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This week, the Waterville City Council postponed their decision to vote on an amendment to the Kennebec River Management Plan that would call for the removal of two dams on the Kennebec River.
The Kennebec River Management plan is a decades-long initiative to restore the native Atlantic Salmon population and promote a healthy river, as Atlantic Salmon populations in the Kennebec River are nearing extinction.
In the amendment, environmental activists cite the Lockwood Dam in Waterville and the Shawmut Dam in Fairfield as detrimental to these native fish populations, with many of them also calling for the removal of the Hydro Kennebec Dam in Waterville and the Weston Dam in Skowhegan as well.
However, many politicians, such as Waterville Mayor Jay Coelho, remain apprehensive about the economic consequences of removing the dams.
“There is no perfect answer or solution. I am hopeful and pragmatic that scientists and dam owners can work together to find a balance. It’s important to know we can’t save every fish, and by the same token, we can’t pump every megawatt to the detriment of the environment,” Coelho said. “I don’t have all the answers and I doubt anyone else does either. This issue will require many more conversations over the next decade or so.”
Unfortunately, Waterville’s economy might not last another ‘decade or so’ because the Atlantic Salmon industry helps keep the city afloat. This recent City Council dispute is significant as either decision could radically alter Waterville’s economic framework.
Some council members are worried about the expense of removing the dams, but if the council doesn’t go through with the amendment, the Atlantic Salmon population could die off along with the industry.
“There are many examples of how dam removal can lead to economic benefit for residence and a broader community,” Waterville Councilman Thomas Klepach explained. “One such example was the removal of the Edwards down from the Kennebec River in Augusta. The removal of that dam, rather than drying up the river as many had claimed, actually brought renewed vibrancy to the river, increasing residential property value, recreational opportunity, and a renewed vitality to the waterfront in downtown Augusta. This is not to say that every single dam is the same, which is why this issue requires such careful consideration.”
On the other hand, Coelho felt that we should focus more on how detrimental dam removal could be for the economy and the environment.
“The fish are just one piece of the equation. Negative financial implications for almost every resident and business in the region is another. We should all strive to care for our environment and each other, but the human element is also part of the equation,” Coelho said.
Ultimately, this dam dilemma deals with two different sciences: environmental and economic.
Klepach noted how science can act as a beacon of truth during an age when adhering to partisan politics can alter one’s perception of reality.
“Science is an objective method for creating new knowledge and discovering truth in a system. It is rare in today’s world to have an issue that doesn’t have a scientific component to it. In any complex public policy discussion, consideration of the scientific ramifications of the issue is crucial. The issue of dam removal is an excellent case in point,” Klepach explained.
“This is an extremely complex issue with a myriad of considerations both economic and environmental. Any serious discussion around this issue must include consideration of the scientifically-established facts and expert opinion, even if those facts and expert opinions are contrary to the priorities of some of the stakeholders,” Klepach continued. “This does not mean that the ultimate policy decision must be solely based upon the singular voice of scientists and engineers, just that any thorough consideration must include that evidence.”
Councilwoman Rebecca Green found the salmon issue unusual in the sense that local governments could utilize scientific principles to come to an informed decision, rather than allowing their personal politics to influence their decisions.
“One thing that has been really interesting to me is that, while people are very divided on the issue, it has not fallen along partisan lines,” Green said. “But it has raised a lot of questions about process and how we make decisions as a community. It’s amazing to me how quickly assumptions are being made: that voting to accept this amendment would lead directly to dam removal, which then has people lamenting a loss of jobs and tax revenue. But is that really the case? I think we need to take a wider perspective and a longer view on what is best for our community, and also what is possible, both in the short and long term.”
Coelho reiterated the importance of methodical dissection of the issue.
“No matter which way you stand on an issue, people fighting for their side tend to skew information with a mix of facts, fear, and sensationalism. Wading through it all can be difficult. But at the end of the day, logic and rational thinking should win out. Decisions like these should not be emotional,” Coelho argued.
As the City Council continues their discussion around science in an attempt to do what is best for both the fish and Waterville residents, Colby students can enter the conversation too.
“The [Maine Department of Marine Resources] is taking written public comment at their website through March 27,” said Klepach. “If you are in favor of the proposed amendment and support the findings of the state’s marine biologist and fisheries managers, you can also go to the Maine Natural Resource Council’s website and register your support through a simple form letter there.”
~ Sarah Warner `21
