Penobscot River Restoration ProjectProjected Conditions Post-Dam Removal

The Penobscot River Restoration Project is an unprecedented collaboration between hydropower company PPL Corporation, the Penobscot Indian Nation, seven conservation groups, and state and federal agencies, to restore 11 species of sea-run fish to the Penobscot River, while maintaining energy production.

Veazie Dam, the first dam on the lower Penobscot River, was originally built in the 1830’s. Turbines from this dam will be recycled to enhance energy production at other dams on the river. The rapids revealed at both Veazie and Great Works post dam removal will look similar to those seen at Basin Mills Rips in Orono and provide “new” paddling opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Existing Conditions Veazie DamMMI Engineering

Projected Conditions Veazie DamMMI Engineering

This is a projection of what the river will look like once the dam is removed. Immediately below the dam site there will be minimal change. The water flow will change to follow the natural contours of the river. Although this image does not indicate it there will likely be a series of crib works and remnants of older dams; this shows all removed, but often crib works remain.  We will work with communities and historical entities to determine the best approach to dealing with the crib works.

Great Works, the second dam on the river, was built over 100 years ago by the Penobscot Chemical Fibre Company, the first pulp mill on the river. Fish passage is virtually non-existent at this dam due to the location and condition of the fish ladder at this site.

Existing Conditions Great Works Dam MMI Engineering

Projected Conditions Great Works Dam MMI Engineering Projected conditions of Great Works dam site, post dam removal. Here removal of the dam will reveal a steeper stretch of rapids than at Veazie, providing “new” extreme white water paddling opportunities and restored habitat for all eleven species of sea-run fish and other wildlife.

Projection of what the river will look like developed by MMI Engineering.

The Howland Dam is located at the confluence of the Piscataquis and the Penobscot. The bypass will be constructed to the left of the dam and powerhouse , and open up prime spawning habitat in the Piscataquis and Pleasant rivers for Atlantic salmon, American shad, eel, and river herring.

Existing Conditions Howland Dam

Projected rendering of the Howland Bypass from a birds-eye-view - MMI Engineering.

The bypass will allow sea-run fish to travel around the dam to continue along on their spawning routes.

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