The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is investigating allegations that the town of Phillips dredged the south branch of the Sandy River, affecting other branches where endangered Atlantic salmon migrate.
A DEP spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing, and that department staff have visited the site, and contacted state and local officials to evaluate possible impacts.
Daniel McCaw, who has studied salmon habitat in the Sandy River, told the Portland Press Herald that the town dredged several feet down in a central channel in December, to alleviate flooding after the December rainstorm.
But he said that caused several other branches of the river to dry up, preventing Atlantic salmon migration, and destroying developing salmon eggs.
McCaw said the town should have contacted the state DEP and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services before altering the flow of the river.
