Westport in Brief!
EverythingWestport.com
Friday, October 23, 2020
Quick Article Index . . .
Health Board proposes new septic
system regulations
Healthy Autumn
Adventures Abound in Tiverton, RI
|
Health
Board proposes new septic system regulations EverythingWestport.com Friday, October 23, 2020 Photos | EverythingWestport.com
Special to EverythingWestport.com After reviewing the findings of
the town’s new targeted water resource management plan, the Board of Health
is proposing a requirement for the installation of nitrogen-reducing septic
systems for all new construction in Westport. The board is also backing a
recommendation for a pilot sewer line down the western end of Route 6 to
serve some dense neighborhoods plagued by increasing numbers of old and
failing septic systems. Board of Health Chair Tanja Ryden termed the proposed regulations requiring
“innovative/alternative” (I/A) nitrogen-reducing technology for all new
septic systems a key first step in the town’s effort to reduce the amount of
nitrogen pollution reaching Westport’s groundwater supplies and river
system.
Whether incorporated into an
existing system or installed for new construction, approved I/A systems are
capable of eliminating up to 90 percent of the nitrates reaching the groundwater,
several experts testified at an Oct. 7 virtual presentation by the Board of
Health. Inset: elimi-NITE denitrification system The cost of adding the
technology to a new or existing system is between $4,700 and $9,000 in most
cases, typically “less than two percent of the cost of a new home,” Ryden indicated. The second suggested step in the
management plan – continued preliminary planning for a short sewer line
extension eastward from the Fall River system tie-in serving White’s of Westport – would help deal with the many old
septic systems and antiquated cesspools still in use on small lots in the
north end of town. Ryden suggested that cesspools, banned since 1978, are
the biggest threat to groundwater quality in that part of town, putting
private wells at risk. “We still have hundreds of them” in north end
neighborhoods, “mostly on small lots,” she said of the existing cesspools. “We really need to protect our
drinking water wells,” especially in those denser neighborhoods surrounding
State Road, by phasing out all cesspools with the new regulations, the chair
added. “The cost of adding the
technology to a new or existing system is between $4,700 and $9,000 in most
cases, typically “less than two percent of the cost of a new home.” - Board
of Health Chair Tanja Ryden Taken together, the proposed
regulatory measures are aimed at helping to make substantial reductions in
the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) limits for nitrogen pollution in the two
branches of the Westport River, set by the state in 2017. The limits require
the town to work towards “a 71 percent reduction in the daily load” of
nitrates passing through the estuary system, Ryden
indicated.
“We cannot reach our TMDL goals
without nitrogen-reducing systems” cutting nitrogen from future growth,
Board of Health vice chair Robert Daylor suggested
during the online presentation. He also said a north end sewer line could
have a big positive impact on pollution levels. In drinking water inland, excess
nitrogen and bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and limits the
amount of oxygen that can be carried in infants’ blood. Lawn fertilizer and
septic systems are the biggest contributors of nitrogen in most areas, but
agricultural fertilizers are a significant factor in some agricultural
areas, it was noted. Ryden urged residents to take a closer look at the
proposed septic system regulations now posted on the Board of Health web
page. A virtual public hearing on the regulations is planned for 7:00 p.m.
on Oct. 29; check the BOH website for details on remote access to the
proceedings. “This is our first step” towards
effecting a significant nitrogen reduction in both rivers, the chair said.
“We believe the new regulations will increase the protections for our
drinking water wells, and our beautiful waterways... That’s our goal,” she
added. The entire Oct. 7 presentation
by the Board of Health is available for viewing on community cable
television.
Healthy
Autumn Adventures Abound in Tiverton, RI Tiverton
Farmers Market will continue to connect land and sea with consumers through
the cool seasons EverythingWestport.com Friday, October 23, 2020 Tuesday’s at the Tiverton
Farmers Market continue this fall, and next spring, in the airy and
light-filled community hall at Sandywoods Center
for the Arts in Tiverton, RI. Just Coming off a successful first
season, the Tiverton Farmers Market will continue to bring safe, easy access
to fresh and local produce, meats, seafood, art, and music every Tuesday —
rain or shine — from November 3rd, 2020 to April 27th, 2021. While strengthening regional
businesses, customers will find fresh vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, baked
goods, micro-greens, vegan options, prepared foods, Kombucha, cutting boards
and functional pottery. Founder Meredith Brower curates local food entrepreneurs for the market and
increases relationships with local farmers, makers, artists and consumers.
Brower, along with vendors and customers, believes familiarity with regional
food sources and products is a year-round priority. “I’m inspired to encourage a
healthy lifestyle while spotlighting local producers and makers alongside
acres to explore,” says Brower. The Eastern RI Conservation District
volunteers on site are happy to share resources for conservation of soil,
water, and other natural resources. -
Market Manager/Meredith Brower (401) 474-1064 Entry to the market is free
and open to the public, with ample free parking. Handicap access ramps and
parking also available. Trails map shows 18 miles of adventure
opportunities. Vendors:
(weeks may vary) ·
Andiamo
Woodworking & Design (Warren) ·
Beth Bakes
- Gluten Free Crackers & Cookies (Newport) ·
Buns Bakery
(Warren) ·
Captain's
Finest Scallops & Shrimp (Little Compton) ·
Chelsea
Arruda Artist & Illustrator (Fall River) ·
Coastal
Greens - Micro Greens (Little Compton) ·
Eastern RI
Conservation District (Tiverton) ·
Firefly
Mandalas (Tiverton) ·
Fruitcake
Designs (Warwick) ·
Gabba Gabba Naturals (Bristol) ·
Gina's
Vintage (Providence) ·
Gnarly
Vines Farm - Eggs & Meat (Tiverton) ·
Goddex Apothecary & Vestal Candle (Cranston) ·
Jeremy
Schilling - Artist (Providence) - - - - - End - - - - - © 2020 Community Events of
Westport All rights reserved. EverythingWestport.com |
