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Denmark board reviews Poland Spring monitoring as wells near ordinance 'alert' level
Summary
At its Feb. 24 meeting the Denmark Select Board heard from its technical adviser that Poland Spring wells are approaching—but have not reached—alert levels under the town's new water ordinance; the board agreed to follow the ordinance's two‑weekly monitoring and remedial‑plan process and to review any plan submitted.
The Denmark Select Board on Feb. 24 reviewed recent monitoring showing Poland Spring wells edging toward an "alert" threshold under the town's new water ordinance, but not yet at the level that would require compulsory production cuts.
Technical adviser Rick told the board the new ordinance clarifies the difference between an "alert"—a warning that a water level is approaching a threshold—and an "action" level, which could require a reduction or cessation of pumping. "I don't think it's prudent to require the applicant to sample more frequently than weekly," Rick said, adding that weekly monitoring is adequate given current trends.
Under the ordinance the permittee must perform two additional weekly measurements after an alert is first recorded; if the two‑week average remains below the alert level the permittee must submit a remedial action plan to the town CEO/town manager, the town's technical agent and the Select Board for approval. Board members clarified that, unless an "action" level is reached, the permittee may continue pumping while the town reviews the submitted plan.
Board members said Poland Spring has voluntarily reduced production in recent weeks and that springs are still flowing; there were no reports to date of town or private domestic wells being impacted. Staff and board members also noted a single, shallow 10‑ft dug well that may be sensitive to conditions; Poland Spring has offered limited delivery in the past and the town will follow formal complaint and reporting processes should residents report impacts.
Poland Spring is expected to submit a formal application in May; the board directed staff to schedule a pre‑application meeting and asked technical advisers to attend when the permit is discussed. The Select Board agreed to use the new ordinance's monitoring and remedial‑plan framework as the town's guidance going forward and to present any required remedial plan to the board for review.
Next steps: staff will schedule the pre‑application meeting and circulate monitoring updates to the board; if a remedial plan is submitted the Select Board will review it under the procedures outlined in the ordinance.
