[citation needed] The powerhouse is a Renaissance Revival building located at the western end of the dam.

[3] The Ellsworth Dam is located between two bluffs which flank Maine's Union River, and rise to a height of more than 100 feet (30 m).

[clarification needed][5] The power station is located at the base of the dam on the west bank of the river.

[citation needed] The dam was in the process of being relicensed as of 2012; its most recent permit, issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 1987, was due to expire in 2017.

[4] However, public concern about fish passage and water quality, caused the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to delay issuing a new permit.