Facilitation of the Riley, Jay, Livermore & Otis Project
International Paper Company
Jay, ME
Kleinschmidt served as Managing Consultant and facilitator for the licensing
process of four hydroelectric developments on
the Androscoggin River. This process culminated in the preparation of one of the first Applicant Prepared Draft Environmental
Assessments (EA) under new licensing guidelines of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This project entailed the
formulation and facilitation of a series of collaborative teams comprised of representatives from state and federal
environmental agencies, environmental groups, and the project owner. Separate collaborative committees were established
to address ecological issues, land use, and operations related matters. In consultation with this collaborative team,
Kleinschmidt identified issues and alternatives, developed study plans, conducted recreation and instream flow and water
quality related studies, and acted as managing coordinator for independent contractors concerned with biological resource
issues. Kleinschmidt also utilized the results of resource studies to prepare the draft EA.
For this project, Kleinschmidt conducted water quality related investigations, an instream flow study, and inventories of recreation use of project land and waters. Water quality studies entailed the design of aquatic macroinvertebrate studies in consultation with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Me DEP), and the collection of water quality data related to mitigation plan development. To resolve instream flow issues in the Livermore development bypass, Kleinschmidt conducted an expert panel assessment that identified a minimum flow needed to enhance fisheries resources.
Recreation studies included the conduct of an angler survey, quantification of project use including winter surveys of snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, assessment of canoe portage opportunities, and an assessment and survey of project recreational facilities and use. As management consultant, Kleinschmidt prepared study plans, prepared Requests for Proposals, provided technical guidance and reviewed progress and reports of independent subcontractors that performed fisheries, wildlife, wetland, and baseline water quality studies. Kleinschmidt also prepared in consultation with the Me DEP a study plan for an assessment of the effects of a project dam on the dispersal and bio-accumulation of toxic substances in fishes.
The draft EA prepared by Kleinschmidt in consultation with the cooperative study team included descriptions of project engineering, and alternatives analysis addressing impacts to biological resources, recreation, land use, and project economics. The process and resulting EA was designed to meet federal NEPA guidelines as well as state (i.e. 401 certification) and local water quality permitting requirements. The EA addressed direct, indirect, and cumulative (both geographic and temporal) impacts. The FERC accepted the draft EA and, with minor revisions, issued a final EA for the project.
For more information contact Gary Liimatainen.