ANSWER: Sun Spots found a lot of information about this type of cleaning, and according to Angie’s List, “Dryer vents can be professionally cleaned by an HVAC specialist and there are companies that specialize in cleaning ductwork and dryer vents. These professionals have the tools and training and reach deep into the dryer vent and clean all debris build-up that occurs along the lining of the ventilation pipes.”

There are many HVAC contractors in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Hopefully you will hear from one of them about your clothes dryer duct and vent cleaning.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We recently went walking on the Merrick Trail on the Lake Auburn Community Center grounds. We came across a large field with tall pipes sticking out that say “authorized personnel only,” and a barrel blocking the entrance that said something like “septic farm, learn the history of this mistake.” I can’t find anything online. Do you have any resources that can give any information on this? — No Name.

ANSWER: The Lake Auburn Community Center is located at 115 North Auburn Road at the historic West Auburn Farm site, now six acres with about 275 feet of road frontage, according to its website.  “It serves as the gateway to Auburn’s community forest surrounding Lake Auburn for the neighboring community and to local clubs and organizations.

“The Perkins Ridge Sno-Travelers currently store their trail groomer and signing inventory on site. Also Cub Scout packs from Auburn and Turner have used the property and others are encouraged to do so. Additional future uses include a tree nursery and a 200-year-old barn restoration project that will bring meeting rooms and storage opportunities for clubs and organizations.

“The property is owned by the Lake Auburn Watershed Neighborhood Association, a 501(c)3 charitable organization established in August of 2007 and managed by the independent Lake Auburn Community Center committee.”

Sun Spots learned from Dan Bilodeau, president of LAWNA, that the septic “location and use is permitted under the city of Auburn watershed overlay ordinance and services up to six properties with individual drain fields within 800 feet of Lake Auburn.

“The state soil scientist and the owner of the land have gone on record to discourage this site and recommended numerous times that the drain fields would function better near the septic tanks. The Lake Auburn Community Center will ask to do just that — find a suitable alternate waste site — so it doesn’t pollute Lake Auburn when it builds its new restroom facilities.”

For more information about the Lake Auburn Community Center and the septic issues, contact 207-650-2398 or [email protected]. For more information about protecting Lake Auburn’s water quality, contact Mary Jane Dillingham at 207-784-6469 or [email protected].

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