Select Board approves up-to-$50,000 contract for town groundwater vulnerability study

The Harpswell Select Board voted June 18 to contract with CA White & Association to carry out a groundwater vulnerability assessment funded by a $61,500 community action grant, with the contract capped at $50,000.

Town Administrator Terry (last name not specified in the transcript) told the board the grant award covers the project and that one of the town's planning interns will assist this summer. Board members raised privacy and data-use concerns: the town and consultant will add clear survey language so residents who voluntarily provide well-depth or location data understand that those data may be used in a public database to help map groundwater vulnerability across town.

A select board member moved to approve contracting with CA White & Association for an amount not to exceed $50,000; another member seconded and the motion carried with all members present voting in favor. The board directed staff and the consultant to work with the committee and Mary Anne (committee member referenced in the discussion) to finalize survey wording and data‑use notifications.

The vote authorizes the contract; the town will proceed with survey and mapping work this summer and return to the board if any substantial changes to scope or budget are needed.