NOAA’s Plan for the ANDRO

The Federal and State governments have completed many reports evaluating existing fish passage issues, the need for improvements and feasibility of alternatives.

This 2020 report by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) examines restoration potential and larger goals for the Androscoggin River Watershed that would “promote the overall public interest”. These are important selected quotes.

• With regards to Brunswick dam, “Improved fish passage at this barrier is necessary to restore diadromous species throughout the watershed.” page 25.
• “We expect modifications or removal of all dams in the Lower Androscoggin River to generate substantial commercial and recreational fishing benefits. Using only a subset of all affected fish species and conservative estimates of fisheries effects, the estimated economic values for two different scenarios of habitat area above dams is $5.8 to $14.8 million in total benefits annually.” page 94.
• “The lack of effective upstream and downstream fish passage at the Brunswick Project is limiting successful American shad and other diadromous species restoration.” page 95
• “The NOAA Fisheries is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce whose mission is to promote job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, and improved standards of living for Americans. The Androscoggin River is an economic engine for the state of Maine and the United States by sustaining commercial and recreational fisheries in balance with industry and energy production. We recommend specific actions in this CP that promote economic benefit. For example, the removal of dams and construction of fishways can create economic opportunity, as can upgrading a powerhouse to generate more electricity. With respect to increasing the population of diadromous fishes identified in the restoration focus area, our analysis indicates substantial economic benefit resulting in this diadromous fishery restoration.” page 102
• “The Lower Androscoggin River includes suitable habitat to support roughly 388,000 alewife, 731,000 blueback herring, and 84,000 American shad. Safe, timely, and effective upstream and downstream passage at these projects would support this level of restoration.” page 103
• With each license expiration, there is an opportunity to install new fish passage facilities, improve or replace existing fish passage facilities, or decommission and remove the facility. Our preference is dam removal, where possible, as this action results in the maximum benefit for our trust species.” page 106
• “We will work with the FERC’s Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance, our partners, and the Licensee to ensure the Licensee meets license conditions relevant to our trust species. Specific actions include development of site-specific performance standards, regular site visits and inspections of fish passage facilities, additions and corrections in the administrative record, adaptive management of resource goals and objectives, review of fish passage monitoring requirements, and continued consultation to meet facility performance standards.” page 106
• “The extirpation and dramatic declines in the diadromous fishery coast-wide have led to a public that has forgotten the benefits of healthy fish populations in rivers and oceans. We will engage the public to educate them about the benefits of fishery restoration, as well as how we work to balance fishery and energy needs. Dozens of restoration projects throughout the Androscoggin River restoration focus area will benefit from having a well-informed and motivated public.” page 109