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March 2002 Volume XIV Issue 1 Abridged Edition |
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Androscoggin River Pontook DamBy Kenneth D. Kimball, Director of Research, AMC The Pontook Dam, though reconstructed in the mid-1980s for hydroelectric power production, is already in need of repair. Apparently to get the dam built with minimal review and cost the 1980's reconstruction stayed within much of the original log-driving dam configuration -engineering on the cheap The new owners of the dam are now facing major repair needs around the release gate, which potentially could eliminate whitewater releases in the latter part of the summer 2002. This is the most heavily boated period. AMC was involved in the original 1980s fight to stop the new Pontook hydroelectric facility from diverting any water from the main river course of the river (before the hydroelectric reconstruction, the river was boatable 24/7). When that battle was lost AMC fought for the existing whitewater releases. The new dam owner through their consultant approached AMC late in 2001 on the need to do the dam reconstruction this summer from August through November. All water would be diverted to the turbines and no whitewater releases would occur. Ken Kimball (of AMC) has notified the consultant that such a move would likely breach the settlement negotiated in the 1980's that allowed this hydroelectric facility to be built but also guaranteed a set number of annual whitewater releases. Options to be considered are moving the construction dates (still has to be in ice-free period), agreeing to make-up whitewater releases on other dates, or releasing full river during the construction period (like old times boating would be 24/7 for that period and power production zero). Ken will keep the Club posted as more details come from the consultant.
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