WHEREAS, the Town of Waitsfield has, at significant expense, undertaken physical, hydrogeological, sanitary and permeability studies and analyses within the Historic Village District and in Irasville; and

WHEREAS, the Selectboard has also received information regarding similar studies conducted within the mobile home park owned and operated by the Central Vermont Community Land Trust; and

WHEREAS, in the course of such studies and analyses, the close proximity of commercial and residential water supplies to subsurface sewage disposal systems has been noted; and

WHEREAS, many of such water supplies do not have adequate isolation and separation distances from nearby subsurface sewage disposal systems; and

WHEREAS, by virtue of said conditions, there is a likelihood that the saturation and absorption levels of an unknown number of subsurface sewage disposal systems has been reached and exceeded; and

WHEREAS, the condition, location, design and usage of an unknown number of subsurface sewage disposal systems is likely to contribute to the failure of such systems; and

WHEREAS, the migration of untreated or inadequately treated effluent from failed or over-capacity sewage disposal systems is a recognized nuisance as well as a potential public health risk, particularly with respect to drinking water sources; and

WHEREAS, prudence dictates that the Town take appropriate measures and initiatives to prevent and abate the public health consequences of failed and over-capacity subsurface sewage disposal systems.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

(1) The Selectboard hereby finds and determines that the proximity of subsurface sewage disposal systems to drinking water sources within densely populated sections of the Town constitutes a potential public health risk.

(2) Such potential public health risk is an "emergent condition" within the meaning of 18 V.S.A. §613(a).

(3) The Town of Waitsfield continues its initiative to abate and control the potential public health risk and emergent condition through the development of a public drinking water system.

Adopted this 12th day of September, 2005.

Waitsfield Selectboard

L/S_______________

ATTEST:
L/S_______________
Town Clerk