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State of Maine

Department of Environmental Protection



Mar 19, 2002

Ray Fortier
PO Box 621
Sabattus, ME 04280-0621

RE: Canton Lake Water Levels

Dear Ray:

As you know, Maine is experiencing an on-going drought. Ground water levels are at record lows, and the snow pack is below normal. I have received several calls from people wondering if the lake will fill this year.

As you also know, in accordance with the current water level management plan for the lake, all four spillway gates are currently open. The plan goes on to say that, on or about April 15, two of the four spillway gates will be closed, and that the remaining two gates will be closed on or about May 1.

In the event that the weather stays dry, the DEP suggests that it would be prudent for you to close two gates on April 1 and the remaining two gates on April 15. This should help re-fill the lake if the drought continues.

In the event that precipitation returns to normal levels, the DEP suggests that you close the gates on the dates prescribed in the management plan. Even with the low snow pack, with normal levels of precipitation in April and May, the lake should be full by June 1.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Dana Paul Murch
Dams & Hydro Supervisor

cc: Judy Hamilton Jack Atwater

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