GrowLA urges Lewiston to press for stronger river protections ahead of Brookfield's 40‑year FERC relicensing
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Summary
GrowLA representative Peter Rubins told the council the upcoming federal relicensing of Brookfield’s hydropower project is an opportunity to lock in higher minimum flows, timed releases and recreation infrastructure; he asked the city to ask DEP to ensure any future river reclassification will be reflected in the FERC Water Quality Certification.
Peter Rubins of GrowLA told the council the renewal of Brookfield’s FERC license for the Androscoggin River—an approval that covers the next 40 years—presents a once-in-a-generation chance to secure improved flows, enhanced public access and recreation amenities downstream of the dams.
Rubins said volunteer testing and prior studies support reclassification of parts of the Lower Androscoggin from Class C to Class B, which would affect water-quality requirements. He urged Lewiston and Auburn to ask the Department of Environmental Protection to include language in its water-quality certification (WQC) that would allow future reclassification to trigger corresponding changes in FERC license requirements.
"Brookfield's lawyer's job is to do as little as possible for the next 40 years," Rubins told the council, arguing municipal participation and legal review will be necessary during the 30‑day windows for appeals and comment as relicensing progresses. He outlined specific asks for Brookfield that GrowLA and the two cities have been pressing for, including higher minimum flows in the canals, 40 timed releases for recreation and holidays, portage and signage at key whitewater sites, and lighting and aesthetics measures that the group said were promised but never delivered decades ago.
Councilors and administration agreed the relicensing timetable is time-sensitive and asked staff to review Rubins' draft letter to DEP so the council could consider adding the city's voice to the record. Rubins and other commenters framed the effort as one that could improve downtown recreation and support tourism if minimum flows and bank improvements were secured.
Administration said it would coordinate with Auburn and bring follow-up items—such as the draft letter to DEP—back to the council for consideration.
