SCOPE OF RIVER RESTORATION The Megunticook River, which forms the southwest boundary of the site, has long been a cultural, ecological, and economic centerpiece of the historic Camden region. The river is presently home to several fish species of interest to anglers, including eastern brook trout, rainbow trout, and largemouth and smallmouth bass. The transformation of the site provides an opportunity to proactively restore and enhance the channel bed and banks for the benefit of aquatic organisms as well as recreational users of the waterway. Inter-Fluve is familiar with the Site and the broader Megunticook River. We are currently evaluating fish passage opportunities for sea-run fishes, such as rainbow smelt, alewife, and Atlantic salmon throughout the watershed. The site has approximately one thousand feet of frontage on the Megunticook River between Washington Street and Rawson Avenue. This reach of the river comprises a series of pools and riffles, with occasional gravel and cobble point bars on the inside of the meander bends. At low water, these pools maintain a residual water depth of between 0.5 and 1.5 feet. The aquatic habitat within this reach is considered poor, with limited geomorphic complexity and habitat opportunities. While canopy cover provides some shade, the reach is devoid of in-stream large wood, deep pools, undercut banks, or overhanging vegetation that all contribute to healthy, complex aquatic habitat. Legacy structures from the site’s industrial past, such as buried tanks and hardened banks, remain in and along the channel, degrading natural aquatic and riparian habitat quality.
The Megunticook River, looking upstream towards the northern end of the reach. The Washington Street crossing is visible in the distance. The tannery site is to the right of the photo.
Looking upstream at the middle of the reach. The tannery site is to the right of the photo.
42 APOLLO TANNERY · PROPOSAL · TANNERY PARK
