BOSTON (News release) -- Sappi North America is concerned with the announcement from The Nature Conservancy regarding its agreement with Brookfield Renewable to acquire four hydroelectric facilities on the Kennebec River in Maine, including the Shawmut Dam.

The Nature Conservancy has indicated that its priority is enhancing fish passage along the river, which could include the eventual removal of the Shawmut Dam. Sappi North America's Somerset Mill in Skowhegan depends on the impoundment or pond created by the Shawmut Dam for its water intake and discharge operations.

A removal would jeopardize the viability of the Somerset Mill and the thousands of Maine jobs connected to Sappi's operations, including independent loggers, contractors, and landowners who work with and benefit from this work.

In May 2025, Sappi completed a $500 million transformation of its largest paper machine at Somerset, creating the most advanced machine of its kind in North America. This investment positions the mill at the forefront of producing renewable, fiber-based packaging -- critical alternatives to plastic -- while underscoring Sappi's long-term commitment to Maine manufacturing and American jobs.

"For 50 years, the Somerset Mill has been a cornerstone of Maine's manufacturing economy," said Sean Wallace, Vice President of Research, Development, and Sustainability at Sappi North America. "The mill demonstrates that strong environmental stewardship and strong communities can go hand in hand. We share the goal of protecting Maine's rivers and believe there are solutions that will allow fisheries to thrive without putting thousands of good jobs at risk. We remain hopeful that we can work with The Nature Conservancy, our local communities, state and federal agencies and our legislative delegation to find a balanced path forward, including options that preserve the impoundment."

As a company with a long history in Maine, Sappi has always prioritized striking a balance between the use of natural resources and the protection of water and the surrounding environment.

Sappi remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to protect the health of the Kennebec River while safeguarding the livelihoods, investments, and communities that depend on the Somerset Mill.