This letter is not specifically about Camden Ballot Question 7 – whether to destroy or keep the Montgomery Dam.  I am concerned that, as voters and taxpayers of Camden, we have not yet been given the complete and accurate information needed to make an educated and informed decision. There should be a comprehensive plan in place before starting any piece of the project – a plan that lays out in detail what is proposed for the rest of Megunticook River and the other dams. 

At this point, there are far too many questions that need to be answered before we vote on a small part of the project. Questions like: What is the time line for “freeing” the rest of the river? What are the plans for each and every other dam on the river?  If the intent is to introduce elvers and alewives to the Megunticook Watershed all the way to Norton Pond, how are these fish supposed to get over any dam that is left in place?  (Surely, at least three dams must remain in order to preserve the Seabright reservoir and Megunticook Lake as we know them today.)

What is the projected cost for removing the other dams, and who is expected to pay for that work?  What is the cost for removing the silt built-up behind the Knowlton Street dam – silt that likely contains dangerous heavy metals? 

What are the projected costs and ongoing maintenance expenses associated with such construction projects as fish ladders to get fish above the Seabright Dam and the West or East Dams?  What is the projected effect on property taxes to pay these costs – short term and long term?  

While destruction of the Montgomery Dam and falls may ultimately make sense in the larger, overall restoration picture, I’d really like to know what that picture looks like in some detail, first.

It is my opinion that the Town (i.e. Select Board(s), Town Manager, consultants and special committees) have not done their jobs.

Focusing on one part of the puzzle while ignoring the rest of the river is not an appropriate way to start such a large undertaking.  It’s just common sense that a piecemeal approach to a large, complicated and challenging project like changing the Megunticook River only makes sense once the total project has been completely defined, prepared, and approved.

I for one will be voting against the removal of the Montgomery Dam and falls at this time for these reasons. 

Peter Gross lives in Camden