Draft ordinance would add larger setbacks, aquifer-specific buffer rules

Conservation presenters told the Planning Board the draft ordinance recommends larger, targeted setbacks for sensitive resources. The presentation cited a 125-foot waterfront setback as an example and proposed a 200-foot setback for non-domestic underground fuel tanks.

The presenters argued that sand-and-gravel aquifer areas merit stricter restrictions because pollutants move more quickly through those soils. “Because we have a substantial amount of sand and gravel aquifers in town, our Aquifer Protection District would require greater setbacks in areas in the sand and gravel areas where material moves really quickly,” the Presenter said.

Board members discussed trade-offs, enforcement practicality, and whether a uniform distance or site-specific standards better protect groundwater. Members asked legal and survey clarifications and recommended adding language and mapping that could guide application review and provide clear public expectations.