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Engineers recommend rebuilding Cranberry Bog Dam #1; commission orders emergency stabilization and cost review
Summary
GeoEngineers recommended a full rebuild for Cranberry Bog Dam #1, a conclusion that conflicts with a previously DEP-approved Stamski & McNary repair plan; commissioners agreed to proceed with emergency stabilization under SumCo's contract while pursuing cost comparisons, clarification from Stamski & McNary, and review of invoices.
The Carlisle Conservation Commission on April 9 discussed competing engineering recommendations for Cranberry Bog Dam #1. Meghan Sullivan reported that GeoEngineers assessed the dam as significantly poor and recommended a complete rebuild rather than the previously proposed repairs. That recommendation conflicts with the DEP-approved repair plan from Stamski & McNary, and commissioners expressed frustration that multiple engineering firms are reluctant to rely on the same ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data or on others’ designs.
Commissioner Melissa Webster questioned why Stamski & McNary, after designing multiple repair iterations and securing DEP approval, now decline to provide the on-site engineering oversight required by the permit. Webster said this raises questions about professional obligations and whether the firm should refund fees or permit a subcontractor arrangement to deliver the required oversight.
The commission agreed to several parallel steps: proceed with visible emergency repairs under SumCo’s existing contract to stabilize the dam and preserve some water retention; request a formal meeting with Stamski & McNary to review invoices and clarify their position; and explore whether other firms (for example, Weston & Sampson) could work with existing GPR data or whether a full rebuild cost comparison warrants starting a new design. Meghan Sullivan also reported successful grant funding for Curve Street dam inspections that reduced the expected inspection cost by about $7,000 from the original $14,000 estimate.
No final decision to rebuild or to proceed with full repairs was made at the April 9 meeting; the commission directed staff to pursue emergency stabilization and to arrange follow-up discussions with consultants to clarify oversight and costs.
