Concerns over water quality took center stage at the Plymouth Planning Board meeting on December 4, 2024, as experts highlighted the critical role of soil composition in protecting the town's water supply. A key speaker emphasized that the iron present in local soil slows down the movement of phosphorus, a major pollutant affecting the town's 400 ponds. This pollution leads to harmful algae and cyanobacteria blooms, posing a significant risk to freshwater ecosystems.

The speaker warned that any removal of sand, which contains iron, could jeopardize water quality. "We owe it to Plymouth to be right about the sand," they stated, urging caution before allowing extensive sand removal. They pointed out that the town's water supply is limited to the aquifer, and pollution could force costly alternatives like drilling through bedrock or desalination.

The discussion underscored the need for thorough research on the impacts of sand removal before proceeding with any plans. The speaker called for petitioners to demonstrate that such actions would not harm water quality, stressing the importance of making informed decisions to safeguard Plymouth's vital water resources.