Lynn dam repairs ‘cosmetic’

LYNN – A dam keeping millions of gallons of water from flooding West Lynn will get $507,000 in “cosmetic” repairs.The Water and Sewer Commission approved the repair work this week after Water and Sewer Director Daniel O’Neill said the repairs will be confined to the Walden Pond dam’s spillway.”Most of the dam’s components are classified as ‘satisfactory.’ The concrete core of the dam is structurally sound. This is more of a cosmetic contract than a structural contract,” said O’Neill.A Georgetown company is scheduled to complete the dam repairs by the end of November.The Walden dam is classified by the state Office of Dam Safety as a “high hazard” dam. The classification is a reference to its proximity to Lynn homes and businesses, not its structural soundness.The office in November 2007 outlined work needed on the dam and a February 2009 evaluation of the dam by Commission consultant Camp, Dresser, McKee recommended Water and Sewer undertake the work.Following the May 2006 storm that caused extensive flooding across Massachusetts, state officials added the 1,000-foot by 29-foot dam to a long list of dams, some in danger of collapse, in need of repairs.Overflowing water from the pond during the May 2006 storm prompted two Saugus residents to sue the commission last April for $300,000.Betsi Bell and Pamela Anastas, 88 Walden Pond Ave., claim in their Superior Court complaint that the decision during the height of the storm on May 15, 2006 to open a manual spill-over valve dumped more than a foot of water into their basement.Their lawsuit accused Water and Sewer of failing to adequately maintain the pond’s drainage system and failing to inspect and improve water control and relief systems associated with Walden Pond dam.Anastas and Bell said the basement flooding damaged walls, baseboards, closet doors, furniture, rugs, a bathroom vanity and insulation.The commission also voted this week to have Camp, Dresser, McKee prepare bid documents soliciting cost study proposals for Water and Sewer’s wind turbine project. Commissioners want to pin down the precise cost of constructing a 254-foot windmill next to the Commercial Street sewage treatment complex.”We’ll find out the total cost and the expected savings,” said Commission Chairman William Trahant Sr.The windmill’s turbine will generate between 600 and 750 kilowatts of electricity to be used by Water and Sewer to power treatment plants. Estimates calculated in 2007 indicated Water and Sewer could save over $300,000 annually in electrical costs through wind generated power.The commission received a $600,000 state grant a week ago to help pay for the turbine.