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China Selectmen Invite Vassalboro Selectmen on Potential Flooding Discussions

November 21, 2007 - CHINA -- China selectmen decided at their Oct. 29 meeting to try to involve Vassalboro selectmen in discussion of the potential for flooding around China Lake. After resident Al Althenn raised the issue, selectmen asked state environmental officials what would happen if there were a heavy rain and Vassalboro officials, to protect their own residents downstream, closed the outlet dam and let the rising lake flood China residents instead.

The answer, from state dams and hydropower supervisor Dana Murch, was that the state could fine Vassalboro for violating the state's lake level order, but only if state regulators found that Vassalboro officials had not taken all reasonable steps to avoid letting the lake rise above the stateset maximum. Murch advised selectmen to take their concerns directly to Vassalboro officials.

In response, China board Chairman Elwood Ellis reported, he discussed China's concern with Vassalboro Town Manager Michael Vashon. Ellis said Vashon was aware of the issue and had copies of the correspondence between Murch and China officials. Selectman Joann Austin proposed sending a letter asking to meet with Vassalboro selectmen, along with additional information offered by Althenn and lakeside resident Henry Bourque. Ellis delegated drafting the letter to Austin.

SOURCE: TOWN LINE

DATE: 11-01-2007

Lakes: China Lake
Regions: Belgrade


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