Massachusetts has revised the hazard level of a dam in Cheshire – giving the town more time to determine its fate.
The state’s Division of Ecological Resources told Cheshire officials the severity level of the Kitchen Brook Dam has been lowered and is no longer a hazard.
State ecologists gave the dam a failing grade five years ago – calling for its repair or removal. Now, the state says it’s not as much of a concern because the dam is not the town’s water source.
The town’s Water Department wants the dam to be repaired, which would cost around $300,000. The dam is not currently functional.
Water officials say the dam could be used as a backup water supply, with a less-polluted supply than current wells.
