Construction is underway at the Nequasset Dam fish ladder in Woolwich in an effort to ease fish passage to and from Nequasset Lake.

Bath Water District has contracted Atlantic Mechanical Inc., of Woolwich, a contracting and engineering firm, to rebuild the deteriorating, nearly 60-year-old fishway. Construction is estimated to cost approximately $132,000, and completion is expected to occur near the end of August, depending on the weather, said Trevor Hunt, superintendent of the Bath Water District.

The design of the fish ladder had been modified based on recommendations from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and engineers, said Hunt, which will be part Denil-style ladder and part pool and weir system.

The ladder is being extended by one pool, slightly reducing the incline, and the passageway from the top of the ladder over the dam is being broadened.

“When the water district bought the dam, we took on responsibility for the fish ladder and we take that seriously,” said Hunt. “We hope that by getting the fish ladder back to a higher operational capacity that it will help the overall water quality of the lake,” he said.

Alewives migrate annually via the fish ladder to Nequasset Lake to spawn. In addi- tion to serving as a food source for various wildlife, alewives help keep the nutrient levels in the water low. High levels of nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, can cause algae to bloom — which blocks sunlight and depletes oxygen in the water.

“A water customer might be wondering why they’re spending money on a fish ladder,” said Hunt, “but we have the responsibility to maintain it and we consider it part of water treatment — by helping the fish get into the lake, we’re hoping we’ll have a better quality of water.”

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