Two kayakers with a wealth of experience rafting Class III to Class IV natural whitewater features participate Thursday in a study on a rocky section of the Androscoggin River, downstream from Morse Bridge in Rumford. It is part of a whitewater boating study conducted as part of the relicensing of the Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project. Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times
RUMFORD — Town officials watched recently as seasoned whitewater kayakers negotiated a rocky section of the Androscoggin River — a rare sight.
“What you witnessed was the on-water portion of a whitewater boating study, which is being conducted as part of the relicensing of the Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project, David Heidrich, manager of stakeholder relations for Northeast Brookfield Renewable US, said in a statement.
Rumford Falls Hydro, a subsidiary of Brookfield Renewable, owns and operates the Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project, which is licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Fire Chief Chris Reed said Brookfield released water last week at the level of 800 cubic feet per second.
The participants included whitewater kayakers with a wealth of experience rafting Class III and Class IV natural whitewater features. One traveled from Montreal.
Heidrich said the study is part of a larger study plan submitted by Rumford Falls Hydro, which was approved by the FERC.
“Thursday’s event was successfully completed, thanks to the collaboration of municipal and public safety officials with the town of Rumford, various community stakeholders, and the volunteer study participants,” he said.
The license for the Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project was issued Oct. 18, 1994, and expires Sept. 30, 2024. Rumford Falls Hydro will file for a new license no later than Sept. 30, Heidrich said.
As part of this relicensing project, it is conducting resource studies to enable FERC to prepare its environmental review document and develop a new operating license. The purpose of the survey is to gather information regarding participation in outdoor recreation activities at or near the Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project.
Heidrich said the results of the study, along with other relicensing studies, will be included in upcoming reports and will be made available for review and comment as part of the relicensing process.
A kayaker experienced in Class III to Class IV natural whitewater features navigates a rocky section of the Androscoggin River on Thursday, downstream from Morse Bridge in Rumford. The test is part of a whitewater boating study conducted as part of relicensing of the Rumford Falls Hydroelectric Project. Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times
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