A Chronology of Events Related to Dams on the…

A Chronology of Events Related to Dams on the Magaguadavic River, and The Impact on the Environment and Private Property

1784 to 1900
The River and Early Settlement
• The Magaguadavic River, the sixth longest in New Brunswick, meanders 80 miles from its beginning at Magaguadavic Lake, York County, until it reaches its mouth on Passamaquoddy Bay near St. George.
With 103 named tributaries, and 55 Lakes, the system covers a watershed of 700 sq. miles.
(Reference – Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magaguadavic_River )

• Before the coming of early settlers, the river was a true “Run of the River System”, where fresh water met the tidal portion of the Magaguadavic estuary at First Falls, in the present day Town of St. George.

• First Falls originally consisted of two channels (Eastern & Western), divided by what is locally known as “Ivy Island”.

• Although there had been earlier attempts at settlement by the French in the 1600’s, the first permanent settlement did not commence until 1784.

• From 1784 onward, the river has been the backbone of the lumbering, farming and manufacturing industries in this valley.

• By the early 1800’s, there were as many as 10 sawmills located in the “Gully” or western channel at First Falls. A crude cribwork dam was constructed at the top of the eastern channel, to divert the majority of the river’s flow into the Gully or western channel.
In the Gully, additional cribwork dams and sluiceways were constructed, to divert the water to various water wheels for the Mills, as well as to sluice finished product to ships in the Basin Harbour.

• These early dams were relatively fragile structures, of only a few feet in height, whose prime purpose was for the diversion of water, versus damming and creation of any significant head pond.
Due to the nature of their construction, the dams and sluiceways would periodically be carried away by freshets. The destruction of these structures, by Natural causes, was in essence, a very early means of Flood Water release.
No attempts were made to incorporate flood release gates in these early structures.

The Granite Industry

• With the advent of the first of several Granite companies in the St. George area in 1872, the demand on the Hydro power resources of the river increased significantly.

• The quarry operations were all located much further inland, however the practical solution for the Granite Factories (known locally as sheds), was to harness the available Hydro power at First Falls.

• Water rights were purchased (anecdotal info) from the original group of companies in the Gully, and these companies were allowed to share the resource for as long as they remained in operation.

• The dam at the top of the eastern channel remained essentially the same; however a sluice way was constructed down the eastern bank of this channel, which allowed water to be funnelled to the water wheels of several Granite Sheds.

• The number of operations in the Gully had by this time dwindled, however the existing system of crib work dams and sluices in this channel remained.
At least one Granite Shed would be located in the Gully for a period of time.

• Up to this point in time, the dams on the river had limited impact on Private and Public lands. With respect to the Environment, there is anecdotal information that Sturgeon migration into the Magaguadavic River had been impaired.
Other migratory species such as Atlantic Salmon and Alewives, were able to navigate upstream by leaping the low dam structures, or by threading their way through the various water wheels.

• Farming continued to be an important Industry in the valley, with many active farms as far north as Second Falls. The valley was the breadbasket of the Area.
Of particular note, would be the hay and grain fields located in the Town of St. George, within 1-2 miles upstream of the dam structures at First Falls.
These lands, although susceptible to spring flooding, were for the most part 5 – 6 feet above the average summer water level.

• From pictorial and anecdotal information, there is every reason to believe that Lake Utopia prior to 1900 had average summer water levels of somewhere between 40 and 45 feet.
In comparison, the current operational regime for St. George Hydro holds the Lake on average at levels between 56 and 58 feet.

1901 to 1966

The Pulp and Paper Industry

• In 1901, a New York based group of investors, began construction of a ground wood Pulp Mill, in the area known as the Gully.
In conjunction with this development, the new company purchased the water rights on the Magaguadavic River, from the five or six Granite companies, who still shared the Hydro Power generation resources of the river.
Any remaining Saw Mills, and the Granite Shed located in the Gully, were purchased and demolished.

• It is our understanding, that the new Pulp Mill was also granted a 99 year lease from the Province of New Brunswick for upstream water rights.
As part of the initial agreements, the Pulp Mill agreed to provide the Granite Sheds with Hydro Electricity generated in their new Mill. Most of the Granite operations were later bought out by subsequent owners of the Pulp Mill.

• In August 1902, the new Pulp Mill commenced operations. During construction of the Pulp Mill, significant changes were made to the existing infrastructure in the Western Channel or Gully.

• In addition to the new Mill building constructed at the lower end of the Gully, a new dam was constructed at the middle area of the Western Channel, which reclaimed a large area of River bottom. This reclaimed area would later be utilized for a Wood Mill and Wood Storage area.

• A penstock was constructed from the dam to the Mill building to provide water flow to the Hydroelectric Generators and the water driven Grinders.
For the most part, this new dam was of cribwork construction similar to earlier dams, but included a concrete section in the area of the Penstock intake gate.

• One significant difference which should be noted, this dam was constructed at an elevation approximate to the height of the dam structure in the Eastern Channel of the river.
This dam created a significant increase in water levels, and is really the first of many incremental increases from 1902 until present day.

• The dam on the Eastern Channel, retained cribwork construction, and its original elevation until 1923.
Subsequent to the great freshet of 1923, an improved cribwork dam was constructed circa 1926, with a slightly increased elevation due to the installation of flashboards.

• Between 1926 and 1950 several changes were made to the main Dam on the Eastern Channel. These changes improved fish way passage, upgraded the dam to concrete construction, and added a small spillway gate to bleed off water during periods of peak run off.

Significant changes in Head Pond Levels

• In 1950 the main dam on the Eastern channel was significantly upgraded, with the addition of 3 new flood gates on the short wing, substantial reinforcement, a new gantry on the flood gate on the long wing, and the addition of catwalks.
Most significantly the operating head of the dam was raised by 10 feet.

• During the 1950’s, repairs, upgrades and additions were made to the inventory of storage dams located on the Magaguadavic system of Lakes.
These dams were historically the means of holding the water back in reserve for dry periods, or alternatively holding back surplus flood waters until the river had stabilized.

• In 1952 the wing portion of the main dam was recapped and raised an additional 5 feet.

• From 1902 until 1966, St. George Pulp & Paper retained the same corporate name, but there were several changes in ownership.
Finally, circa 1966, the Pulp mill ceased operations, and the Irving group of companies assumed control of the operations.

• During this interval of 64 years of operation, (1902 – 1966) available information indicates that the level of Lake Utopia has been was raised by as much as 15 feet.
• This suggested increase in elevation is supported by much pictorial and anecdotal evidence, as well as the 10 foot and 5 foot increases at the main dam, which are documented for 1950 & 1952 alone. The base of the dam was constructed on the ledge lip of the falls. At the time of construction, the ledge lip was an elevation of 44 feet.

In current documents, the operator, St. George power indicates that the target headpond level at the Lake is in the range of 56 to 58 feet.
Hence the head pond at the old dam is as much as 14 feet higher than the natural overflow level of the falls pre dam. The level of 59 feet, at which the Lake is full, is frequently exceeded.

• The river level upstream of the dam, gains in elevation much like an inclined plane or wedge effect, the further one progresses upriver.
A given level of water at the Dam fore bay area will equate to somewhere in the vicinity of a 1 foot higher elevation at Lake Utopia.
Hence, it is suggested that the 14 foot increase at the Dam area since 1902 equates to an increase of 15 foot at Lake Utopia.

1966 to circa 1991
From Pulp Mill to Hydro Electric Facility

• The old mill continued to operate as a private Hydro Electric operation until July 2003.
Few changes were made to the main dam structures in St. George, and two additional generators were installed in 1978 at the old Mill site.

• Upriver, a new dam was constructed at Magaguadavic Lake , the dam at Dideguash Lake was retained, but for the most part, all others dams were abandoned. (Red Rock Lake, McDougall Lake, Mill Lake, Kedron Lake)

• During this period, the operating cycle for the generators was much the same as prior to 1966. The generators would be operated until levels at the fore bay area at the Penstock intake, reached a level of 53 foot or lower. The generators would then be shut down and the water level returned to above 53 foot before restarting.
Given the minimal flow capacity (40 m3/s ) of the old generators, the River and subsequently the Lake, would remain in an outflow status for as long as several weeks.

• During freshet events, the Generators would remain running at full capacity and the flood gates on the main dam would be opened in a timely fashion to relieve surplus water.
The gates on the main dam had the capability of up to 180 m3/s of Flood Discharge.

1991 to circa 2000

Changes to Head Pond Levels and Cycles
• Around 1998, Cottage owners on Lake Utopia, began to notice subtle changes occurring, with respect to water levels on the Lake.
On average, the Lake was being held at a higher level, the generators were shut down more frequently, almost on a weekly cycle.
It was noted that the frequency that the River would flow back into the Lake, had almost reached a frequency of 1 to 2 days per week, every week.
• This change in the operational regime for the St. George Hydro plant, created concerns for property owners; water levels on average were higher, higher water levels during severe environmental conditions meant more damage from erosion, and more sandy beaches were now covered.
• The Lake was more often being held at, or near the 59 foot level.
• At the 59 foot level the Lake has reached its Maximum capacity!

• We began to note, that quite often when severe rainfall events were forecast, and with the Lake at 59 foot, timely proactive action would not always be taken to lower the level in advance. More frequent flooding into the vegetation level was being experienced.

• As noted previously, the Lake offers somewhat of a cushion against the effect of severe water flow rates in the lower Magaguadavic Basin. During the drier months the Lake would drain to lower levels and flush itself. From 1998 onward, this cushion effect had for the most part disappeared.
2000 to 2004 – Approval Process for new Hydro Facility
• As noted above, the old mill continued to operate as a private hydro electric plant until July 2003.

• Circa 2000, the Irving interests began the planning and approval process for a totally new Hydro electric facility in the name of “St. George Pulp & Paper Ltd.” This plan would involve the demolition of the old Wood Mill Dam and Penstock.

• Construction was commenced on the new Hydro Facility in 2002. Two of the old Generators in the old facility continued in use until June of 2003.

• In March 2004, the new facility was commissioned and began first operation with the Freshet of that year, under the corporate name of St. George Power.

2004 to 2011

– From March 2004 onward, property owners noted that the operating regime for the Dam
continued much the same as it had been since 1998.
The Lake was frequently held at or near the full capacity level of 59 feet.

• While at or near the 59’ level, and as a result of wave action associated with strong winds, continuing shoreline erosion was noted.
Significant changes with respect to the vegetation level along beaches were noted, in that due to erosion, the vegetation line was receding inland.

• The various sand beaches around the Lake continued to be in a state of change.

• Where sand beaches once existed, there was now rocks or gravel, and the beach sand had either shifted further along the shoreline, or piled up inland, in the vegetation zone.

Increased Incidents of Flooding

• The damage being caused by the Lake being held at or near full capacity was significant. However, of even greater concern, was how the Power Station operator was responding to periods of heavy rainfall or run off.
For severe rainfall events, that had been forecast well in advance, the operator seemed to take either no action, or insufficient action, to lower the head pond level in advance of an anticipated heavy river flow.
As the Head pond in many instances was already held at full or near full capacity, the Lake could not provide a buffer or cushion for the system.

• During much of the period April 2004 to 2008 the operation of the Head Pond continued to provide concerns to Lake Utopia property owners.

• The Lake was frequently held at or near the full capacity level of 59’

• When weather forecasts indicated conditions that would result in significant increase in runoff, it was noted by property owners, that timely action was not always being taken to open the flood relief gates, and provide for a cushion or buffer through draw down.

• Even when action was eventually taken to open the flood relief gates, all of the gates would not necessarily be opened, or would be opened in stages over one or more days.

• In instances where the Lake had flowed over its banks, (59’) and had began to recede, the operator on occasion, would close off some or all flood relief gates while the waters were still flooding private properties. It became common perception that the waters were being maintained at flood level for the sake of increased power generation.

• Property owners frequently complained to St. George Power as to their concerns, but to little avail.

– In 2008, because of concerns expressed to local MLA Rick Doucet, a working group was
formed, which was comprised of Industry, Property Owners, and Regulatory Agencies.

• This forum, which became known as the “High Water Working Group”, had the intended goal of discussing issues in a co-operative fashion, and to hopefully arrive at mutually agreed upon solutions.

• Several meetings of the group took place between 2008 and the final meeting, in early summer of 2010. The property owners at the table consistently expressed the following concerns:

The Head Pond has incrementally continued to increase in size. When would this
expansion stop? Privately owned lands are being lost or damaged!

The Lake is frequently being held at 59’, the level where it is at full storage capacity. At this
level beaches are submerged, and under windy conditions erosion is taking place.

At the 59’ level, there is not any buffer or cushion, against the impact of severe rainfall
events. As a result, flooding beyond the 59’ level is occurring more frequently, resulting in
erosion, and other potential concerns as to damage to the Environment.
Damage to buildings is being experienced.

When elevated rainfall events have been forecast, proactive action such as opening of flood
gates is either not taken, or taken too late to be successful in reducing the impact of flooding.
The full number of flood relief gates available, are not always opened, or alternatively are
opened in spaced intervals of several hours, or even over a period of more than one day.

When properties have been flooded, and once flood waters have began to recede, on
occasion, flood relief gates are closed before the waters have receded below the 59’ level.

There is evidence that the flushing regime for the Lake has changed significantly. We have
concerns that this may play some part in the increasing Blue Green Algae blooms.

• From the Property owner’s perspective, these meetings were producing little progress with respect to resolving the issues. With one exception, St. George Power did install a telephone recording which was updated daily. This recording provided the current level of the Lake, as well as whether any operating changes were anticipated at the dam.
Unfortunately the information, often tended to confirm the concerns expressed above.

• St. George Power advised that they did not feel they were causing any damage to property or the Environment, because of their operating procedures. The damage, if any, was caused by Environmental events, which were beyond their control.

• St. George Power felt that they were meeting all Regulatory requirements with respect to operation of the dam.

• The various Regulatory bodies present concurred that St. George Power was meeting existing requirements. Although they could understand our concerns, there were not any Regulatory requirements in place to deal with these issues.

• Following two back to back flooding events in the Spring of 2010, the Property Owners advised St. George Power, that continuance of these meetings would be of no further advantage, unless St. George Power was willing to put at least interim procedures in place to deal with these issues. We were willing to consider interim measures, until appropriate studies could be done to determine what procedures and action levels should be in place.

Lake Utopia Preservation Association Formed

• As a result of many of the same concerns being expressed by the Property Owners to the “High Water Working Group”, an association of a much broader number of Property Owners was founded in the early summer of 2010. This association became known as the “Lake Utopia Preservation Association.”

• Having received no further response from St. George Power by fall 2010, the Property Owners involved with the “High Water Working Group,” initiated talks to meet with the NB Dept. of the Environment. The intent of these planned meetings was to determine what course of action needed to be taken to lay the groundwork for appropriate Regulatory enrichment.

• Unfortunately the terrible events of the December 2010 flooding unfolded first.

2010 to 2015

• Since it’s inception in 2010 the Lake Utopia Preservation Association has held a continuing dialogue with St. George Power.
The Association has consistently approached these meetings with 3 basic goals in mind:
A reasonable buffer needs to be maintained in the Lake at all times. Recent discussions have centered around a range of 55 to 56 feet.
When a significant rainfall event has been forecast there is the need to open all flood release gates as soon as possible.
Following an event all flood release gates should remain open until such time as a reasonable buffer level has been re achieved.

• We feel that since last fall somewhat of a degree of success has been achieved with respect to the first point, in that the Lake has been held much of the time since fall, at the 55 to 56 foot level.
• During the summer of 2013 St. George Power installed new hydraulically operated gates on the old dam near the Brunswick Street bridge.
These gates may be opened in a period of minutes versus the several hours which were required for the old stop log removal.
• The winter of 2015 has presented exceptional conditions with respect to snow fall levels and the absence of any winter thaw and run off.
• It is the position of the Lake Utopia Preservation Association that the current potential for epic flooding warrants exceptional action to reduce water levels to as low a level as possible.
St. George Power have advised that the level cannot be lowered much below 53 feet and that a buffer does not significantly reduce the final impact of the flooding.