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Residents urge Planning & Zoning to study alarming bacteria results, include Wickiquoc in long-term infrastructure planning
Summary
Residents and the Wicked Eco Clean Water Coalition presented new test results showing high bacteria levels in local waterways, urged the Planning & Zoning Commission to include their area in the town's 10-year plan and asked for studies and state engagement on septic replacement and stormwater solutions.
Nancy Walker, speaking on behalf of the Wiki Quoc Clean Water Coalition, told the Planning & Zoning Commission that the group submitted correspondence and "we just got new results today" showing "alarmingly high levels of ***** bacteria in water that is flowing directly out to ultimately the sound." She asked the commission to read the submitted material and to consider Wickiquoc as part of the town's 10-year plan and follow-up public hearing, and requested that planning staff study infrastructure options for an area that lacks public water and sewer.
Clay Burkhalter, vice chairman of the Wicked Eco Clean Water Coalition and a local property owner, said projections in the town's plan of conservation and development show water levels could rise "20 inches in the area in the next 25 years," which he said will worsen sewage intrusion and make individual septic solutions impractical. He urged the commission to add POCD language that enables studies, overlay districts and coordination with state technical experts so the town can craft long-term responses before a crisis point.
Commissioners acknowledged the correspondence and asked staff to receive the materials; no formal direction or vote was taken at the meeting. The public commenters said they will follow up with both informal and formal conversations with town staff and elected officials and asked Planning & Zoning to become more involved in study and planning for the affected area.
