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State of Maine

Department of Environmental Protection



Apr 26, 1996

Ray Fortier
PO Box 621
Sabattus, ME 04280

RE: Canton Lake Water Levels

Dear Mr. Fortier

The DEP has received several complaints recently alleging low water levels in Canton (Anasagunticook) Lake in the Towns of Canton and Hartford.

At a recent visit to the outlet dam, DEP staff observed that two of the dam gates had been completly removed, and that the lake level was 4-5 feet below its full pond elevation.

As you know, the operation of the outlet dam is subject to the terms and conditions of a water level order issued September 13, 1978 by the Maine Soil & Water Conservation Commission. This order (copy attached) states in relevent part that, after April 15, the owner will regulate the flow out of Anasagunticook Lake to bring the water to the maximum level [5 inches below the top of the gates] on or about June 1.

As owner of the dam, you are responsible for complying with the 1978 water level order. Pursuant to current Maine law, 38 M.R.S.A. § 842, the DEP is responsible for enforcing this order.

As it is now after April 15, it is the DEP's position that you must be taking appropriate actions to raise the level of the lake in compliance with the water level order. Your failure to comply with the order will result in enforcement action by the DEP. Violation of any water level order is punishable by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $10,000 for each day the violation takes place.

Please call me immediately at 207-287-3901 to explain your plans for raising the lake level to comply with the water level order. Your failure to respond will be taken as evidence of your intention to be in violation of the order.

Sincerely,

Dana Paul Murch,
Dams & Hydro Supervisor

cc: Scott Farwell, DEP-Enforcement
Town of Canton
Town of Hartford

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