SANFORD — An answer could come as early as today as to whether the federal Environmental Protection Agency will help with assessment and potential remediation at the Stenton Trust mill after the massive fire on Friday that gutted the rear tower of the 5-story building.

City Manager Steve Buck told the City Council Tuesday that the state Department of Environmental Protection has recommended  the EPA undertake an assessment  of potential hazards that could remain following the fire. The EPA in 2009 removed a number of hazardous materials from the mill.

Councilors unanimously agreed that removal of the burned-out rear structure and the tower that fronts on River Street is the correct direction to pursue.

Buck said if no EPA help is available, the city would seek proposals for demolition and clean-up and an authorization of a bond or undesignated funds to pay for it. 

The mill and 6.8 acres are owned Jonathan Morse of Gateway Properties LLC, who bought it in 1999.  It has been vacant and property taxes have not been paid for about a decade.

The city could take possession of the  property and sell it following demolition, but those decisions will be made as the process moves along, councilors agreed.

Three boys have been charged with felony arson in connection with the fire.

Councilors praised the work of all who helped in any way during the fire.

“A lot of  times we forget what a community is until something like this happens,” said councilor Fred Smith.

 — Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.