This summer, there were some significant, unplanned changes to the portion of the Presumpscot River that is directly upstream from Dundee Dam, which is located on the Gorham-Windham town line. This is an area where the Presumpscot’s historic riverbed is usually submerged by Dundee Pond, upriver from Dundee Dam. Normally, in summer, Dundee Pond is a popular recreation spot for canoeists, kayakers, and swimmers, while also providing a scenic view for people picnicking at the town of Windham’s Dundee Park. Nearby, lakeside residents usually enjoy access and views of the pond.
However, problems with one of the main sluiceways at the 1913-era Dundee Dam began surfacing this spring. These problems caused the dam’s owners to lower the water level so that contractors could make necessary repairs. (The dam is owned by Dichotomy Power Maine, LLC; and Presumpscot Hydro, LLC, a subsidiary of Relevate Power, LLC). After these initial repairs were completed, the water level was raised so Dundee Park could open as normal for Memorial Day weekend. But by mid-June additional problems with the dam’s sluices required Relevate to lower the water level once again.
Soon, the pond was almost completely drained, to low water levels that had not been seen in decades. This revealed many objects that had long been hidden by the deep waters of the pond: a large area of tree stumps, and many remnants of agriculture and small-scale industrial activities that local residents had carried out throughout the late 1700’s and 1800’s. Perhaps most importantly, the lack of water revealed the Presumpscot’s original stream bed, including rapids, falls, and flat water sections, all of which had been formed over many centuries by waters rushing downstream from Sebago Lake to the sea.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Friends of the Presumpscot RiverLooking northward, these drone photos show the exposed riverbed and newly flowing river as a dark ribbon shape, while the rest of the drained Dundee Pond’s exposed mud,
These changes also exposed the usually-submerged route of the Cumberland and Oxford Canal, which ran alongside the river during the 1800’s. These unexpected changes to Dundee Pond caused varying reactions among residents of this area. Many people were disappointed and upset by the unplanned partial closure of Dundee Park’s facilities, as they had planned to swim, boat, or go fishing at Dundee Pond. There has also been a noticeable odor throughout the summer, apparently from all the rotting freshwater mussels and underwater vegetation that was left high and dry by the receding waters.
On the other hand, advocacy groups such as Friends of the Presumpscot River have been pointing out the implications of the (temporarily) free-running river as it winds its way through its original stream bed. They also pointed to the naturally seeded plants which were starting to grow on the temporary “riverbank”. These were seen as indications of what the area could look like in the future if the dam is someday decommissioned and removed.
Members of the Friends of the Presumpscot River, and other advocacy organizations, have stated that Relevate Power’s handling of the entire series of events has raised concerns about their lack of communication with local officials (especially in Windham) about the length of time that Dundee Pond would be drained during the summer months.
Recently, Relevate Power has estimated that the problems with the sluiceway would be completely fixed sometime in early September, and the pond’s level should be returned to normal by late September or early October.
Readers who would like more detailed information about Dundee Dam and other local hydroelectric operations can access these websites: