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Integrity of Privately Owned Dam Causing Concern in Chester

The uncertainty surrounding the structural soundness of a privately owned dam in Chester is prompting concern from those who live and work near it, especially as some recent tropical storms have resulted in significantly higher amounts of water running over it.

Commonly referred to as the Griswold dam, the rubble-masonry wing dam first constructed by C.L. Griswold in 1850 sits adjacent to the Chester Historical Society at 9 West Main Street in Chester.

“The dam was required to be inspected several years ago…because of its condition,” Chester First Selectwoman Lauren Gister said at a Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting in September.

The state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), which is the agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of Connecticut dam safety, has also classified it as presenting a “significant hazard.”

Under this classification, the owner must file an Emergency Action Plan every two years, which has not been done, according to Gister.

“I have sent a letter to DEEP asking to have that file re-prioritized and to push that forward with those requirements including enforcement activities,” said Gister.

Chester’s town engineer has looked at the dam “and they don’t think that it’s an imminent danger,” Gister said.

“But, if you think about all of the storms that we’ve had, between the historical society and the merchants downtown and the homeowners in the way, there is quite a bit of concern that that dam has not been inspected or repaired, if necessary,” Gister continued.

Ed Meehan, an officer with the Chester Historical Society and former first selectman, spoke at the Sept. 22 BOS meeting about his concerns relative to the dam’s condition and the need for consultation with a structural engineer.

“I think it’s getting to the point where something has got to be done,” said Meehan.

Marta Daniels, an officer with the Chester Historical Society, said at the meeting that she is also concerned about the dangers the unexamined dam poses.

The Courier followed up with Meehan after the meeting.

Meehan said that he hasn’t seen any reports documenting the exact conditions of the dam, but that “given the heavy rain this past summer, couple of tropical storms, we just want to be pro-active about it, that’s all.”

“We’re just trying to keep the first selectman’s office informed and they’re doing what they can to get some assistance from the…dam division up in Hartford,” he continued.

Chuck Lee, an assistant director with DEEP, confirmed that the dam is in poor condition and that an emergency action plan has not been developed for it.

If the issues with the dam are not addressed, “We could take enforcement action, you know, basically level penalties,” said Lee. “Our goal is just to get compliance. Looking at the record, it’s probably one that we’ll have to pursue a little more aggressively.”

Lee was unable to provide a timeline for assessing the dam.

“We’re going to be working actively on it, but I can’t give a timeline,” said Lee.