By Jodi Hausen,Staff Writer

KINGFIELD – The Kingfield Water District’s responsibility is to supply quality water to the residents of the town, explained Jack McKee, consultant for the district, Friday. The district has no responsibility with respect to a bottling plant, he said.

The water district learned recently that Nestle Waters North America, the parent company of Poland Spring Bottling Co., is contemplating Kingfield as a site for a third bottling plant in the state. In light of this, trustees invited representatives to discuss water withdrawal and monitoring procedures at a public meeting Tuesday.

“We felt the most appropriate thing was to inform people so they’re not blind-sided by something that disturbs them,” said McKee. “Our intention is to focus our attention on water withdrawal and it’s impact,” though he acknowledged that other issues will likely arise.

“The water district just wants the public to be informed,” he said. “An informed public is a helpful and valuable public that is capable of reaching conclusions,” he added.

Tom Brennan, natural resources manager for Poland Spring, said the company is seeking sources in several areas in Franklin and Somerset Counties which could bring up to 200 jobs to the area.

He met Friday with Somerset County officials in Waterville.

“Kingfield has emerged as a possibility,” with an aquifer site off West Kingfield Road, he said.

But he cautioned, the aquifer’s ability to sustain a bottling operation has not yet been determined. The purpose of the meeting, from his perspective, is to explain the evaluation process to residents. Indications are good that it could work, he said. Hydrogeologists for the company have a good sense of the geology of the area which has good sand and gravel deposits, usually indicators of underground water sources.

“The supply is demonstrably prolific,” he added, referring to Kingfield’s municipal water supply which is spring-fed and entirely untreated.

The company was open to the idea of a public forum prior to proceeding with an evaluation of the aquifer to present the idea to residents and allow the community to air their concerns. Even if the water source proves inadequate for the company’s use, the study “will generate more understanding of the aquifer than (the district) already has,” Brennan said.

He said there are many factors, in addition to a viable aquifer, that will need to be considered if a bottling plant is to be built in Kingfield. Trucking issues, the availability of power and siting of the facility are all considerations, he said.

“There’s any number of reasons this may not work out,” said Brennan, adding “We continue to look at other alternatives.”