Preliminary Decision – Certification of the Chicopee Falls Project, pending LIHI #208, MA
May 27, 2026June 10, 2026: The Rumford Falls Project, located on the Androscoggin River in Maine, was issued a new FERC license on January 22, 2026. In accordance with Section 5.3.4 of the 2nd Edition LIHI Handbook, issuance of a new license constitutes a “material change” and triggers a mid-term LIHI Certification review. A new Certificate term can be granted if the Project continues to satisfy the LIHI criteria even if the current term has not yet expired. Project information, the mid-term application, and key documents can be found HERE.
LIHI is seeking comments on this application. Comments that are directly tied to specific LIHI criteria (flows, water quality, fish passage, etc.) will be most helpful, but all comments will be considered. Comments may be submitted to LIHI by e-mail at comments@lowimpacthydro.org with “Rumford Falls Project Comments” in the subject line, or by mail addressed to the Low Impact Hydropower Institute, 68 Harrison Ave. Ste 605, PMB 113938, Boston MA 02111-1929.
Comments must be received by 5 pm Eastern time on August 9, 2026 to be considered. All comments will be posted to the web site, and the applicant will have an opportunity to respond. Any response will also be posted.

Preliminary Decision – Certification of the Chicopee Falls Project, pending LIHI #208, MA
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