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Board considers permitting new wells and a local 200‑foot well‑to‑septic setback to protect drinking water
Summary
Members discussed adding a permitting requirement for new wells and adopting a local 200‑foot minimum between wells and septic systems (the state minimum is 100 ft), while noting statutory limits, enforcement gaps, and the need for data before changing setbacks that could limit building opportunities on small lots.
A member proposed adding a permitting requirement for new wells and adopting a local 200‑foot minimum distance between wells and septic systems to protect island drinking water, citing recommendations from recent water studies and an earlier 20‑year‑old study.
Board members noted that the state statute sets a 100‑foot minimum as the statutory floor but allows localities to adopt larger setbacks. The group discussed enforcement mechanics and overlaps with state licensing (Local Plumbing Inspector/LPI handles septic permitting) and flagged that well permits are primarily regulated under state licensure of driller activity rather than local permitting. "We already have 100 ft as the minimum, but we aren't enforcing it in practice," a member said, adding that local permitting and better tracking could help ensure compliance.
Members raised practical concerns: how a larger setback might affect existing lots and the ability to develop; whether drilling occurs before septic permitting; and the need for data and outreach before proposing a doubling of the setback. The board suggested collecting local well/septic data, consulting the state and regional planners, and coordinating public education so property owners understand implications for existing lots.
No formal vote occurred on a change in setback or permitting tonight. The board asked staff to draft a short proposed amendment that would add a permitting requirement and to scope the data needed to support any change in the required distance between wells and septic systems.
