5 Town Dam Committee Joint Statement 10/23/2024 - 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.

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Clerk

5 Town Dam Committee Joint Statement 10/23/2024

10/23/24 JOINT STATEMENT

5 TOWN DAM COMMITTEE

(SILVER, ALAMOOSOOK, TODDY)

Representatives from the 5 Town Dam Committee met at the Bucksport Town Office on Wednesday, October 23rd to discuss the new petition filed by Bucksport Mill LLC seeking to relinquish ownership of the Silver Lake, Alamoosook, and Toddy dams. The DEP has until November 2nd to determine if the application is complete. DEP’’s initial review has found the petition is lacking any detailed information on the condition or costs associated with the dams. DEP has requested this additional information be submitted before the November 2nd deadline. All organizations represented in the Committee have communicated to the State that without detailed information on the dams, it is impossible to have any meaningful consultation related to ownership.

At the same time, Bucksport Mill LLC submitted its petition to the State, they also announced a public meeting for the purpose of fulfilling the statutory obligation to consult with local municipalities and citizens. The meeting was announced to be held at the Orland Community Center on Monday, October 28th at 5 pm. That meeting is NOT being held at that time or location as the company failed to secure the space prior to making the announcement. The company will send out new notices when they reschedule this meeting

The Committee wants to assure everyone that this new petition filing has been anticipated for quite a while. The State process is very lengthy so no changes will happen quickly. The Company is also bound by Orland’s dam transfer moratorium and Bucksport’s dam transfer ordinance. All 5 Towns (Bucksport, Orland, Surry, Penobscot, and Blue Hill) along with the Toddy Pond and Alamoosook Lake Associations are working together to address this situation and find a path forward.

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