ANNOUNCEMENTS

October 16, 2023

The gate is open as planned for the annual drawdown.

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September 15, 2023

Fall 2023 Tentative Date for Opening Dam Gate

October 16, 2023 (routine drawdown of max 3.5 ft)

 

Deep Drawdown Information

A 1991 order issued by the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) established a schedule of deep drawdowns to occur once every five years (see E.4), beginning in 1991, for the purpose of dam repairs, aquatic weed control, and maintenance of shorefront improvements. There was a NHDES approved non-scheduled deep drawdown in 2019 for dam repairs. The scheduled 2021 deep drawdown did not occur due to the gate being inoperable. NHDES confirmed that we must follow the scheduled deep drawdown dates per the 1991 decision. The next scheduled deep drawdown is in 2026.

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A 2009 order finds that APDVD shall operate the dam in accordance with the 1991 Order with modifications to paragraphs E.4 and E.7, which strike aquatic weed control as a purpose of deep drawdowns. DES conducted a five-year study from the summer of 2000 through the summer of 2005 with the purpose of examining the extent to which deep drawdowns impact the ecology or quality of Ashuelot Pond and changes to the plant community. Findings indicate that deep drawdowns occurring on five-year cycles do not cause major impacts to the ecology of the pond and have no statistically significant impact on weed control.

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July 10, 2023

The gate was opened just after lunch. Really not much effect as the State Dam Engineer had told us. Levels still going up but at least it is letting a little water out. Levels are above spring runoff. Gate will be left open until levels have receded.

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July 2022

Commissioners
Joe Belcastro has retired from the head APDVD Commissioner position.
We thank Joe for his many years of service. Your new Commissioners are:

• Gary Carney

• Gary Mahaffy

• Rich Andrusiak