Palmyra panel to weigh plan for Nokomis Pond protection

PALMYRA – Concerned about the joint water source for Newport residents and a number of Palmyra businesses, Newport Water District officials appealed to Palmyra selectmen on Wednesday night to include some sort of protection for Nokomis Pond in their comprehensive plan.

“As Route 2 continues to develop, protection will be more important than ever,” Newport Water District Superintendent Thomas Todd said.

Half of Nokomis Pond is in Newport and half is in Palmyra. Part of a 1,200-acre watershed, the pond has nine abutting landowners. The landowners include Nokomis Regional High School and the Newport Water District’s treatment plant, and only two full-time residents.

Todd said that several years ago, at his request, the town of Newport implemented a resource protection zone on its side of the pond. “If that pond gets contaminated, we’re talking millions of dollars to find an alternate source,” Todd said.

Todd offered to assist Palmyra’s comprehensive plan committee by obtaining water experts to help define a protection zone for its side of the pond.

Dan Sprague, chairman of Palmyra selectmen, said that at least one of the landowners along the pond was concerned that such a zone would limit his ability to build a camp.

“You will have to balance your citizens’ desires with what is in the best interest of the town,” Todd said. “How many camps can be built on the pond before you see that water pressured? The pond is only 11 or 12 feet deep. The quality of that water will ultimately affect Palmyra’s customers.”

Todd said there were ways to set aside a part of a landowner’s parcel for development while still placing the rest of the property in resource protection.

Becky Wiers, chairman of the comprehensive plan committee, said the board will be looking at shoreland zoning at its next meeting and will consider the water district’s request.

Todd also said he would like the town of Palmyra to consider installing fire protection hydrants on Route 2 as development continues. He explained that Wal-Mart paid the water district to install its own lines and hydrants but that any hydrants in the public right of way could provide the district with much needed income.

Palmyra does not have its own fire department. It relies on Newport and other towns for fire protection. Todd said that hydrants by Wal-Mart, just over the Newport line, contain Newport water.

“There is no question that if there is a major fire down there, you are hooking onto my customer’s water,” Todd said.

“I understand that we are caught in a complex relationship with the town of Newport, the town of Palmyra and development,” Todd said. “It is really a question of fairness. If development comes, hydrants would cost you about $2,000 each. You will have to weigh whether that is worth development for you.”

Todd admitted that even with an 18.6 percent rate increase that will go into effect in January, the district is strapped for income. “We need revenue desperately,” he said. “We’d like to see more development down near the Newport town line.”

In other business, Mary Gaeta, a vegetable farmer from Pittsfield, secured permission from the board to use the area next to the Town Hall for a farmers market next year.

Gaeta said she already has at least three other farmers interested in establishing a Saturday market that would run from May to October. Gaeta said the market is seeking additional participants and that each vendor must grow or produce what he sells.