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Selectboard approves limited exploratory percolation tests at Pingree Park and Custer-Sharp site
Summary
Facing a narrow State timeline for village wastewater funding, the Selectboard allowed minimally invasive testing: an auger test at Pingree Park and percolation tests at Custer-Sharp and the Library lot, conditional on archaeological oversight.
With state design funds now awarded, the Selectboard on Dec. 19 authorized focused soil testing at candidate sites for village-scale in-ground wastewater systems. The board voted to allow a minimally intrusive auger test in the wooded area of Pingree Park after Parks Board expressed concerns about preserving recreation space. In addition the board approved percolation testing on the Town-owned Custer-Sharp lot (Middletown Road), and earlier had ratified percs at the South Londonderry Free Library lot adjacent to the Town Office.
The conditions: the Selectboard required that percolation tests be completed with archaeological oversight on the Custer-Sharp site (a historically sensitive property) and that any disturbance be kept to a minimum. Town Administrator Shane O’Keefe said tests will cost about $4,000 per site and can be paid from Town or ARPA funds.
Why it matters: the design grant timeline tied to the State ARPA dollars means site availability and regulatory clearance must be clarified early. The approved tests are intended to produce evidence on whether soils can accept advanced in-ground treatment systems that would allow multiple buildings to share a septic solution that meets State rules.
The vote: The board voted unanimously to allow the exploratory auger at Pingree Park and to authorize percolation testing at the Custer-Sharp property, both with protective conditions including archaeological monitoring and limits on tree removal.
