After shutdown order, power line crews work to stabilize corridor for uncertain future

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 1, 2021

No one knows the future of the the New England Clean Energy Connect, Maine’s most controversial energy project in a generation. But one thing is clear: By order of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, NECEC Transmission LLC has 30 days – starting from Nov. 23 – to stabilize the 145-mile corridor within specifications set by the agency. An overriding goal is to minimize soil erosion that could be triggered by rain or runoff and carry sediment into wetlands and streams. The abrupt pivot from full-on construction to urgent stabilization was set in motion by the results of the Nov. 2 election and a ruling three weeks later by the DEP.