LIVERMORE FALLS — Structural engineer Jim Thibodeau presented his findings on the nearly 50-year-old fire station to selectmen Tuesday night, revealing a multitude of problems.

The board asked Thibodeau, president of Associated Design Partners Inc. of Falmouth, to assess the station that has structural deficiencies ranging from a leaky flat roof to cracks in the back concrete wall.

“I’m concerned about the rear wall and cracked floors,” he said. “They’ve been ongoing for some time. A big concern — the rear of the building is filled with soil and drops off to the railroad bed,” he said.

He said he is also concerned with the stability of the back wall.

“The soil is creeping. Every year with frost and rain, the embankment is moving, resulting in cracked walls that are unreinforced masonry blocks,” he said.

He said the walls and roof aren’t strong and might not withstand a significant wind or snowstorm or a hurricane.

The building was originally constructed as an automotive facility, not an emergency services building, he said.

Among the options, he said, is spending upward of $450,000 to reinforce the walls and build a trussed roof. The embankment could also be stabilized.

He suggested constructing a wood-framed station for at least $750,000.

Fire Chief Tim Hardy said he was concerned about putting nearly a half million dollars into the building which has many obsolete sections. He said a new truck the department received does not fit in the station.

“If we get the grant for a pumper, all four trucks would be in the back of the building,” Hardy said.

Whether the station is repaired or replaced, Flagg said the town would have to find an alternative place to store the fire apparatus during construction.

Resident Tim Fournier questioned whether the fire station could be used for something else.

Thibodeau suggested that the town use the fire station for another purpose and find a piece of land to build a station.

Townspeople must approve repair or replacement of the fire station, Town Manager Kristal Flagg said.

The board scheduled a tour of the station for 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19.