Water Level and Dam Management
The town of Oxford took over the operation of the Robinson Mill dam when the mill became delinquent on property taxes.
The town of Oxford took over the operation of the Robinson Mill dam when the mill became delinquent on property taxes.
In 2012 the town requested that TLEA study the issue of water level and provide recommendations. The Dam Committee of TLEA was created to establish optimal seasonal water levels that would:
After researching dam operations of surrounding lake and ponds, reviewing the historical levels of Thompson lake and the effects of rain storms and spring runoff, as well as consulting with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the following recommendations were made: The fall draw down of the lake should start the week after Columbus Day, to a winter level of 32 inches below the top of the dam by the first week in November. In the spring, the water should be drawn down following ice out (to prevent scouring of the shoreline by ice), with the goal of 14 inches from the top of the dam by Memorial Day weekend. This would remain the summer level until the fall draw down. The dam would be operated to maintain these levels to within plus or minus two inches daily. These proposals were presented at an Oxford town meeting in the summer of 2012 and were accepted without objections.
Since 2012, the Town of Oxford has retained responsibility for Thompson Lake’s water level and any questions or concerns should be directed to the Oxford Town Manager at (207) 539-4054 and townmanager@oxfordmaine.org.
