FR 2025-07877

The document under review is a notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the surrender of a license by the Kennebunk Light and Power District for the Lower Mousam Hydroelectric Project in Maine. The project is situated on the Mousam River, and the notice details a revised procedural schedule for an Environmental Assessment (EA) related to this license surrender.

General Summary

The Kennebunk Light and Power District has initiated the process to surrender its license for operating the hydroelectric project. FERC is tasked with preparing an Environmental Assessment to evaluate the implications of this decision. Initially, the completion of the EA was slated for April 30, 2025. However, with additional information requested in March 2025, the timeline has shifted, and the EA is now scheduled for issuance on October 2, 2025.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several concerns emerge from this document:

1. Lack of Financial Clarity: The document does not address any potential costs or financial implications associated with the license surrender or the environmental assessment process. For stakeholders and the wider public, understanding these financial impacts is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability.

2. Stakeholder Involvement: There is no mention of a process for public involvement or how local stakeholders might be engaged or affected by this surrender. This omission could lead to apprehension regarding transparency and the consideration of local interests.

3. Timeline Adjustments: The notice mentions a revised timeline for the EA but provides little context or explanation for what prompted these changes. Such information could be valuable for those tracking the project's progress and its implications.

4. Environmental Impacts: The document does not clarify the environmental impacts or outcomes of the license surrender. This leaves ambiguity concerning the significance of the surrender and how it might affect the environment or local ecology.

Public Impact

The surrender of the hydroelectric project license and the subsequent environmental assessment could have broad implications. The public could see shifts in local energy sourcing, potential changes in river ecology, and the alteration of recreational or economic activities related to the Mousam River. The lack of detailed information in these areas could lead to speculation and concern among residents and environmental advocates.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For local stakeholders such as residents, businesses relying on the river, and environmental groups, the license surrender comes with potential challenges and opportunities. On one hand, there could be positive outcomes such as improved river health and new recreational spaces. On the other hand, stakeholders might bear the brunt of challenges like disruption in local energy supplies or changes to existing business models reliant on the river’s current state.

Overall, the document marks a significant procedural step in the surrender of the hydroelectric project license, but raises questions about transparency, public and stakeholder engagement, and the clarity of environmental impacts.