WILTON – Stormwater Manager Michele Decoteau has recommended the town adopt an IDDE (Illicit

Discharge Detection and Elimination) ordinance. She presented her proposal to the Select Board on Monday, April 4.

Right now, she said, “I have no authority to enforce anything other than storm water. There are high levels of salt and sediment going into the river.”

One of the problems is run-off from construction sites.

Since one of those sites is in a neighboring town, Chairman Kermit Williams said, “We have no authority. Our best approach is to talk to people.” He said the company “has been very cooperative.”

He noted that Decoteau’s proposal is a “very complex set of requirements and suggested it be reviewed by the town’s attorney.

Decoteau said some things are required by the EPA in complying with federal regulations. “We are downstream from somebody, and somebody is downstream from us.”

Williams said the proposal was “too complicated to discuss now. We have to have time to read it.” He also wanted to know what other towns are doing. “And what are the enforcement mechanics? If you cite somebody, what if they don’t do it, eliminate the problem or take steps to fix it?”

Police Chief Eric Olesen said, “If the selectmen come up with a fine schedule the police would handle it. “

Decoteau said the town is in the middle of year four of the state’s ten-year MS 4 (municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit. The program includes only town-owned property in urban areas.

“There are 12 properties under consideration,” she said.

Sites include the Recycling Center, police station parking lot, Town Hall, Whiting Park, the western side of Carnival Hill, Memorial Park and the adjacent parking lot along Stony Brook.

Williams said an engineer was needed to come up with a plan. “We should adopt the ones that most need to be addressed.”

One problem is impermeable surfaces that could be treated, an expensive process.

“We know where the sediment goes into the river,” Decoteau said, noting that any new construction would be subject to new regulations.

The plan will be discussed at another meeting.

In other business, several residents of Barrett Hill Road have asked that their road be designated “scenic.”

It was noted that a scenic designation places restrictions on the town but does not affect property rights. The logging operation that is concerning residents could take place on another lot. The area can be developed. The designation does not affect normal maintenance.

ZBA Member Peter Howd said it is a Planning Board question. “You need to rebuild the road.”

Barrett Hill, a dead-end road in the northern part of the town, is one of the oldest in town and once connected with Old Coach Road in Lyndeborough, most of which has been discontinued.

Several said the history of the area should be considered.

The designation has to be made by a town meeting. A public hearing is planned.

Selectman Matt Fish asked about the Reservoir Dam, which he said should be lowered since the water is high and presents a risk.

Williams said the town is working with the state Dam Bureau.

Water Commissioner Tom Schultz said, “You need engineering input,” and stated that the Water Commission has no responsibility for the dam since it was discontinued as the source of town water.

Williams said the board would get some advice as to what the risks and options are.

The next meeting was set for Monday, April 22, 6 p.m. in the town office.

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BEAVER DAM RUPTURE

On Sunday, April 3, a beaver dam near the Milford town line ruptured, washing out part of Masson Road and Henry’s Road.

The highway department responded and by Monday one lane was open.

Fire Chief Don Nourse said, “We can get through.”

Selectman Chairman Kermit Williams said, “There will be a significant cost to repair it.”

The guard rails also have to replaced.

The consensus at the select board meeting on Monday was “You can’t sue the beavers.”