDRO LLC 460 Civic Center Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 T +1 207.755.5600 F +1 207.755.5655 brookfieldrenewableNA.com high ‑ flow events and the subsequent, recurring inspection and maintenance needs related to their raising and/or lowering. Additionally, the lowering of the flashboards and a gradual drawdown to the dam crest — consistent with BWPH’s low license limit — will reduce stress on aquatic wildlife, macroinvertebrates, and riparian vegetation within the drawdown zone. A lower headpond elevation is expected to support early revegetation of upper impoundment areas, promote shoreline stabilization and erosion control, improve sediment management, facilitate aquatic life adaptation, and provide a head start on long ‑ term river restoration. E xposing shallow ‑ water vegetation to drying conditions during the summer will also help naturally suppress invasive or nuisance aquatic plant species. BWPH recognizes that reduced water levels may inconvenience recreational boaters; however, t he lower headpond level may also enhance angling opportunities for shoreline and wading anglers. Together, these measures support a more stable, resilient, and efficient ecological recovery of the river system as the Project transitions toward decommissioning. Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation BWPH initiated agency consultation and stakeholder outreach on May 13, 2026, to support the required 30 - day review period related to this proposal. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), Maine Department of Marine Resources (MDMR), MDEP, Maine Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC), and the Town s of Buxton and Hollis provided their concurrence. Both t owns, as well as MDMR, recommended that BWPH remove the flashboards after the spring runoff in 2027 to allow for a full growing season of revegetation. BWPH ’s initial request proposed an October 1, 2026, flashboard removal date. As reflected in this submission, BWPH agreed with the Towns and MDMR that lowering the boards after the spring runoff in 2027 would be more appropriate to support revegetation. Additionally, MDEP highlighted concerns related to the rate of the river’s drawdown, and BWPH intend s to limit the rate of draw to no more than a foot a day when lowering flashboards. Finally, on March 23, 2026, BWPH provided an updated plan and schedule for the Bar Mills Project license surrender and decommissioning to the resource agencies, stakeholders, and FERC. BWPH currently anticipates filing the Final License Surrender Application in August 2026. Dam removal construction is expected to begin following FERC approval and completion of all federal, state, and local permitting, with a timeline for removal and restoration anticipated to begin next summer. Next Steps and Conclusion The Project’s headpond boat barrier will remain in place through out the planned lowering of flashboards and decommissioning activities, and BWPH has not identified any changes to public safety associated with this variance request. BWPH will evaluate the public boat launch to determine whether an extension may be necessary following the lowering of the headpond but would note that it plans to return this site to a more natural river ine state as p art of decommissioning activities.

  BROOKFIELD WHITE PINE HYDRO LLC 460 Civic Center Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 T +1 207.755.5600 F +1 207.755.5655 brookfieldrenewableNA.com Downstream fish passage and minimum flow will remain fully compliant and will continue to be provided through the minimum flow bypass gate and spill over the spillway. The proposed variance request will not alter run - of - river operations, and no changes to tailrace conditions are anticipated. Lowering the spillway flashboards will result in a headpond elevation consistent with conditions documented during the 2024 decommissioning studies, with the water surface maintained near the concrete spillway crest, subject to natural inflow variability o utside of BWPH’s control. BWPH respectfully requests your concurrence to lower any flashboards that remain in the raised position following the spring run - off to the spillway crest on or after May 1, 2027, subject to river conditions and the ability to safely perform the work, and for these boards to remain lowered through the summer of 2027 or until decommissioning removal activities commence. If there are any questions or comments, please contact Jay Seyfried, at (207) 755 - 5615 or at [email protected]. Sincerely, Randy Dorman Senior Compliance Manager – New England and Rest of Country (LA, NC, and TN) Attachments: Agency Consultation Cc: I. Doiron, R. Nadeau, N. Stevens, M. LeBlanc Sr., Z. Gallant, D. Heidrich, J. Clere, J. Seyfried, M. LeBlanc, K. Pocquette, P. Kelly; BWPH Town of Hollis Town of Buxton M. Buhyoff; NMFS M. Rideout; MHPC C. Dunning; SRCC L. Paye, C. Briggs; MDEP C. Clark; L. Hammer; MDMR P. Dockens, K. Spiller; USFWS A. Wood, J. Pellerin, J. Perry; MDIFW L. Gale, J. Spain; FERC - NYRO HSSE Managed System: 2194|01

  BROOKFIELD WHITE PINE HYDRO LLC 460 Civic Center Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 T +1 207.755.5600 F +1 207.755.5655 brookfieldrenewableNA.com BWPH C onsultation with Agencies and Stakeholders May 13, 2026

  From: Seyfried, Jason To: Dockens, Patrick E; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Rideout, Megan M ([email protected]); Paye, Laura; "[email protected]"; Clark, Casey; [email protected] Cc: Nadeau, Ryan; Heidrich, David; Pocquette, Kayla; Scarzello, Michael; LeBlanc, Matt; Dorman, Randy; Doiron, Isaac; Gallant, Zachary; Clere, Jason; Murphy,Kyle; Leblanc Sr, Matthew; Andy Qua; Kevin Cooley; Bruce DiGennaro Subject: To Agencies & Stakeholders | Bar Mills Project (FERC No. 2194-ME) Temporary Headpond Variance Request Consultation Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 9:54:00 AM Attachments: 20260513 To Agencies Bar Mills Temporary Variance Spillway Flashboard Removal.pdf image003.jpg Good morning, Brookfield White Pine Hydro LLC (BWPH), owner and operator of the Bar Mills Project, respectfully requests your concurrence on a temporary headpond variance to lower the 6.75 ‑ foot ‑ high spillway hinged flashboards to crest effective October 1, 2026, following the conclusion of the 2026 recreation season. BWPH proposes to maintain this condition through the summer of 2027 or until decommissioning removal activities commence. Following agency consultation and stakeholder outreach, BWPH will seek a temporary variance from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to implement this operational change as the decommissioning and surrender process advances. Please see the attached letter and provide any questions or concerns by June 13th. Thank you, Jay Seyfried Senior Compliance Specialist | NEROC Compliance T 207.755.5615 C 207.312.8323 [email protected] View important disclosures and information about our e-mail policies here.

  BROOKFIELD WHITE PINE HYDRO LLC 460 Civic Center Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 T +1 207.755.5600 F +1 207.755.5655 brookfieldrenewableNA.com May 13, 2026 Bar Mills Project FERC No. 2194-ME Subject: Bar Mills Project (FERC No. 2194-ME) Temporary Headpond Variance Request Spillway Flashboard Removal Dear Agencies and Stakeholders, Brookfield White Pine Hydro LLC (BWPH), owner and operator of the Bar Mills Project, respectfully requests your concurrence on a temporary headpond variance to lower the 6.75 ‑ foot ‑ high spillway hinged flashboards to crest effective on October 1, 2026, following the conclusion of the 2026 recreation season. BWPH proposes to maintain the variance condition through the summer of 2027 or until decommissioning removal activities commence. On March 23, 2026, BWPH provided an updated plan and schedule for the Bar Mills Project license surrender and decommissioning to the resource agencies, stakeholders, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). BWPH currently anticipates filing the Final License Surrender Application in August 2026. Dam removal construction is expected to begin following FERC approval and completion of all federal, state, and local permitting, with removal and restoration anticipated to begin next summer. BWPH is seeking to lower the headpond elevation to support early revegetation of upper impoundment areas, promote shoreline stabilization and erosion control, improve sediment management, facilitate aquatic life adaptation, and provide a head start on long ‑ term river restoration. Studies indicate that a controlled drawdown of a riverine impoundment can reduce the downstream transport of accumulated sediments, thereby minimizing turbidity spikes and protecting aquatic habitats. In addition, exposing shallow ‑ water vegetation to drying or freezing conditions during the winter of 2026–2027 will help naturally suppress invasive or nuisance aquatic plant species. The removal of the flashboards and a gradual drawdown to the dam crest—consistent with BWPH’s low license limit—will reduce stress on fish, macroinvertebrates, and riparian vegetation within the drawdown zone. Together, these measures are expected to support a more stable, resilient, and efficient ecological recovery of the river system as the Project transitions toward decommissioning. The normal Bar Mills Project full headpond elevation is 148.5 feet msl. The low headpond elevation is 147.5 feet msl from April 1 through June 30 and 146.5 feet msl from July 1 through March 31. BWPH proposes to permanently slowly lower all 51 hinged flashboards to alleviate dam and personnel safety concerns associated with high ‑ flow events and the recurring maintenance required to repair, raise, and lower the boards. Lowering the flashboards will result in a headpond elevation of approximately 141.75 feet msl—the spillway crest elevation—subject to inflow conditions. The Bar Mills Project powerhouse has remained offline since 2017. During this period to date, all river flow has been routed over the bypass spillway, resulting in the project operating in an abnormal configuration relative to its licensed mode of operation. The flashboards are currently lowered and raised to maintain the headpond level by field personnel. In addition to aiding ecological restoration, lowering the hinged flashboards will reduce dam and

  BROOKFIELD WHITE PINE HYDRO LLC 460 Civic Center Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 T +1 207.755.5600 F +1 207.755.5655 brookfieldrenewableNA.com personnel safety risks, particularly those associated with high ‑ flow events and flashboard inspection and maintenance activities. The Project’s headpond boat barrier will remain in place, and BWPH has not identified any changes to public safety associated with this variance request to operate at the low license limit without spillway flashboards. Downstream fish passage and minimum flow will remain fully compliant and will continue to be provided through the minimum flow bypass gate and spill over the spillway. The proposed change will not alter run ‑ of ‑ river operations, and no changes to tailrace conditions are anticipated. Lowering the spillway flashboards will result in a headpond elevation consistent with conditions documented during the 2024 decommissioning studies, with the water surface maintained near the concrete spillway crest, subject to natural inflow variability outside of BWPH’s control. BWPH will evaluate the public boat launch to determine whether an extension is necessary following the lowering of the headpond. Please provide any questions or concerns by June 1 3, 2026. Following agency consultation and stakeholder outreach, BWPH will seek a temporary variance from FERC to implement this operational change as the decommissioning and surrender process advances. If there are any questions or comments, please contact Jay Seyfried, at (207) 755-5615 or at [email protected]. Sincerely, Randy Dorman Senior Compliance Manager – New England and Rest of Country (LA, NC, and TN) Cc: P. McDonough, I. Doiron, R. Nadeau, M. LeBlanc Sr., Z. Gallant, D. Heidrich, J. Seyfried, M. LeBlanc, K. Pocquette, P. Kelly; BWPH HSSE Managed System: 2194|01

  From: Pellerin, James To: Seyfried, Jason; Dockens, Patrick E; [email protected]; Spiller, Kimberly J; [email protected]; [email protected]; Rideout, Megan M; Paye, Laura; Clark, Casey; [email protected] Cc: Nadeau, Ryan; Heidrich, David; Pocquette, Kayla; Scarzello, Michael; LeBlanc, Matt; Dorman, Randy; Doiron, Isaac; Gallant, Zachary; Clere, Jason; Murphy,Kyle; Leblanc Sr, Matthew; Andy Qua; Kevin Cooley; Bruce DiGennaro Subject: RE: To Agencies & Stakeholders | Bar Mills Project (FERC No. 2194-ME) Temporary Headpond Variance Request Consultation Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 11:30:43 AM Attachments: image001.png image002.jpg *** CAUTION! EXTERNAL SENDER *** STOP. ASSESS. VERIFY!: DO NOT CLICK ON LINKS OR OPEN ATTACHMENTS UNLESS YOU KNOW THE CONTENT IS SAFE. If suspicious, report email using the Phish Alert button. ***ATTENTION ! EXPÉDITEUR EXTERNE *** ARRÊTEZ, ÉVALUEZ ET VÉRIFIEZ !: NE CLIQUEZ PAS SUR LES LIENS OU N'OUVREZ PAS LES PIÈCES JOINTES À MOINS DE SAVOIR QUE LE CONTENU EST SÉCURISÉ. Si vous recevez un courriel suspect, veuillez utiliser le bouton Phish Alert. MDIFW has no issues with the proposed change. James Pellerin Resource Management Supervisor - Fisheries Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife 15 Game Farm Road Gray, maine 04039 Office: (207) 287-5765 www.mefishwildlife.com Correspondence to and from this office is considered a public record and may be subject to a request under the Maine Freedom of Access Act. Information that you wish to keep confidential should not be included in email correspondence. From: Seyfried, Jason <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 9:55 AM To: Dockens, Patrick E <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Spiller, Kimberly J <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; Rideout, Megan M <[email protected]>; Paye, Laura <[email protected]>; Pellerin, James <[email protected]>; Clark, Casey <[email protected]>; [email protected] Cc: Nadeau, Ryan <[email protected]>; Heidrich, David <[email protected]>; Pocquette, Kayla <[email protected]>; Scarzello, Michael <[email protected]>; LeBlanc, Matt <[email protected]>; Dorman, Randy <[email protected]>; Doiron, Isaac <[email protected]>; Gallant, Zachary <[email protected]>; Clere, Jason

  <[email protected]>; Murphy,Kyle <[email protected]>; matthew.leblanc <[email protected]>; Andy Qua <[email protected]>; Kevin Cooley <[email protected]>; Bruce DiGennaro <[email protected]> Subject: To Agencies & Stakeholders | Bar Mills Project (FERC No. 2194-ME) Temporary Headpond Variance Request Consultation EXTERNAL: This email originated from outside of the State of Maine Mail System. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good morning, Brookfield White Pine Hydro LLC (BWPH), owner and operator of the Bar Mills Project, respectfully requests your concurrence on a temporary headpond variance to lower the 6.75 ‑ foot ‑ high spillway hinged flashboards to crest effective October 1, 2026, following the conclusion of the 2026 recreation season. BWPH proposes to maintain this condition through the summer of 2027 or until decommissioning removal activities commence. Following agency consultation and stakeholder outreach, BWPH will seek a temporary variance from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to implement this operational change as the decommissioning and surrender process advances. Please see the attached letter and provide any questions or concerns by June 13th. Thank you, Jay Seyfried Senior Compliance Specialist | NEROC Compliance T 207.755.5615 C 207.312.8323 [email protected] View important disclosures and information about our e-mail policies here.

  From: Paye, Laura To: Seyfried, Jason; Dockens, Patrick E; [email protected]; Spiller, Kimberly J; [email protected]; [email protected]; Rideout, Megan M; Pellerin, James; Clark, Casey; [email protected] Cc: Nadeau, Ryan; Heidrich, David; Pocquette, Kayla; Scarzello, Michael; LeBlanc, Matt; Dorman, Randy; Doiron, Isaac; Gallant, Zachary; Clere, Jason; Murphy,Kyle; Leblanc Sr, Matthew; Andy Qua; Kevin Cooley; Bruce DiGennaro Subject: RE: Follow up to MDEP | Bar Mills Project (FERC No. 2194-ME) Temporary Headpond Variance Request Consultation Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 2:48:36 PM Attachments: image001.jpg image002.jpg *** CAUTION! EXTERNAL SENDER *** STOP. ASSESS. VERIFY!: DO NOT CLICK ON LINKS OR OPEN ATTACHMENTS UNLESS YOU KNOW THE CONTENT IS SAFE. If suspicious, report email using the Phish Alert button. ***ATTENTION ! EXPÉDITEUR EXTERNE *** ARRÊTEZ, ÉVALUEZ ET VÉRIFIEZ !: NE CLIQUEZ PAS SUR LES LIENS OU N'OUVREZ PAS LES PIÈCES JOINTES À MOINS DE SAVOIR QUE LE CONTENU EST SÉCURISÉ. Si vous recevez un courriel suspect, veuillez utiliser le bouton Phish Alert. Thank you, Jay for the additional details. No further questions or concerns from MDEP. Best, Laura Laura Paye (she/her) Hydropower Coordinator Bureau of Land Resources Maine Department of Environmental Protection (207) 219-9563 From: Seyfried, Jason <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026 2:30 PM To: Paye, Laura <[email protected]>; Dockens, Patrick E <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Spiller, Kimberly J <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; Rideout, Megan M <[email protected]>; Pellerin, James <[email protected]>; Clark, Casey <[email protected]>; [email protected] Cc: Nadeau, Ryan <[email protected]>; Heidrich, David <[email protected]>; Pocquette, Kayla <[email protected]>; Scarzello, Michael <[email protected]>; LeBlanc, Matt <[email protected]>; Dorman, Randy <[email protected]>; Doiron, Isaac <[email protected]>; Gallant, Zachary <[email protected]>; Clere, Jason <[email protected]>; Murphy,Kyle <[email protected]>; Leblanc Sr, Matthew <[email protected]>; Andy Qua <[email protected]>; Kevin Cooley <[email protected]>; Bruce DiGennaro <[email protected]>

  Subject: Follow up to MDEP | Bar Mills Project (FERC No. 2194-ME) Temporary Headpond Variance Request Consultation EXTERNAL: This email originated from outside of the State of Maine Mail System. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good afternoon, Laura, Thank you for your email and for outlining the Department’s interpretation of the Chapter 450 permitting requirements. We appreciate the clarification regarding the grey area between Sections 4(B)/(C) and the exemptions under Section 5, and we understand the Department’s interest in ensuring that any flashboard removal and associated drawdown to our low license limit (crest) are conducted in a manner protective of water quality and aquatic habitat. Regarding the timing of flashboard removal, our current plan is to remove the flashboards in alignment with the anticipated schedule for decommissioning activities. At this time, we expect removal to begin during the late summer of 2027. If the overall dam removal schedule is delayed beyond that timeframe, BWPH does not intend to raise the flashboards again; they would remain lowered to reduce dam and personnel safety risks associated with high-flow events and the recurring maintenance required to repair, raise, and lower the boards. We see this approach consistent with the exemption under Section 5(2), as no earthen cofferdam, dredging, filling, or permanent alteration of water levels would occur. The flashboard removal alone would be a temporary measure until the spillway is permanently breached—a separately permitted action undertaken with the Department’s concurrence that will permanently alter water levels. As you know, the Bar Mills Project has experienced significant operational challenges that have prevented the generating units from operating since 2017. These challenges stem from Alkali Aggregate Reactivity (AAR), an unavoidable condition in which certain aggregates used in the concrete absorb water and expand over time, leading to cracking and structural degradation. There is no long - term remedy for AAR at the Bar Mills powerhouse other than full reconstruction. As a result, the Project has been operating in a constrained and abnormal condition since 2017. With respect to the drawdown rate, we agree that a gradual lowering of the headpond is important for minimizing sediment mobilization and reducing impacts to aquatic life and shoreline stability. We would implement a controlled drawdown not exceeding one foot per day. The specific configuration for lowering a section of hinged flashboards would depend on inflows, but our intent is to remain fully within the Department’s drawdown parameters. It is worth noting that numerous spillway flashboards are commonly down in late fall following high - flow events and typically remain down throughout the winter due to unsafe conditions outside of our control. The lowered boards and resulting elevation provide protection during spring run-off with high inflows. The impoundment levels fluctuate until our hydro personnel can safely raise the boards. I’m happy to set up a call if you have any further questions or concerns. Thanks for your time and

  have a good week. Jay Seyfried Senior Compliance Specialist | NEROC Compliance T 207.755.5615 C 207.312.8323 [email protected] View important disclosures and information about our e-mail policies here. From: Paye, Laura <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 2:34 PM To: Seyfried, Jason <[email protected]>; Dockens, Patrick E <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Spiller, Kimberly J <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; Rideout, Megan M <[email protected]>; Pellerin, James <[email protected]>; Clark, Casey <[email protected]>; [email protected] Cc: Nadeau, Ryan <[email protected]>; Heidrich, David <[email protected]>; Pocquette, Kayla <[email protected]>; Scarzello, Michael <[email protected]>; LeBlanc, Matt <[email protected]>; Dorman, Randy <[email protected]>; Doiron, Isaac <[email protected]>; Gallant, Zachary <[email protected]>; Clere, Jason <[email protected]>; Murphy,Kyle <[email protected]>; Leblanc Sr, Matthew <[email protected]>; Andy Qua <[email protected]>; Kevin Cooley <[email protected]>; Bruce DiGennaro <[email protected]> Subject: RE: To Agencies & Stakeholders | Bar Mills Project (FERC No. 2194-ME) Temporary Headpond Variance Request Consultation *** CAUTION! EXTERNAL SENDER *** STOP. ASSESS. VERIFY!: DO NOT CLICK ON LINKS OR OPEN ATTACHMENTS UNLESS YOU KNOW THE CONTENT IS SAFE. If suspicious, report email using the Phish Alert button. ***ATTENTION ! EXPÉDITEUR EXTERNE *** ARRÊTEZ, ÉVALUEZ ET VÉRIFIEZ !: NE CLIQUEZ PAS SUR LES LIENS OU N'OUVREZ PAS LES PIÈCES JOINTES À MOINS DE SAVOIR QUE LE CONTENU EST SÉCURISÉ. Si vous recevez un courriel suspect, veuillez utiliser le bouton Phish Alert. Hi Jay, Thank you for the outreach. Based on your letter, removal of the flashboards may or may not be permanent based on timing for decommissioning activities. How will BWPH proceed if dam removal is delayed until after summer 2027?

  Under Department Rule Chapter 450 this activity is in a gray area of requiring an MWDCA permit. Section 4(B) & 4(C) of the rule are below showing this: Activities Requiring a Permit. The following types of activities are subject to the requirement for a permit: (1) the construction of a new hydropower project, including a new water storage dam, or a new hydroelectric generating facility of any kind, whether utilizing a dam, a natural water feature, natural current velocities, or tidal action; (2) the reconstruction of a hydropower project; (3) any dredging or filling below the normal high water line of a water body to facilitate maintenance and repair of an existing and operating hydropower project; and (4) the structural alteration of a hydropower project in a way that changes water levels or flows above or below the dam, including, but not limited to: (a) the addition or alteration of flashboards; and (b) the installation of additional or enlarged turbines. Activities Not Requiring a Permit. The following types of normal maintenance and repair activities at existing and operating hydropower projects are exempt from the requirement for a permit, provided that the activity does not diminish water quality below applicable standards: (1) the resurfacing or repair of dams, canals, powerhouses, retaining walls, or other structures where no earthen cofferdam, dredging, filling, or permanent water level alteration is involved; (2) the repair, removal or replacement of flashboards, stop logs, gates, or intake racks where no earthen cofferdam, dredging, filling, or permanent water level alteration is involved; The Department agrees that removal of the flashboards and a gradual drawdown will reduce stress on aquatic life and help revegetation and stabilization of banks considering the proposed decommissioning. Could you describe in further detail the timing by which flashboards will be removed, or any projections on the amount the headpond will drop per day based on the planned timing? In maintenance and repair permits, the Department typically prefers that headponds be lowered a maximum of 1 foot per day to prevent sedimentation. I am happy to discuss these questions in a meeting or phone call if you would prefer, Thank you, Laura Laura Paye (she/her) Hydropower Coordinator Bureau of Land Resources Maine Department of Environmental Protection

  (207) 219-9563 From: Seyfried, Jason <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 9:55 AM To: Dockens, Patrick E <[email protected]>; [email protected]; Spiller, Kimberly J <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; Rideout, Megan M <[email protected]>; Paye, Laura <[email protected]>; Pellerin, James <[email protected]>; Clark, Casey <[email protected]>; [email protected] Cc: Nadeau, Ryan <[email protected]>; Heidrich, David <[email protected]>; Pocquette, Kayla <[email protected]>; Scarzello, Michael <[email protected]>; LeBlanc, Matt <[email protected]>; Dorman, Randy <[email protected]>; Doiron, Isaac <[email protected]>; Gallant, Zachary <[email protected]>; Clere, Jason <[email protected]>; Murphy,Kyle <[email protected]>; matthew.leblanc <[email protected]>; Andy Qua <[email protected]>; Kevin Cooley <[email protected]>; Bruce DiGennaro <[email protected]> Subject: To Agencies & Stakeholders | Bar Mills Project (FERC No. 2194-ME) Temporary Headpond Variance Request Consultation EXTERNAL: This email originated from outside of the State of Maine Mail System. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good morning, Brookfield White Pine Hydro LLC (BWPH), owner and operator of the Bar Mills Project, respectfully requests your concurrence on a temporary headpond variance to lower the 6.75 ‑ foot ‑ high spillway hinged flashboards to crest effective October 1, 2026, following the conclusion of the 2026 recreation season. BWPH proposes to maintain this condition through the summer of 2027 or until decommissioning removal activities commence. Following agency consultation and stakeholder outreach, BWPH will seek a temporary variance from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to implement this operational change as the decommissioning and surrender process advances. Please see the attached letter and provide any questions or concerns by June 13th. Thank you, Jay Seyfried Senior Compliance Specialist | NEROC Compliance

  From: Hammer, Lars To: Seyfried, Jason; Dockens, Patrick E; Spiller, Kimberly J; [email protected]; [email protected]; Rideout, Megan M; Paye, Laura; Pellerin, James; Clark, Casey; [email protected] Cc: Nadeau, Ryan; Heidrich, David; Pocquette, Kayla; Scarzello, Michael; Leblanc Sr, Matthew; LeBlanc, Matt; Dorman, Randy; Doiron, Isaac; Gallant, Zachary; Clere, Jason; Murphy,Kyle; Andy Qua; Kevin Cooley; [email protected] Subject: MDMR Comments on Temporary Headpond Variance Request for Bar Mills Project (P-2194) Date: Friday, June 12, 2026 11:42:59 AM Attachments: 20260612_MDMR Comments Bar Mills Headpond Variance.pdf *** CAUTION! EXTERNAL SENDER *** STOP. ASSESS. VERIFY!: DO NOT CLICK ON LINKS OR OPEN ATTACHMENTS UNLESS YOU KNOW THE CONTENT IS SAFE. If suspicious, report email using the Phish Alert button. ***ATTENTION ! EXPÉDITEUR EXTERNE *** ARRÊTEZ, ÉVALUEZ ET VÉRIFIEZ !: NE CLIQUEZ PAS SUR LES LIENS OU N'OUVREZ PAS LES PIÈCES JOINTES À MOINS DE SAVOIR QUE LE CONTENU EST SÉCURISÉ. Si vous recevez un courriel suspect, veuillez utiliser le bouton Phish Alert. Good morning Jay, Thank you for the opportunity to review BWPH’s request for a temporary headpond variance at the Bar Mills project. Please find MDMR’s comments attached. Have a nice weekend. Lars Hammer (he/him) Marine Resource Management Coordinator Maine Department of Marine Resources 32 Blossom Lane Augusta, ME 04330 (207) 557-1564

  June 1 2, 2026 MDMR Comments on Bar Mills Temporary Headpond Variance On May 13, 2026, Brookfield White Pine Hydro LLC (BWPH) provided notice to agencies and stakeholders describing plans to lower the hinged flashboards at the Bar Mills project beginning October 1, 2026. BWPH characterizes this action as a temporary variance, anticipated to remain in place through the summer of 2027 or until dam removal activities begin. The Maine Department of Marine Resources appreciates BWPH ’ s continued coordination as planning for future dam removal advances. From MDMR’s perspective, our primary focus is the protection and enhancement of sea - run fish resources and the long - term ecological benefits associated with restoring free - flowing river co nditions. Within that context, we generally support headpond drawdowns as part of dam removal preparation where they can contribute to shoreline stability and revegetation. We offer the following as a suggestion for BWPH ’ s consideration. As proposed, an October 1 drawdown occurs late in the growing season in Maine, leaving limited time for native riparian vegetation to establish before winter. This can leave exposed banks more vulnerable to ice effects and spring high flows without vegetat ive stabilization, potentially increasing short - term erosion during the first year. If Brookfield finds it feasible, MDMR suggests considering whether the drawdown could instead occur in early summer 2027, for example around June 1. This timing would allow for a full growing season of revegetation, which can improve bank stability and sup port longer - term restoration outcomes associated with eventual dam removal. While this approach can increase the importance of invasive species management, that is typically addressed through a targeted revegetation plan using native riparian plantings and active site management, which is a common component of dam removal projects and consistent with prior MDMR recommendations. MDMR also encourages continued coordination with the Towns of Hollis and Buxton as planning advances. Early communication will help reduce recreational impacts, maintain public safety, and support a smooth transition for local residents and river users. Thank you for the opportunity to review this proposal. We appreciate BWP H ’ s continued engagement and willingness to consider measures that support long - term restoration success and shared community interests.