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State experts, residents weigh dredging, removal and fire protection at Williams Dam
Summary
Vermont ANR engineers told the Londonderry Selectboard that dredging near the Williams Dam’s dry hydrant would be difficult, may need adjacent‑owner buy‑in and permitting, and that the dam has been rated in "Poor" condition and reclassified as a "Significant Hazard." The board will seek alternatives to serve the fire department before deciding.
State representatives from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) attended the Feb. 3 Selectboard meeting to brief the board and residents on options for the Williams Dam and adjacent pond.
ANR Dam Safety Engineer Ben Green and River Management Engineer Scott Jensen explained that dredging around the dry hydrant would be technically difficult because of pond location and sediment volume, could require buy‑in from neighboring landowners and would need permitting. "The ‘Hazard’ potential classification does not have anything to do with the physical condition of the dam," Scott Jensen said, explaining the dam was reclassified as a "Significant Hazard" because of potential for property loss downstream. Jensen also said the dam has been rated in "Poor" condition and has not been operational since the 1990s.
Residents raised competing concerns. Scott Ross, who lives across from the dam, asked whether spending on dredging made sense if the site will flood again; other speakers noted the pond contributes to town aesthetics and the fire department opposes removal because the pond supplies water for firefighting. Paul Hendler cited an SLR International July 2024 report saying removal would likely improve upstream conditions but that downstream effects were not known. The board agreed it needs more information and emphasized finding a satisfactory alternative water source for the fire department; it will consult Troy Dare on options such as relocated dry hydrants or cisterns before making a final decision.
The Selectboard did not take a formal vote on removal at the meeting and said it will continue to weigh options after gathering additional technical and logistics information.
