KINGFIELD – Planning Board members discussed their hope to hire a lawyer to help wade through legal issues that may arise if Poland Spring Water Co. applies for a permit to open a bottling plant here.
Since last fall, the company has been considering opening a plant in Kingfield. Currently, it is in the process of completing pump tests on Kingfield’s aquifer to determine if the water there is as plentiful, and as high quality, as originally thought.
During Monday’s Planning Board meeting, board Chairman David Guernsey recounted conversations he’s had with a legal professional regarding the matter, who stressed the importance of following proper procedure when responding to any permit application the bottling company submits.
“If we don’t solve the procedural issues correctly, whatever we decide we’re going to end up appealed,” Guernsey predicted. He said he was told, “If you follow the right procedures, 99.5 percent of the time you’re sustained in court.”
Board members voiced agreement with that view, and discussed the possibility that Poland Spring would pay its legal fees.
Board members also discussed fears that, if and when Poland Spring does submit an application, “things will happen very, very fast,” as Betty Ann Listowich said.
Listowich added that she has high hopes for the town’s relationship with the bottling company. “They’re not trying to hide anything, which makes me feel a bit better. They’re being very upfront about what they want to do,” she said.
Poland Spring representatives are expected to tell Kingfield residents and officials the results of the pump tests, and about the company’s plans for a bottling plant, in mid-November, said Guernsey.
Comments are no longer available on this story