Stroudwater Dam, circa 1900 (Maine Maritime Museum)
This came in last week from City Hall:
Starting Monday, July 16th, the City of Portland with Summit Geoengineering Services, Inc. will conduct an inspection of the Stroudwater dam, located near Outer Congress Street and Westbrook Street. Built in the 1840’s, the historic stone dam was first constructed to float logs from the Stroudwater River to the Fore River and was later used by a local mill. In the late 19th century, the dam was raised to widen the stream to create more ice for the then burgeoning ice industry. The dam was eventually deeded to the city.
Next week’s inspection is the first since 1998 when the city made repairs to the downstream face of the dam. Recently, water levels upstream from the dam have appeared to be decreasing prompting Department of Public Services staff to conduct a preliminary examination of the dam during which it appeared that debris may have damaged the sluice gate. The inspection will allow the city to determine what if any repairs are necessary and allow staff to develop a plan for future investments and potential Capital Improvement Program requests. The inspection will begin with the downstream face of the dam. Once that side has been examined, the dam’s sluice gate will be opened to drain the backwater allowing for inspection of the upstream face of the dam likely Tuesday or Wednesday. Following completion of the inspection, the sluice gate will be closed to allow re-fill of the dam’s backwater.
