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Conservation Commission asks Alton selectmen for testing funds over Mill Pond drawdown plan
Summary
Selectmen heard Conservation Commission concerns over a proposed Mill Pond drawdown and were asked to consider roughly $5,000 to pay for testing; the town administrator indicated an environmental capital reserve may cover the cost pending verification of balances.
During the Town of Alton Board of Selectmen meeting on Feb. 18, members discussed a Conservation Commission request for funding to test Mill Pond as the state considers lowering the pond's level by about 2.5 feet this spring.
Selectman (S4) summarized the commission's concerns: potential impacts on frost protection for water lines, the long-term integrity of Letter S Road, and an increased risk of cyanobacteria blooms if water becomes stagnant. The Commission asked the Selectmen to help find about $5,000 to offset testing costs; Selectman (S4) described the testing as multiple daily samplings over several days and noted costs were "expensive."
The town administrator said the town has an environmental capital reserve fund established for unforeseen environmental needs and estimated it might hold about $25,000–$30,000 with roughly $16,000 remaining after previous uses; staff will verify exact balances and place a funding request on the next meeting's agenda to allow a vote. Selectmen expressed interest in moving the request to the March meeting to align with the timing of the potential state drawdown.
The board did not take immediate action at the Feb. 18 meeting; staff will provide precise CRF balances and a proposed appropriation for Selectmen consideration.
