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Residents flag failing Barnstead Road bridge, say lake testing delayed; beach closed as precaution
Summary
During public input residents reported a deteriorating bridge on Barnstead Road and raised concerns about brown water in the town lake; speakers said state lab testing has been delayed and the public beach was closed as a precaution, and they urged faster testing and stronger state cooperation.
Public comment at the meeting focused on infrastructure and water-quality concerns. A resident described red cones placed around a failing bridge on Barnstead Road and said the structure is worsening and requires attention.
Several speakers raised alarm about brown water entering sections of the town lake and said the health officer had submitted at least two samples to the state lab, but the state has delayed processing because of capacity constraints. One commenter said independent private labs can sometimes return results faster. As an immediate precaution, the public beach was closed.
Speakers expressed frustration about perceived slow cooperation from state agencies and urged the town to press for quicker testing and remediation. The board confirmed the health officer and staff are pursuing testing and follow-up; no formal action or new local restriction beyond the beach precaution was recorded in the transcript.
Next steps noted in the discussion: the health officer and town staff will continue sampling and follow up with state officials; residents suggested considering independent testing if state testing remains delayed.
