I support Articles 24 and 25 in the Annual Town Meeting warrant as recommended by the Town Center Sewer Action Group. My main reason for support is to protect and maintain the safety of our two town wells on Pond Road that provide water for our schools, local businesses, churches, public buildings, and homes.
I am completing six years as a town water commissioner and my most important concerns have been the protection of these wells and finding another adequate water source to ensure a continued safe and reliable water supply. The Pond Road wells are at risk and all factors within the Bare Hill Pond watershed impact on our wells. Failing or marginal septic systems are a threat to both the wells and the pond. The proposed sewer service in the village will aid in this protection and I would like to see the district include Bolton Road and Warren Avenue in the wastewater system expansion plans. If Articles 24 and 25 pass, we should use watertight sewer manhole covers for improved protection. If you have any doubts as to the vulnerability of our Pond Road wells I refer you to the Comprehensive Source Protection Plan of June 2006 prepared for the town of Harvard, available in our library.
The proposed sewer project will afford protection for our water supply and ensure that our town center remains viable. All Harvard residents will benefit from this initiative.
Duane Barber
Oak Hill Road
