Restoring native fish species to the adjacent China Lake required demolition of two historic dams. Kleinfelder was tasked by Maine Rivers to produce Maine Historic Engineering Records of two sites, which documented physical attributes and historic significance.

A Tight Deadline

The client was bound by time-of-year constraints due to the presence of endangered species, requiring demolition to occur within a tight deadline. In addition to time constraints, the Masse Saw and Grist Mill site consisted of 16 buildings, which required large-format photography, scaled site plans, and written description. The site posed a safety challenge as the saw mill was partially collapsed. The Lombard Dam was part of the retirement home of a famed Maine inventor and included a power house/machine shop and engine house.

Working Directly With The Regulatory Agency

Kleinfelder’s Architectural Historians completed research to understand how each site worked. This knowledge was used to capture the most critical photographs that convey significance and functionality. The Team completed fieldwork for each site in one and a half working days, which led to a quick turnaround for large format photographs. The Team also completed a thorough safety plan for all fieldwork, detailing areas to avoid and a strategy for how to best photograph in a safe manner. Kleinfelder worked directly with the regulatory agency on behalf of the client, which resulted in efficient review and consultation.

Project Results

Kleinfelder was able to meet the tight deadlines and provide detailed documentation for each site through in-depth research, team expertise, and strategically planned documentation and photography. Each project was successfully delivered on-time and on-budget, allowing Maine Rivers to remove the dams within the limited time frame.

Project Details

Location:
East Vassalboro, Maine

Owner:
Maine Rivers