Guiding Principles

September 30, 2002 DRAFT

Re: Dam Removal Principles and Issues Identified by the L&WRC Dam Removal Policy Advisory Group

Guiding Principles for Dam Removal Policy in Maine

(in no special order)

• Sustaining indigenous, renewable energy resources and energy independence are important issues when dam removal is considered;
• Fish passage, related to dam removal, must be considered;
• There is significant benefit in early and meaningful local participation and input with respect to a dam removal process. Public education is an essential component of this;
• A free flowing river system has intrinsic value;
• The potential for recreational, economic, environmental benefits resulting from dam removal should be publicly identified and recognized in any removal proceeding;
• The potential for habitat restoration and ecological impacts resulting from dam removal should be publicly identified and recognized; and
• Flood control benefits, fire protection and dam safety issues should be publicly identified and recognized in any removal proceeding.
  

Observations with respect to Dam Removal Policy in Maine

• Any changes in dam removal policy should occur only after a comprehensive analysis of the law and identification of deficiencies within current application of the law.
• There is a balance to achieve between clean air and energy policies in any dam removal proceeding.
• Can we calculate the effect of dam removal on climate change?
• How should the State’s dam removal policies reflect purposes of MWDCA?
• The legal processes surrounding dam removal need further clarification.
• FERC dams should be exempt from further State regulation.
• The same permit process should be employed for dam removal as in a hydro construction or development.
• It is essential to scientifically analyze the possible impacts before attempting a dam removal and it is necessary to follow-up with scientific analysis after a dam removal in order to fully comprehend the outcome of a removal and it’s impacts on the entire ecosystem.
• There is a need to analyze the dynamics of FERC protocol in juxtaposition to local interests in any dam removal proceeding.
• There is a need to analyze the costs of removal. Who is accountable and under what conditions?
• It is essential to study both environmental and socio-economic impacts of a removal.
• The primary and secondary purposes of a dam should be fully explored and understood in any removal proceeding.

Note: This amalgamation attempts to include priorities suggested before and comments offered at the 9/24/02 meeting. There is no weighting system in place here. Members of the MDRP Advisory Group who were not present at the 9/24/02 meeting may still participate by affirming these issues or offering entirely new principles or observations for consideration by the group.