The Wiscasset Conservation Commission is tasked with making a recommendation to repair or remove a dam on a Wiscasset-owned preserve at the upper reaches of Montsweag Brook. Both options come with a hefty price tag.

Chairman Anne Leslie and member Marty Fox discussed the dam with Town Planner Ben Averill  Jan. 25. The commission won’t make its recommendation until the other three members can be heard.

If the dam is removed, the biggest loss would be the small lake created by it and a pond also known as a “dry hydrant.” Averill noted the fire department has said it relies on the dry hydrant off Bradford Road to provide fire protection for this area of town.

Wright-Pierce Engineering of Topsham estimates removaL would cost $132,000 to $206,000. Repairing the 75-year-old dam could cost as much or even more according to two estimates the town got.

Atlantic Mechanical Inc. of Woolwich estimated rehabilitating the concrete dam would cost $197,000. “Given the dam appears to be in good shape, actual construction costs will likely be less than the estimate. Final construction costs will be determined after the engineering review,” the firm states. The estimate dated Sept. 17, 2015 also recommends cofferdams be constructed on the upstream side. “Once complete, the water can be removed and a thorough inspection performed on the intake side.”

T. Buck Construction, Inc. of Auburn submitted the other estimate which was undated. The firm estimated repairs would run $280,000. It described the concrete surface as being in poor condition. Both estimates were sent to Doug Fowler, public works director.

In 2013, Wright-Pierce inspected the dam and spillway. According to its report, the most significant cost involved concrete repairs estimated then at $30,000 to $45,000. The repairs were needed to address “deep cracking found in the downstream face of the spillway,” the report states. It recommends replacing the dam's wooden stop logs which when lifted release water from the impoundment. The options included replacing the stop logs with wood or fiberglass estimated at $12,000; or with steel, for $26,000.

The same report recommends restricting access to the steel pedestrian walkway on top of the dam until the 50-foot span was upgraded to meet safety codes. No estimate was given.

Leslie said if the commission recommends the dam’s removal to selectmen, it should be with the assurance that the fire department’s dry hydrant would be replaced. 

Averill offered to meet with the fire chief to see how many homes benefit from the hydrant. Averill will also look into the cost of replacing it or constructing a cistern and whether there are grant monies or matching funds available.

Leslie said other concerns were the loss of the lake and the impact the dam’s removal would have on the landscape.

Averill will meet with Fowler about constructing a small parking area off Bradford Road for visitors. The commission hopes to eventually have a trail system on the property.

The 22-acre preserve stretches from Bradford Road to Freedom Song Lane. The property including the dam was given to Wiscasset by Central Maine Power Co. on the condition it be used for conservation and recreation, and with the stipulation the town adopt a management plan approved by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

The land came with a gift of $100,000 from CMP to be used for stewardship including monitoring the 1941 dam, which once provided a backup water source for Mason Station.

In May 2016, selectmen hired Stockwell Environmental Consulting of Southport to help development the preserve’s management plan. The $2,870 for study came from the stewardship account.

The Stockwell report notes, “The dam ... does represent an obstacle to fish passage. Restoring fish passage and stream connectivity is a goal of the National Marine Fisheries Service and many conservation organizations including local ones such as the Midcoast Conservancy.” The dam is a barrier to migrating salmon, American eels, alewives, sea run brook trout and brown trout, it states.

Leslie hoped the commission would be ready to make its recommendation in late March or April. “Between now and then there’s lots more to do,” she said.