AIM Prepares to Scrap Bucksport Mill, but Dam Questions Remain
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According to a report this past week by The Ellsworth American, Ellsworth, Maine., USA, the former Verso Corp. mill at the Bucksport Industrial former papermaking site now officially belongs to AIM, a Canadian company specializing in scrapping and recycling assets such as the primary paper mill and machines which were shuttered by the beginning of 2015 (all work in shutting down the mill was scheduled and successfully completed by this past December 31).
However, at least for now, some major questions remain as to what exactly will be done with the site. This complication centers on the mill’s dams along its water source, which are causing problems for any dismantling process. One local rumor is that AIM, without an economic incentive to operate the dams, might petition the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for the right to abandon the infrastructure or try to get the town of Orland to take ownership of the situation.
In 2011, the town of Orland agreed to take over another dam in its village after Verso announced it was no longer interested in operating it. According to Bucksport Town Manager Derik Goodine, AIM officials have told him they’re "exploring" the potential of using their new dams for a hydroelectric project.
