Outdoor recreators reminded to be careful around dams and on ice

LEWISTON — Brookfield Renewable, which ones and operates hydro facilities throughout Maine and portions of New Hampshire, is reminding the public to exercise extreme caution when recreating near hydropower dams and on ice-covered surfaces.
While in the midst of a milder than usual winter season in New England, the freeze and thaw weather events create frequently changing and unpredictable ice conditions. The unseasonably warm temperatures can cause frozen waters to melt and may pose safety risks for anyone recreating at rivers, reservoirs, lakes and streams.
In areas proximate to hydropower facilities, water doesn’t necessarily always freeze the way you expect. The water on the surface freezes to ice; however, underneath it, the water is always moving, and ice thickness can vary significantly from one area to another. Use extreme caution when snowmobiling, ice fishing or walking on ice at rivers, lakes and streams. Ice conditions can rapidly change, and thin ice can be fatal.
Brookfield Renewable is strongly committed to public safety and to providing a safe recreational experience. As a generator of clean, renewable, hydropower, the company operates hydro facilities located on rivers throughout Maine and New Hampshire, including the Penobscot, Union, Kennebec, Androscoggin, Saco and the Presumpscot.
For public safety information, visit safewaters.com/home or e-mail Maine.Inquries@brookfieldrenewable.com.

PHOTO: (Maureen Milliken photo)