Central Maine Power gets approval from DEP for transmission line project

Central Maine Power Company (CMP) got a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to build the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) project.

The project includes a 145-mile electric transmission line that runs from Beattie Township near the Quebec border to a new converter station in Lewiston. It also includes several upgrades to CMP’s existing electrical transmission network between Lewiston and Pownal, Windsor and Wiscasset, and in Cumberland.

Roughly two-thirds of line is proposed to be built along CMP’s existing transmission corridor. The new portions of the line, called segment 1, would run through commercial timberland in western Somerset and Franklin counties.

The permit has been under review for two and a half years, including extended evidentiary hearings and public hearings, as well as a public comment period.

DEPs permit contains several conditions to minimize the environmental impact of the project. Among them, it limits the corridor width in segment 1 to 54 feet at its widest, down from the proposed width of 150 feet. Also, it calls for preservation of the natural forest canopy or trees at least 35 feet tall across the corridor in vulnerable habitat areas covering approximately 14 miles along segment 1. Further, it requires the conservation of more than 700 acres of deer wintering habitat and the preservation of soft wood deer travel corridors across the transmission corridor along the Kennebec River.

Additionally, requests that 40,000 acres in western Maine be set aside for permanent conservation. Additionally, the DEP requires the CMP to set aside $1,875,000 for culvert replacement projects, which will enhance fish habitat by facilitating passage, reducing erosion, and improving water quality.