- Ft. Halifax Dam was built in 1908 without any provision for fish passage. This
made sense at the time as the Edwards Dam blocked all upstream fish migration and because industrial
uses of the river had destroyed much of the Kennebec River watershed's fishery.
- Ft. Halifax has a capacity of 1.5 megawatts, which represents 3/10ths of 1%
ofMaine's total hydropower generation and 6/100ths of 1% of total electricity
generated in Maine.
- With removal of the Edwards Dam, fish populations at Ft. Halifax have increased enormously.
Prior to the removal of the Edwards Dam, in July 1999, no sea-run fish were able to
travel north on the Kennebec River above Augusta. This year, more than two million alewives
reached the Ft. Halifax Dam on the Sebasticook River. Striped bass and shad have reached the
Waterville/Winslow area for the first time since 1837. Sturgeon and Atlantic salmon have also
been identified in the Kennebec near Winslow.
- The Sebasticook River north of Ft. Halifax represents important spawning habitat.
Prior to 1837, when Edwards Dam was built, millions of alewives along with shad, sturgeon,
striped bass, and Atlantic salmon migrated up the Sebasticook River. The Sebasticook River
provides spawning and nursery habitat for migrating fish species in general, and for American Shad
and Atlantic Salmon in particular.
- Florida Power and Light (FPL) is required to provide fish passage at Ft. Halifax.
As part of the Edwards Dam Removal Agreement, the Owners of Ft. Halifax (FPL
Energy) agreed to install a fish passage system by spring 2003, in order to meet the fish
restoration goals of Maine's natural resources agencies. This requirement is a condition
of FPL's operating license for the dam.
- FPL has two options: install a “fish lift” system or remove the dam.
To comply with the fish passage requirement, FPL could install a fish lift that transports
many types of fish over dams (adult striped bass and sturgeon don't usually pass through
such a system). Such a system may cost between $3 million and $4 million -
which FPL may decide is more than it is willing to spend given the amount of power produced by this
dam. If FPL determines that installation of the fish lift would be uneconomical, it could
decide that dam removal is the preferred method for meeting the 2003 fish passage requirement.
- If any other party assumes ownership of the Ft. Halifax Dam, then they would be responsible
for meeting the fish passage requirement. If another power company, private entity,
or municipality aquired the dam, they would be obliged to install a fish lift or remove the dam.
- Removal of the Ft. Halifax Dam would result in a section of free-flowing river.
- Wildlife Habitat - The river ecosystem would change to that of a
free-flowing river. Striped bass, alewives, shad, sturgeon and salmon would all be found
upstream from the former dam site. In addition to the fish, osprey, blue heron, and bald
eagles would benefit. There would continue to be habitat for turtles and smallmouth bass as
well.
- Water Quality - Water quality would improve with the removal of the dam.
The water flow would allow for better flushing and increased oxygen in the water.
- Water Flow - With the dam removed, the sediment of the Sebasticook would
function like other free-flowing medium-sized rivers. Some areas would remain deep
while others would be shallow with riffles and rapids. Like all free- rivers, the amount
of water would vary with the seasons.
- Revenue Issues - We recognize that there would be a loss of tax revenue if the
dam were removed from the tax base in Winslow. If FPL chooses to remove the dam, the
Kennebec Coalition would work with Winslow to find creative solutions to help offset the losses, as
we did in Augusta when that city lost revenue as the result of the removal of Edwards Dam.
- Communities throughout the nation are addressing issues similar to those at Ft. Halifax.
The issues raised about Ft. Halifax are by no means unique. As dams
throughout the nation face changing economics, safety, and environmental
considerations, many dams, like Edwards, are being removed. Almost 40 dams
in nine states will have been removed by the end of 2001. Working together,
utilities, communities and non-profit organizations are developing creative
approaches to address issues raised by dam removals. In some cases, dam
sites are being converted to productive alternative uses. In other cases,
innovative methods of financing the cost of dam removal is enabling
communities to recoup some of the lost real estate tax revenues. In many
cases, dam removals are resulting in new economic and recreation
opportunities that add to the quality of life of nearby communities.
Opportunities
for Public Input on Fort Halifax Dam Fisheries Restoration Plans and/or Dam
Licensing Decisions.
TU/Kennebec Coalition Filings
at FERC Regarding Fort Halifax Dam
Summary
of FERC and ACOE related activity during 2004 Pertaining to the Fort Halifax
Project No. 2552-065
ORDER DENYING REHEARING AND STAY
(issued May 6 2004)
Expected
Impacts to Ice Regime on Sebasticook and Kennebec RiversResulting from Breaching
of Ft. Halifax Dam
Home TU
Chapters Officers Friends Ft. Halifax Dam
News Letter Photo
Gallery