MaineHighlandsnMore

Traveling Maine Roads

The Future of SAPPI: Shawmut Dam

by · August 29, 2021

Our journey begins here on Kennebec St off route 201 from Skowhegan to Fairfield; Shawmut Dam is located in the tiny village of Shawmut (complete with a post office (see below) Rita relaine photo
There are homes nestled around this area which completes the "village" setting Rita relaine photo
Shawmut Dam is but a skip and a hop down the road from the post office; there is concern that this dam which provides power to the SAPPI Paper Mill may be shut down, thus causing the SAPPI Mill to close. According to what I have read, the mill employs over 700 people, not counting the hundreds of truck drives that supply the mill with production materials. This mill is the largest in the country that produces coated paper. More pictures below of Shawmut Dam
Here and below: a view of the hydroelectric plant beside Shawmut Dam in Shawmut Village, ME Rita relaine photo
SAPPI Located at 1329 Waterville Rd, Skowhegan, ME
A view of part of the mill here and below: this was a busy day (Sunday): trucks were coming and going while I was taking pictures Rita relaine photo
The closure of SAPPI would hurt countless individuals financialy due to los of jobs: THINK of the people who produce trucks for deliveries, the products in the trucks, drivers, and businesses in the area: the owner of the HInckley General Store stated that she opened at 4 a.m. for SAPPI workers who stop at her store
The lights are on and Yes, the train is a coming! ( This track runs just before the entrance to SAPPI) I love trains, train tracks AND graffiti: see below Rita relaine photo
This train barreled through while I was here Rita relaine photo
This signage is across the road from SAPPI and of course the pumphouse is just a few yards from this sign Rita relaine photo
And here it is! SAPPI River Pump House Rita relaine photo
Most surprising of all: A monument dedicated to the workers who passed away while still actively employed at SAPPI Rita relaine photo

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