Future of century-old Ellsworth dam in question after second rejection of water quality certification
River Dam in Ellsworth Faces Uncertain Future After State Rejects Water Quality Permit
By [Staff Writer] | Maine News Now
The historic River Dam in Ellsworth may be closer to removal after Maine environmental regulators rejected a key water quality certification for the structure spanning the Union River.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection denied the certification required under the federal Clean Water Act, a decision that effectively blocks the dam's current operators from maintaining the structure. Without the certification, any activity affecting water quality downstream cannot proceed under the dam's existing authorization.
The Union River, which flows through the heart of Hancock County, has been the subject of ongoing debate over the dam's environmental impact. Dam opponents have long argued that removing the structure would improve water quality and restore natural fish migration patterns, while supporters have emphasized the dam's historical significance and recreational value.
Water quality certifications, required under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, ensure that projects affecting navigable waters meet state standards. When regulators deny such certifications, project operators must either modify their plans to address concerns or abandon the endeavor.
The River Dam has stood on the Union River for more than a century, originally built to power local industries. In recent decades, the structure has primarily served recreational purposes.
Environmental advocates applauded the decision, calling it a critical step toward restoring the river's ecological health. They note that dam removal has become an increasingly common tool for improving water quality and aquatic habitat across New England.
Regulators have not yet announced a timeline for the dam's potential removal or whether the property's owners will pursue an appeal. The DEP's decision could face administrative review if the dam's operators challenge the ruling.
For Ellsworth residents, the decision marks a turning point in a long-running conversation about the river's future. City officials have previously expressed interest in balancing historic preservation with environmental improvements along the waterfront.
The Union River once supported robust populations of Atlantic salmon and other migratory fish species before the dam's construction limited their access to upstream spawning habitat. Removing the structure could reopen miles of river to migratory fish.
Additional details about the DEP's specific concerns with the dam's current condition or operations were not immediately available.
