Select Board clarifies fertilizer prohibition applies to town property in environmental omnibus policy

Members of the Orleans Select Board reviewed an environmental omnibus policy and agreed to clarify the fertilizer‑prohibition clause so it applies specifically to town‑owned (municipal) property.

During review, a board member noted a draft line that read, in effect, that the application of fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus is prohibited in the town of Orleans. The board asked staff to make the language explicit by specifying it applies to town or municipal property to avoid unintended reach to private properties. Assistant Town Manager Mark Real said he would make the requested wording change.

Board members indicated there was consensus to advance the omnibus policy with that amendment. The revised language will be incorporated and the policy placed on a future regular meeting agenda for formal action, not voted on during the work session.

The board also confirmed that the omnibus policies under discussion apply to town‑owned property and are not intended to regulate private landowners.