ME LD846

Requires applicants seeking to remove a hydropower dam to attend a preapplication meeting with the Department of Environmental Protection and hold a public informational meeting before filing a permit application

Mandates that dam removal applications propose removal of the entire dam structure; applications for partial removal must be denied

Requires applicants to obtain approval from any municipality or government entity that owns land where a portion of the dam is located, or the application will be denied

When dam removal would alter water levels, applicants must identify all affected landowners and set aside sufficient funds to reimburse them for property value losses before removal can begin

Amends 38 MRSA §634 to repeal and replace existing dam removal provisions under hydropower project permit regulations