Portsmouth Herald news - Citizens express concern over water deal

Proposed sale to Poland Spring at issue

KKW Superintendent Norm Labbe makes a point to an overflow crowd at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Kennebunk Sunday evening.

Proposed sale to Poland Spring at issue

KKW Superintendent Norm Labbe makes a point to an overflow crowd at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Kennebunk Sunday evening.

By Daniel Limmer

An informational session on the proposed agreement between Nestle and the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells Water District drew a standing room-only crowd Sunday with water district Superintendent Norm Labbe as the featured speaker.

Approximately 200 people filled the main hall at Kennebunk's Unitarian Universalist Church and spilled over into adjoining rooms to listen to Labbe provide an overview of the proposed water withdrawal.

Attendees were then given the opportunity to ask questions.

And ask questions they did. The room was a decided majority against the proposed agreement — although a small, vocal minority of supporters were on hand in the back of the room. The line to ask questions wound from the front of the room, to the back and around the corner at one point during the session.

Those approaching the microphone mixed questions with opinions, and in one case the reading of magazine articles, which prompted moderator Bob Walter to hold speakers to a two-minute limit.

Concerns from attendees included the sustainability of the aquifer, the viability of private wells in the area, environmental impact and corporate practices of Nestle.

Labbe responded to each of the questions, jotting notes on a yellow legal pad during the session. Asked about the session Monday, Labbe said, "Although one could question whether the attendees at the information session was a fair representation of (water district) customers, the concerns voiced were valued, understood and will be considered."

Organizer Jamilla El-Shafei said the process was an excellent example of grassroots democracy.

"People felt that the democratic process was being circumvented," she said. "They wanted to have the opportunity to speak and educate him (Labbe). Comments I have received about the meeting were very positive."

State Rep. Chris Babbage attended the session.

"We thought there would be more democracy in the process," said Babbidge. " Although we have representative democracy, people are looking for more."

Water District Trustee Robert Emmons declined comment when asked his thoughts of the meeting, noting he wouldn't comment until after Wednesday's trustees meeting. "I'm just here tonight to take it all in."

Labbe reported that he received a letter from the town of Wells selectmen asking the water district to postpone the vote on the contract with Nestle. The town of Kennebunk had planned to discuss the issue during Tuesday's selectmen meeting.

Due to the number of anticipated attendees at Wednesday's public meeting, Labbe reports reserving the Kennebunk Town Hall auditorium in the event the water district space is too small. Labbe estimates his facility will only hold 35 people.

In an e-mail to the Coast Star Monday, Labbe wrote that he would recommend postponing the vote on a controversial contract that would allow Nestle to withdraw water from the Branch Brook aquifer.

"Over the past few days I have heard a number of questions and concerns regarding the proposed contract between the water district and Poland Spring," wrote Labbe. "I take these questions seriously. As a result, at our board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, June 25, I shall recommend to the trustees that they postpone taking action on the contract while we determine how best to address the issues that have been raised."

Tuesday evening, Kennebunk selectmen voted 4-0 with one abstention to direct Town Manager Barry Tibbetts to write a letter to water district Superintendent Labbe requesting a delay in the vote to allow time for further discussion.

FAIR USE NOTICE  
This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is available without profit for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.