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Residents press Selectmen over dock puddle testing and possible sewer-line impacts; town says NHDES will test lake water
Summary
Residents questioned where samples were taken and asked the town to test puddles and sewer-affected areas; town staff said NHDES will test lake water at dockside but does not test ephemeral puddles, and a Selectman's motion to video ongoing sampling received no second.
Multiple residents raised concerns at the July 15 meeting about water quality near the town docks and a standing —puddle— area. Citizens described collecting samples, refrigerating and delivering them to a Concord lab and submitting video of sampling under the dock grate. They asked that the town acknowledge or use that data and asked for redaction of personal information in public submissions.
Resident Jeff Owings described collecting data with sterilized containers and fresh ice and said he delivered samples on time to the Concord lab. "I delivered to the Concord lab on time," Owings said. Sebastian Tordonato said his video showed sampling under the grate and reiterated concerns about blocked pipes and possible groundwater pathways. Interim Town Manager Barry Muccio and staff said that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) will test lake water at dockside but that NHDES does not test temporary puddles. Mr. Muccio noted standing sump/anaerobic water can test poorly and clarified that town water treatment handles E. coli for potable systems. A motion by Selectman John Thurston to video and publish ongoing dock testing did not receive a second and was not voted on.
The Selectmen noted that further technical investigation may be needed, and residents urged continued transparency about sampling locations and lab results.
