Public record · Maine FOAA

Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

Town of Hollis, Maine · 546 messages · Jun 1, 2026 – Aug 14, 2026

from:harnois, subject:roles, month:2026-06, or a quoted phrase. Press / to focus search.

Back to results

006201dcf3714a4e9430deebbc90

Meeting recap

From
To
Date
  • 2026 0602_Recap of Stakeholders Meeting_BHDC.docxOpen original

    Read from the file

    RE: Recap of June 2, 2026, Stakeholders Meeting Present: Buxton and Hollis Decommissioning Committee, Laura Paye and Peter Crockett (Maine DEP), Lars Hammer and Casey Clark (Maine DMR), Cherri Dunnig and Donna Hansen (SRCC), Andy Fisk (American Rivers) Maine DEP will be reviewing Brookfield’s permit application under the Maine Waterways Development and Conservation Act. DEP, DMR, and IFW will review the application using the criteria located in 38 M.R.S. Section 636. State approval is a requirement of the FERC license surrender process. Section 636 does not give DEP the authority to compel Brookfield to remove the powerhouse and its spillway. However, DEP, DMR, and IFW will request clarification about the certain aspects of Brookfield’s plan for the canal – filling, diversion weir, flows in and out. Without authority under Section 636, another approach is to have the State request that Brookfield explain what it intends to do with the powerhouse and whether the interconnect value the property may have can be moved somewhere else. Requiring Brookfield to conduct a Phase I or II Environmental Site Assessment of the powerhouse property will be difficult because they do not intend to sell the property at this time. ESAs may have been in done in prior transfers in 1998 (CMP to Florida Power & Light) or 2013 (FPL to Brookfield), but it’s unlikely that they will be found in the FERC eLibrary. Maine DEP Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management will review the decommissioning plan for environmental sampling in the area around the Rogers Fibre Mill and whether the proposed use of concrete debris from the dam meets the Bureau’s beneficial reuse criteria. Questions were raised about Brookfield’s May 13, 2026, letter regarding their request for a headpond variance to begin October 1, 2026. Most importantly, what impact will there be on the shoreline? DEP and Saco River Corridor Commission agree with Brookfield that removal of the flashboards and gradual lowering of the headpond will be better for aquatic and riverine plants and animals. However, they will recommend that lowering the headpond should begin in the late spring or early summer to allow plants to stabilize exposed sediments that might otherwise be eroded by early spring runoff. The SRCC is supportive of recreational access and improvements along the river. Once Brookfield submits the final decommissioning plan and permit application, the Commission will be able to fully evaluate the proposal to build the hand carry boat launch behind the Hollis Town Office. Although concerns were expressed that this would not allow access for motorized boats, the height and slope of the shoreline on the town owned property and private ownership of other properties make the hand carry boat launch the best alternative. Riverbed modification that may be necessary for fish passage will consider the safety of boaters. For examples, see Saccarappa Falls in Westbrook or the Sabattus River. Need to publicize the public meeting hosted by Brookfield at the Hollis Town Office June 25 beginning at 6:00 PM.

Greetings,

We covered a lot of ground during yesterday's meeting. In case you need a recap, please see the attached document.

Thanks for your participation.

Mark Woodruff

207-615-7977