The Maine Rural Water Association proposed several changes to Dresden’s Well Head Protection Ordinance at the Board of Selectmen’s regular meeting Jan. 30. Dresden had previously tasked Susan Breau-Kelley of the MRWA to review the town’s well head ordinance, which hasn’t been updated since the 1990s.
The MRWA is a non-profit organization whose goal is to help rural water systems provide safe and affordable drinking water.
According to Article I, Dresden’s Well Head Protection Ordinance seeks to protect public water supplies from human activity that could potentially harm their quality and quantity.
Breau-Kelley proposed changes would specifically bring the Richmond Utilities District and Dresden Elementary School wellhead protection areas under Dresden’s ordinance. Doing so would require all new and replacement petroleum storage tanks within a 1000-foot radius of a wellhead to be double-walled or have secondary containment.
The Richmond Utilities District supplies water to the town of Richmond, but lies within the town of Dresden. Water is transported under the Kennebec to spots within the town.
Breau-Kelley has recommended the new ordinance also include language that specifically references state wellhead protection laws MRSA 1393 and 1395.
Breau-Kelley also suggested the Dresden Water Dept. write a written statement of approval for any projects located wholly or partially within the wellhead protection area.
“It basically brings the Water Dept. to the table,” Breau-Kelley said.
While Selectman Alan Moeller Sr. said the clause was redundant because the planning board already consults the Water Dept. when it makes its decisions, Selectman Dave Probert demurred, saying the clause makes sure the Water Dept. stays informed.
“Having [the clause] in is good,” Probert said. “It makes it clear that the Water Department should be kept up to date.”
The Board agreed to forward the proposed changes to Dresden’s Conservation Commission and Planning Board for review. Should any changes be recommended, the amended ordinance would go before the town for a vote.
The fine for the first bounced check was raised from $15 to $20, the fine for the second raised from $20 to $25. Should a person bounce two checks, they will be banned from writing personal checks to the town indefinitely. Bank-certified checks, money orders, and cash will still be accepted.
