Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Town says capped pipe has stopped discharge at Libby docks; dye‑testing planned
Summary
Select Board heard a health‑officer update that a pipe near the Libby docks has been capped, recent tests found no E. coli, and dye‑testing and camera inspections will occur once lake levels fall; the board asked staff to follow up with the state DES and provide photographic documentation.
The Wolfeboro Select Board heard an update June 3 on efforts to stop suspected runoff into the water near the Libby docks and to identify remaining sources.
Dave (S8), the health officer, told the board crews located and capped a pipe that had been suspected of discharging near the town dock and rerouted a sump pump into the sanitary sewer. Recent samples returned no E. coli, he said, and staff photographed the capped pipe and captured video inspection reels. He said the capped pipe is no longer in use and that the team will perform dye testing and camera inspections of other nearby pipes when lake levels drop.
Board members pressed for clearer documentation and next steps. John (S4) asked for photographic printouts and a diagram showing exactly which pipes were capped and which remain connected under the docks; S8 said those photos and video exist and that the crew would provide them. Chair (S1) asked staff to follow up with the Department of Environmental Services to confirm whether DES has issued any formal notices; S4 said the town has not received a letter from DES.
Several board members and a resident, Derek Brown (S10), urged faster action and asked whether dye tests could be run immediately despite high lake levels. Health staff said they prefer to wait until the puddle in the parking lot subsides so dye results are interpretable and to avoid false positives from surface water coming from the lake. The board directed staff to proceed with dye‑testing and camera inspections as soon as conditions allow and to deliver the photos and documented findings to the board.
The board also noted long‑term follow up: the capacity study and a June 24 presentation on water and sewer infrastructure that may help prioritize work on pipes and drains near the docks. Chair (S1) said the town will update the public after the dye tests and when it has compiled the photographic evidence.
