Decommissioning Of Historic Milltown Dam Underway

After 141 years of serving the communities along the St. Croix River, the Milltown Generating Station has embarked on a historic journey of decommissioning. This ambitious project, managed by NB Power and executed by Pennecon Heavy Civil Limited, promises to transform the landscape, ecology, and cultural life of the region.

The decommissioning of the Milltown Dam marks a monumental step towards restoring the natural beauty and ecosystem of the St. Croix River. Over the coming weeks and months, this process will reveal approximately 16 kilometers of the river's untouched splendor, providing a newfound lease on life for its aquatic inhabitants and opening up exciting prospects for recreation and cultural engagement.

In a significant first, the removal of the Milltown Dam is taking place in international waters, setting a precedent for environmental restoration on a global scale. NB Power remains committed to meeting all regulatory requirements and ensuring that the project unfolds as cost-effectively, efficiently, and safely as possible. NB Power continues to consult with the community to ensure the concerns of local residents are heard and addressed during the decommissioning.

Bob Scott, Director of Government Relations and Stakeholder Engagement for NB Power told council, "We want to continue to meet with people from the community and Peskotomuhkati First Nation so that we can get a project or projects that everybody's happy with."

The journey towards decommissioning began in 2017 when NB Power commissioned a study to explore the possibility of extending the dam's life. The study's conclusion, that continued operation was financially unfeasible, marked a pivotal moment in the dam's history, propelling it toward decommissioning.

The benefits of this decommissioning project are multifold:

Ecosystem Restoration: One of the most remarkable outcomes of the Milltown Dam's decommissioning is the restoration of approximately 16 kilometers of the St. Croix River. Removing the dam opens up nearly five million square meters of spawning habitat for various sea-run fish species. This ecological rejuvenation promises to breathe new life into the river's aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.

Recreational Opportunities: Beyond ecological benefits, the removal of the dam will also unlock vast recreational potential for the region. Residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the St. Croix River. Activities such as fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching are expected to thrive in this newly accessible environment, fostering a deeper connection between people and the river.

Minimal Impact on Power Grid: While the Milltown Generating Station accounted for a portion of NB Power's hydro generation, the decommissioning's impact on the overall New Brunswick power grid will be minimal. At 0.8 percent of the hydro generation, the shift away from Milltown's power production will be absorbed by other sources, ensuring continued energy stability.

As the Milltown Dam bows out of its role as a power generator, it opens the door to a brighter future for the St. Croix River and its surrounding communities.