McKinney Testifies in Opposition to United Water Diversion Plan

McKinney: “Charging Newtown residents an additional fee to divert their own limited water supply to a neighboring town is just plain wrong and I won’t stand for it.”

Newtown, CT – Citing a number of concerns ranging from environmental impact, to cost, to water scarcity; State Senate Minority Leader John McKinney (R-Fairfield) today testified in opposition to a planned waterline extension from the Pootatuck River in Newtown to the Greenridge District of Brookfield. Sen. McKinney, whose district includes Easton, Fairfield, Newtown and Weston, delivered his testimony in person at the Department of Public Utility Control’s hearing at the Newtown Municipal Center. Sen. McKinney prepared the attached letter for attendees of the public hearing which begins at 6:00pm tonight.

See text of Senator McKinney’s letter below:

29, July 2010

To Whom It May Concern:

Earlier today I testified at a Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) hearing in opposition to the United Water diversion project. DPUC is reviewing a plan by United Water to create a new pipeline to divert water from the Pootatuck River in Newtown to the Greenridge District of Brookfield.

In my evaluation, there are two main problems with United Water’s plan: 1) the potential negative impact of diverting water from Newtown’s sole water source; and 2) the potential cost to Newtown ratepayers who will not benefit from the new water line.

The Pootatuck River is Newtown’s sole water source, and diverting from it raises several concerns about water supply and environmental safety that have not been adequately studied. What is more troubling is that United Water plans to use a pipeline large enough for additional diversions in the future, adding to concerns about environmental impact and water scarcity.

To alleviate these concerns, United Water should obtain a diversion permit from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), though one is not required by law. I also requested that United Water sign an agreement that it will not further divert from the new pipeline, whether or not its initial project is approved.

During my testimony I also raised concerns about who will pay for the new pipeline. Under the current proposal, United Water plans to assess all ratepayers, including Newtown residents. This is unacceptable. Charging Newtown residents an additional fee to divert their own limited water supply to a neighboring town is wrong and I won’t stand for it.

At this time, I am urging DPUC to reject United Water’s proposal until the concerns I have outlined have been addressed.

Thank you to everyone who took part in today’s hearing. If you have questions about my testimony or wish to discuss this issue in further detail, please contact my office at (860) 240 8805.

Sincerely,

John McKinney
State Senator