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State of Maine

Department of Environmental Protection



May 1, 1998

Ray Fortier
PO Box 621
Sabattus, ME 04280

RE: Canton Lake Water Levels

Dear Ray:

I have been unsuccessful in reaching you by phone to discuss your compliance with the Canton Lake water level order, so I am writing this letter.

It has been reported to the DEP that, as of this morning, one spillway gate remains open on the dam. The level of the lake is reported to be at or near the sill of the gate. There is no significant rainfall currently predicted for the comming week.

In accordance with the DEP water level management plan for Canton Lake (August 30, 1996), all spillway gates must be closed on or about May 1 to start refilling the lake to its interim refill level (Mark 19 on the staff guage). Until May 15, the gates are to be opened as necessary to keep the lake level from staying above the interim target level. After May 15, the gates must be closed to refill the lake to its final target level (Mark 23 2/3 on the staff guage). After June 1, the gates are to be opened and closed as necessary to keep the lake level as close as possible to, without exceeding, the final target level.

It is the DEP's position that, under the current circumstances, in order to be in compliance with the management plan, all gates must be closed to start refilling the lake to its interim target level.

Therefore, the DEP hereby directs you to immediately close all spillway gates on the Canton Lake Dam. Failure to do so will result in enforcement action by the Department.

Please call (287-3901) and tell me as soon as you have complied with this directive.

Sincerely,

Dana Paul Murch,
Dams & Hydro Supervisor

cc: Code Enforcement Officer, Town of Canton
Bob Douchette, Canton Water District
Judy Hamilton, Canton Lake Association
James Harrington, Esq.

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