Water Extension Project Set For Public DPUC Session

By Andrew Gorosko

The state Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) plans to conduct a public session on June 17 in Newtown to air local officials’ concerns that the planned construction of a water line from Newtown to the Greenridge residential section of Brookfield could have adverse effects on the Pootatuck Aquifer, which would supply the water line.

DPUC spokesman Phil Dukes said this week that the time and location for the June 17 session have not yet been set.

At the urging of state officials, United Water has agreed to halt construction of the water line extension project until local officials’ concerns about the project are resolved. United Water had started construction on the $4 million project along the southern end of Hawleyville Road late last month.

Both town and borough officials have complained that United Water had not provided them with sufficient information to determine whether the project would have negative effects on Newtown.

Newtown, borough, state, Brookfield and water company officials met June 1 at the DPUC offices in New Britain for a technical review of the water line extension project. At that session, it was decided to have a public meeting on the subject in Newtown.

First Selectman Pat Llodra said this week of the June 1 session, “It was very good meeting.”

The DPUC understands that local officials have concerns about the project, she said. The June 17 session would provide for a full review of the water line extension project, she said. State Department of Public Health (DPH) as well as DPUC officials would attend, she said.

“The project is ‘on hold’ right now” until the issues can be resolved, she said.

Newtown wants to be assured that the Pootatuck Aquifer holds sufficient water to be used as a water source for the Greenridge section of Brookfield, she said. Newtown has not finished growing, she noted.

The Pootatuck Aquifer is the town’s sole source aquifer, she added.

George Benson, town director of planning and land use, said that water rate increases that would be required for the $4 million water line extension project would be discussed at the June 17 session.

“The DPUC seemed to be concerned about our issues,” he said of the June 1 session. “I think [the  meeting] went well for us,” he said.

Mr Benson said that United Water has not provided the town with information that it has requested about the water line extension project.

Mr Benson said he expects the DPUC will allow both local officials and the public to express concerns about the water extension project at the June 17 meeting.

In January 2008, the DPH and the DPUC ordered United Water to provide potable water to Greenridge, off Route 25. Greenridge has a contaminated community water system. There are about 230 single-family houses in Greenridge, where the water system is fed by a series of wells tainted with naturally occurring uranium. Ingestion of uranium can be harmful.

Coupled with that water line extension to Brookfield are some planned water system connection changes for water company customers on the southern section of Main Street in Newtown.