July 2024 - Town of Orland

5 Town Dam Committee: 11/20/24 JOINT STATEMENT 5 TOWN DAM COMMITTEE (SILVER, ALAMOOSOOK, TODDY) Representatives from the 5 Town Dam Committee met at the Bucksport Town Office on Wednesday, November 20th to discuss the public meeting held on 11/14/24 in connection with the petition filed by Bucksport Mill LLC seeking to relinquish ownership of the Silver Lake, Alamoosook, and Toddy dams. The resounding reaction was that the meeting was no more than a frustration to all who attended. Simply giving folks 3 minutes to ask a question and providing no responses was not an effective way to consult with the public as required by law. Answers to the questions are expected to be posted on the website https://bucksportmillanswers.com The meeting last week did not constitute consultation with the Towns. Each of the 5 municipalities is required by statute to hold a town meeting to consider ownership of the dams. This vote will only indicate the towns’ interest in pursuing the due diligence necessary for making an ownership decision in the future. The meetings are scheduled as follows: Blue Hill - November 25th, 5:30 PM, Select Board Room Surry - December 3rd, 7 PM Select Board Room Penobscot - December 7th, 1 PM Bucksport - December 12th, Town Council Chambers Orland - December 13th, 6 PM, Orland Community Center The Towns through their attorneys have submitted an extensive list of questions to Bucksport Mill LLC. We have received a response that indicates that the company will consult with the towns after our Town meetings have concluded. Nearly ¾ of the questions at last week's meeting were actually relevant to DEP which was not represented. The questions were about the process and decision criteria that will govern the State review. The Committee agreed to request a meeting with DEP to discuss these issues. Fundraising for legal expenses remains a significant issue. As a reminder, Orland, Penobscot, Surry, and Blue Hill have secured joint legal representation with the Portland firm Norman Hanson & Detroy. We are working hard to prevent the current dam owners from walking away from the dams with no repercussions. If you can contribute, please send a check to the Town that represents you. Your help is greatly appreciated.