RUMFORD — A group opposed to any agreement between Poland Spring Water Co. and the Rumford Water District has asked district trustees to schedule a straw vote to gauge public support. The poll is not required by law, and would not be binding. During a meeting to review a draft agreement between the district and the bottler, […]
Water
Posted inLetters
Say ‘no’ to Nestlé
Regarding the recent story “Rumford Water District is in ‘sound financial position’” (May 25), Rumford’s water is a precious resource that should be managed for the benefit of its residents, not handed over at a discount to a multinational corporate bottler like Nestle. Cities and towns around the country are dealing with the problems that […]
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Posted inLetters
Selling Rumford’s water
This is in response to Len Greaney’s letter (May 19). He wrote that economic development is the key reason he will vote for candidates who have demonstrated strong support in the local battle with the Rumford Water District and Nestle. The amount of water Poland Springs (Nestle) wants to buy is literally a drop in […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
A benefit to Rumford
If LD 90 passes, it would be another law against Maine businesses. The law would affect all future contracts for commercial water extraction resale within the state of Maine. The town of Rumford would benefit from a contract with Poland Spring. The thousands of dollars from that company could fund future water line projects. The […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
No need to worry, Rumford
Should Poland Spring forget about Rumford, just as other businesses have? Should Poland Spring find another place where it would be more welcomed? It is my belief that if the water is monitored closely, the water source won’t run dry. If the contract is written good enough to please both sides, it will work. Poland […]
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, sj-web
Packed house for proposal to let Rumford residents vote on Poland Spring site
AUGUSTA — In four hours of testimony Wednesday, with opponents and proponents equally divided, Rumford resident after Rumford resident stood to tell legislators they want a vote in deciding whether the town should welcome Poland Spring to town. All three members of the Rumford Water District urged legislators not to let that happen — saying […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
EPA report does not deliver verdict on fracking, drinking water
WASHINGTON — Hydraulic fracturing to drill for oil and natural gas poses a risk to drinking water in some circumstances, but a lack of information precludes a definitive statement on how severe the risk is, the Environmental Protection Agency says in a new report that raises more questions than answers. The report removes a finding […]
Posted inLocal & State
Drought remains, but outlook is improving
Drought conditions in Maine have been getting better, though they may linger into the new year. Rain and snow during the past couple of months have led to some improvement after an arid summer, according to the state’s Drought Task Force. Yet much of the state remains “in some form of drought or […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Maine PUC to assess state’s drinking water supplies
PORTLAND — The Maine Public Utilities Commission has started looking into the impact of drought conditions that only continue to worsen on the state’s public drinking water systems. The Portland Press Herald reports that the agency has formally requested input from 153 water utilities to gauge the severity of the problem. The request follows a […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston-Auburn Triple Crown 5k races won’t use bottled water
LEWISTON — A popular Lewiston-Auburn 5K road race series announced Friday it intended to stop using bottled water at its events. The three races, known locally as the Triple Crown, including the YMCA’s Fit Fest 5K on Sunday, will use paper cups to pass out tap water to runners instead of the traditional Poland Spring […]