Local community radio station WERU-FM recorded the June 1 forum on the Orland Dam.
Listen here http://archives.weru.org/specials/2016/06/weru-special-orland-dam-removal-public-forum-6316/
Producer/Host: Amy Browne
Production Assistance: John Greenman
Today we have a special report on the proposal to remove the Orland
Dam – a decision that regardless of which way it goes, will likely have
impacts not only on that town, but on surrounding areas as well.
Orland took over ownership of the dam from Verso in 2011. The dam has
been found to have serious structural issues, has failed in the past,
and currently salt water flows over the top periodically. It also
blocks fish passage and the existing fish ladders are considered
inadequate. The town will be voting on June 14th on a ballot question
that gives 2 options: Keep the dam and have the town foot any
associated costs, or move forward toward removal of the dam by working
with NOAA fisheries and the Nature Conservancy to acquire available
funding for removal of the dam and ancillary costs. NOAA is the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, one of the major
forces behind the Penobscot River Restoration project. In 2014 they
designated the Penobscot River Watershed as a “Habitat Focus Area” — one
of just two on the east coast –citing the environmental, cultural and
recreational significance of New England’s second largest river, which
provides habitat to many migratory fish species, including 3 that are
listed as endangered.
Those who oppose removing the dam are concerned about the impact on
water front views, which would start changing with the tides, potential
impacts of salt water on wells and bridges, and the need to find a new
source of water for fire fighting (as the impoundment created by the dam
has been used for that purpose)—and whether the grants the town might
receive would cover those costs. The need to coordinate dam removal
with the clean up of mercury in the river so as to not further mobilize a
mercury hotspot just below the dam is also a concern.
At a well-attended forum Wednesday night in Orland, experts who have
been studying the issues and agencies offering funding for the project,
provided updates and heard comments and questions from the public. The
entire presentation last more than 2 hours. This morning we hear from
some of the panelists and a few of the public comments.
NOTE: The link to the full meeting (2+ hours in length) is also
posted. The 1st link is for today’s program, the second is the
full meeting.
http://archives.weru.org/specials/2016/06/weru-special-orland-dam-removal-public-forum-6316/http://archives.weru.org/specials/2016/06/weru-special-orland-dam-removal-public-forum-6316/
