Despite a stalemate over a valve repair job at the Nequasset Lake Dam in Woolwich, work toward the restoration of the dam's attached fish ladder is moving forward.

Volunteers have been investigating property ownership at the wooded site off the George Wright Road in anticipation of a significant overhaul of the 1950s-era fish ladder. 

The Bath Water District owns the dam and has sought grant funding to help with the ladder restoration. 

Part of this process has had volunteers and the water district working to define easement obligations for the dam and the fish ladder, which is expected to extend beyond certain boundary markers. 

The issues volunteers and water district officials have been discussing include: the projected size of a new fish ladder, the extent of a fish run season, security at the dam, signage and a deteriorated water valve. 

According to Woolwich historian and Board of Selectmen member Allison Hepler, volunteers have reached agreements with the water district on most issues, except for one: who is responsible for paying for the valve's repair.  

Water flows into a fish trap where for decades people have scooped up large nets full of alewives, for lobster bait and food. This water is regulated by a valve on a chamber in a section of the dam historians believe drove a water mill turbine, according to Woolwich Fish Commissioner Bill Potter.

In a November letter to selectmen Potter said, “This system is old, is too big for current use and could fail at any time either open or closed.” 

Potter said the water district has refused responsibility for the system. However, the fish ladder restoration could move forward, even if the valve were not repaired by either party, he added.

While volunteers would like to see the water district repair the valve and not have the town take ownership of this work, Board of Selectmen chairman David King said they could run a water line from the top of the dam. 

Hepler said she believes it is in the water district's best interest to fix the valve, since they would lose a lot of water if the valve fails in the open position. From the town's perspective, the valve is part of the dam and its repair falls under the responsibility of the dam owner. 

Historical documents also show the water district is supposed to make sure the fish ladder functions properly so anadromous fish, such as alewives, have safe passage on Nequasset Brook each year during migration periods, in the spring and in the fall. 

Over several decades, the fish ladder has seen some repairs, but according to several accounts, it needs a significant overhaul. 

Potter said that several baffles in the ladder were damaged after periods of high water runoff last spring.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust in Bath has taken a lead role in restoration efforts, which so far have involved fish counts and extensive title research. 

The nonprofit has also taken a lead in searching for grants to help the water district fund the project. Potter, Hepler and several other residents have volunteered their time and efforts to this cause, which has involved significant historical research.  

Final survey work is almost complete. According to Potter, a survey of the property was conducted in two parts. 

Potter said the first part determined that the fish house on the site is outside of the water district's easement to the land, and the second part of the survey proved that the fish house is located on town-owned property. 

According to those involved, recent survey work also concludes that while the water district owns the dam, the town owns the land beneath it.

However, Hepler said it looks like the town probably does not own the water entrance beyond the fish house. 

If selectmen want to pursue access to the water entrance, she said they would likely need to get an easement from neighboring property owners.

Volunteers anticipate grant funding to help finance the project. The land trust said they hope to complete the restoration sometime next summer. To read and learn more, visit www.kennebecestuary.org.