HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-08-28 352 AF ORDER352 AF
Introduced by Councilor Willey, August 28, 1978
CITY OF BANGOR
(TITEEJ (DrUr,...._ Directing city. Engineer to Prepare Report-Removal
of Bangor Waterworks Dam
By Ww City Catweed of Me City ofRanyor:
TMT WREREAS, the wooden portion of the Dam at the Waterworks
is rapidly deteriorating to a point share complete structural
failure may be imminent, and
WHEREAS, it would appear to be more economical to undertake
the orderly removal of the Dam during low water periods, rather
than be faced with the problem of the cleeanup of widespread debris
should the Dam fail during high water periods,
NOW, lUEREFORE, be it
ORDERED, that the City Engineer be and hereby is directed to
determine the feasibility and cost of removing the Dam during low
water periods this fall, and to research the various regulatory
permits which may be required, as well as other legal considerations
which may result from the removal of the Dam, and the City Engineer
is further _
ORDERED, to report his findings to the City Council for further
action.
STATITTENT OF FACT:
The possible removal of the existing Dam does not necessarily
mean that the City would be abandoning all future intentions of
permitting the development of power generation facilities at
the site. The study is intended to determine whether the present
Dam has become unsuitable for restoration, and might require
replacement if future power generation facilities were installed.
IN CDTY COUNCIL AUGUST 28,.1978
PASSED
k uG
CI1Y CLERK U Ti[le,
OIR@1ING CITY .ENGINEER TO PREPARE
..... N-0PO%P. RFdWAL OP MNfAW WA%ERNO.
DAM.
........In e. led by
:..'COuneilmen
352 AF
ORDER
CITY OF BANGOR, MAINE
Engineering Department
I
To: John t;. Flynn, City Manager
From: John T. Frawley, City Engineer
Subject: Bangor Dam Removal
January 29, 1979
In accordance with City Council Crder No. 352 AF passed
August 28, 1978, directing this office to study the feasibility
and determine the cost of removing the Bangor Dam, the following
report is submitted:
The existing Dam consists of a wooden structure approxi-
mately 780 feet long, with an additional concrete extension
to the Brewer shore having a length of approximately 300 feet.
The letter section was constructed in 1923 after a flood had
washed out the shoreline at the Brewer end of the Dam. The
wooden portion of the Dam, which was built in 1875, consists
of wooden cribbing with stone ballast, covered by heavy plank
sheathing.
In 1970, the City decided to perform no further maintenance
of the existing Dam, since it was felt that the further genera-
tion of power and continual upkeep was no longer economically
feasible. Consequently, certain deterioration has taken place,
which has resulted in the breaking up of approximately 100 feet
of the wooden Dam at the point where it joins the concrete section
near the Brewer shore. The Dam has been breached to the extent
that the entire flow of the river passes tbrough the breach,
except possibly during extreme high flow conditions; in effect,
the structure no longer serves as a dam.
:ts of
would
Work on the Pew. Nnrth
a sudden failure of the
is unlikely, and it is
be gradual, occurring a
Bangor shore. Even if
would be no noticeable
area below the Dam. Tb
damage by the scetterin
the Dam, or the possibl
tion; however, the lett
uncommon, since such me
river from above.
rer generation have agreed that the
'placement if such power generating
consequently, there is no need to
.ng breach nor to provide any corrective
the breach is of such extent that.
a structure during high water periods
ed that further deterioration will
outer end and working toward the
im should fail in its entirety, there
or rising of water level in the
possible concern would be possible
ebris along the shoreline below
.rference of the debris with navign-
sibility of floating debris is not
is often seen floating down the
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With regard to the removal of the Dam, various methods have
been examined, including blasting, burning, removal by hand, avd
removal by machine. The first two methods are not considered
environmentally sound, would not be very effective in accomp-
lishing removal, and would still result in a considerable amount
of debris deposited into the river. It appears that the best
method would be to remove the Dam by the use of machinery.
There is sufficient room at low water level to construct a
gravel haul road on the East aide of the existing gate house,
which would provide access for machinery and trucks to the Bangor
end of the Dam. The Dam structure appears to be quite sound, and
with possible grate reinforcement, a backhoe and trucks could be
moved to the outer end, to begin dismantling the Dam toward the
Bangor shore. However, it would appear to be extremely costly,
since the existing Dam contains approximately 20,000 cubic yards
of timber and stone. It is estimated that the total cost of
removal would be in the vicinity of $200,000.00.
Based upon the above information, the following recommendations
are made:
1. It is felt that the cost of removal is excessive, with
no known sources of funding for such removal, and it is recom-
mended that the Dam remain in place in its present state.
2. The condition of the Dam should be checked periodically,
and any loose sections which appear to be near failure should be
removed, which could probably be done by hand.
3• Possible assistance by the Army Engineers or the National
Guard could be sought to assist in further removal.
4. It is felt that any debris from the Dam which might be
deposited on adjacent stores should be removed by the City when
requests are made for such removal.
5. To date, it has not been determined that any permits
or licenses will be required ftom any State or Federal agency
to either remove the Dam or to maintain it in its present
condition.
6. Should any sources of Federal or State funds be made
available for removal, then it is recommended that removal be
made at that time.
7. The removal of the concrete section on the Brewer shore
would be extremely costly; since that section is now virtually
above the water line, it is felt that it should remain in place.
If you have any questions regarding this information, please
do not hesitate to call.
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