RUMFORD — Rumford voters Tuesday adopted a large scale water extraction ordinance by a vote of 669-544.

The ordinance, known as Chapter 55, developed by the Rumford Water District, says the purpose of the ordinance is “to protect the quality and quantity of groundwater located wholly or partially in Rumford, to ensure that any large-scale water extraction is subjected to prior review and approval so as to establish the ongoing sustainability and quality of … water supplies.”

On May 30, the RWD Board of Trustees announced that a draft agreement that would permit Poland Spring to draw up to 150 million gallons a year from two new wells on district property off Route 5 has been posted at the district office, 25 Spruce St. The document will remain posted for 30 days.

A public meeting on the proposed agreement will take place July 12, and an agreement will not be executed until at least Aug. 11, according to trustees.

By a close margin of 616-593, voters adopted an ordinance for the prohibition of retail marijuana establishments and retail marijuana social clubs in Rumford.

The ordinance will prohibit growing, harvesting, marketing and selling recreational use marijuana commercially in the town.

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The recreational use of marijuana was legalized in the November 2016 state election.

By a wider margin, 854-342, voters adopted an ordinance to place standards and require background checks for individuals who engage in the commercial medical marijuana industry.

Until this ordinance, Rumford had no ordinance regarding licensing medical marijuana facilities.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net

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