Nashua Rivers
Posted by Doug Barry on Aug 01, 2016
On August 1st, Gene Porter from the Lower Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee (LMRLAC), addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding “Nashua’s Rivers”. Gene graduated from the Naval Academy in 1958 and is a 30 year Nashua native. Following his military career, he spent time working for the federal government. According to Gee, Nashua residents are deprived of public water access compared to Manchester and Concord residents.
There are many more public water accesses in both Concord and Manchester. Nashua has done an excellent job in cleaning the Merrimack River but most beneficiaries of this effort are located downstream in Massachusetts. The Lower Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee is made up of volunteers from Nashua, Hudson, Litchfield and Merrimack.
The Beazer East Creosote Project is an attempt to reclaim10 acres of waterfront property tainted by creosote. The land was previously the site of Koppers Wood Treating Site where railroad ties were soaked with creosote. This process allowed much of the creosote to leak into the ground and adjacent water. A Remediation Action Plan (RAP) is underway is address the continued creosote seeping issue.
Another area of concern is the Greely Park boat ramp. The state recognizes the need to address the much needed improvements but funding for the work has yet to be approved.
Many cities around the country recognize the economic value of improving their waterfront properties. The potential for developing areas located on the Merrimack River are substantial. Both commercial and residential properties on waterways bring much needed tourism and economic growth.
There are many interesting sites along the river including Jackson Falls Crest Gates, Mine Falls Park, the Millyard boat ramp and the upper segment of the Nashua River.