MAINE PUBLIC • August 2, 2024
State environmental regulators say the Town of Phillips violated state laws and damaged habitat for endangered Atlantic salmon when it dredged the South Branch of the Sandy River in December. While the Maine Department of Environmental Protection did grant the town permission to remove three debris piles to alleviate winter flooding, regulators say the town and its contractors went too far, dredging a channel nearly a mile long, erecting berms next to the river, and dewatering channels used by brook trout and Atlantic salmon. Phillips town manager Maureen Haley said the town is willing to work with state and federal agencies to restore the river, but asked for financial assistance for the work.