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Abutters press developer on PFAS, private wells and possibility of extending municipal water
Summary
Neighbors asked whether well water could be contaminated and urged using municipal water; the applicant said Pennichuck flow tests were done and the team is investigating extending water to the development while noting that homeowners typically install wells.
Concerns about private well water quality and possible PFAS contamination surfaced repeatedly during the May 26 Conservation Commission meeting on the Potter Properties subdivision.
Vice Chair Joanne Smith and several abutters asked whether prior salt‑shed contamination could affect new drilled wells on the proposed lots. Kevin Morris asked directly whether additional PFAS testing had been conducted; the applicant and staff responded that no extra PFAS testing has been done for the proposed lots, and that the developer is investigating the option of extending municipal water. Chadwick said Pennichuck was hired to conduct flow tests for potential water extension from Jackson Square and that results are in and under review.
Commission staff and the applicant outlined how water and wells are typically handled: the developer installs roads and basic infrastructure; lot purchasers ordinarily drill private wells and install septic systems, subject to local septic capacity and setback rules. Chadwick said if wells are later found to be contaminated and that contamination is demonstrably caused by project construction activities such as blasting, the developer would be responsible for remediation documented by pre‑ and post‑construction surveys. Conservation Planner Kathleen Ports recommended the Commission ask the Planning Board to consider deed restrictions or other conditions to limit long‑term impacts if the project proceeds.
Residents asked the Commission to press for municipal water where feasible and to require testing and mitigation plans for private wells. The Commission decided to include concerns about water quality and the need for clarity on PFAS testing and water service in its NHDES letter and advisory comments to the Planning Board.
