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Four‑Town water group urges septic pumping every three years, reduced salt use to protect watershed
Summary
Speakers from a four‑town watershed initiative told the Springfield Board of Selectmen on Aug. 12 that local septic maintenance requirements, reduced road salt and improved stormwater management are key to preventing cyanobacteria blooms and protecting shared water resources.
Jack Kutner and Mike Thomas briefed the Springfield Board of Selectmen on Aug. 12 about work by an informal four‑town water initiative aimed at protecting the shared watershed.
The presenters said the group is focused on three priorities: adopting clearer septic‑system maintenance rules, reducing salt use around the watershed and improving stormwater and runoff management to cope with more intense microstorms. "The regulation they are putting out is to pump your tank every three years and have it inspected by the pumper," Mike Thomas said, describing the group's proposed septic standard.
Jack Kutner, speaking to the Board, noted that Sunapee adopted a septic pumping ordinance as a health initiative, Newbury narrowly rejected a town‑meeting measure and New London appears likely to pursue a health‑ordinance route. Kutner said the four‑town group is trying to keep watershed protection on each town's radar and to encourage coordinated approaches.
Amy Lewis asked whether area waterbodies have been tested for PFAS; Kutner said PFAS testing is a separate issue that LSPA (the Lake Sunapee Protective Association) is examining. The presenters asked the Board to consider inviting Elizabeth Harper, executive director of LSPA, to an informal meeting to discuss stressors on the watershed.
Board members asked that Tim Bray, the town's zoning coordinator and health officer, review how neighboring towns approached septic regulation. Kutner said he would send Bray the materials he has from other towns. The Board thanked the presenters and did not take formal action at the meeting.
Next steps: Kutner will forward materials to the town's health officer for review; the Board may consider follow‑up outreach or an informational session with LSPA.
