The selectmen were given an update about the Dead River Dam last week. Molly Saunders, of the Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corp., “brought the selectmen up to speed on what the next process is going to be,” said Jane Wheeler, administrative assistant for the town.

At issue is what to do with the dam. Some people want the dam removed, according to Wheeler. The dam is owned by the Maine Department of Agriculture, which doesn’t want it anymore, she said.

The dam, built 71 years ago, is in Leeds, but affects several towns, including Wayne, where Saunders is from. The dam prevents water from the Androscoggin River from going into Androscoggin Lake when the lake reaches flood stages. “The dam has prevented seasonal flooding,” Wheeler said.

The 4,000-acre lake is known for its bass fishing. Questions have been raised in recent years about levels of dioxin in the lake.

– John Plestina
Auburn:

Sewer District sees phone savings

The Sewer District board has voted to transfer its local and long-distance telephone service to Oxford Networks, a Maine-based utility.

That company is building office space on Lisbon Street in Lewiston. “We are expected to save about 30 percent on local and long-distance service,” said Superintendent Norm Lamie. “The trustees were pleased.”

Lamie also said all the combined sewer overflow projects scheduled this year have been completed except for the Summer Street project, which is waiting for permitting, and the project on Chicoine Avenue. That project is expected to be completed later this year when water levels in Taylor Brook are lower.

Treasurer Bill Harnden told the board that the district should end the year with a slight surplus.

– John Plestina
Auburn:

Outdated mains need replacement

Long-term capital improvements for the Water District for the next 20 years were outlined for the Board of Trustees last week.

Superintendent Norm Lamie said the projects likely to be built in 2004 would cost the district $435,000. But he said the district needs to spend about $500,000 annually for the next several years to replace antiquated water lines in the 119-mile distribution system. Many of the water mains are about 100 years old.

“We need to be replacing one-and-a-half to two miles of pipe per year. We’ve been doing slightly less than that,” he said.

The $435,000 that is likely to be spent in 2004 includes $25,000 to upgrade the heating and air conditioning system at the district offices and $5,000 for a new garage door at the same facility.

A vehicle replacement, and business and engineering expenses total 75,000. The remainder of the funds would replace meters, improve hydrants and mains and pave the roadway at the Hardscrabble Road water tanks.

The trustees were told that construction projects planned this year have been completed except for remaining work on Turner and Washington streets.

Treasurer Bill Harnden said the district expects to end the year with a balanced budget.

– John Plestina

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