MDI Biological Laboratory Announces Completion of Hamilton Pond Dam Repair
BAR HARBOR, MAINE — The MDI Biological Laboratory has announced the completion of the Hamilton Pond dam repair. The dam creating the 51-acre pond, which is owned by the laboratory, partially collapsed in early February due to a high water event, resulting in a drop in the water level.
The water level returned to normal within a few weeks of the repair, according to Mark Hanscome, MDI Biological Laboratory director of facilities.
The pond, which is located at the junction of Route 3 and Norway Drive, was created in the early 1900s when Stony Brook was dammed for agricultural purposes. The property surrounding the pond was donated to the MDI Biological Laboratory in 1935 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.
The repair on the stone masonry dam was carried out by Harold MacQuinn Inc. of Hancock, Maine, based on a solution outlined in an engineer’s report commissioned by the MDI Biological Laboratory from the Kleinschmidt Group of Falmouth, Maine. The work was funded by private donations and by a $10,000 contribution from the town of Bar Harbor, which uses the pond as a fire reservoir for the village of Salisbury Cove.
The project involved improvement of the access road, repair of the breached section of the dam and widening of the landing, which will provide easy access to the pond for fire trucks to pump water in the event of a fire, Hanscome said.
Given the importance of Hamilton Pond as a fire safety and recreational resource, the MDI Biological Laboratory has embarked on a fundraising initiative to raise $75,000 to establish a fund to support the long-term maintenance of the dam. Those interested in contributing may contact Michele Marks, philanthropy officer, at 207-288-3605, ext. 109.
About the MDI Biological Laboratory
We are pioneering new approaches to regenerative medicine focused on developing drugs that slow age-related degenerative diseases and activate our natural ability to heal. Our unique approach has identified potential therapies that could revolutionize the treatment of heart disease, muscular dystrophy and more. Through the Maine Center for Biomedical Innovation we are preparing students for 21st century careers and equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to turn discoveries into applications that improve human health and well-being. For more information, please visit mdibl.org.