Westerly residents urge town council to preserve Potter Hill Dam during public meeting
October 28, 2024 | Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island
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The Westerly Town Council meeting on October 28, 2024, focused on the contentious issue of the Potter Hill Dam and its potential removal. Residents expressed strong opinions regarding the dam's impact on local ecosystems, drinking water safety, and community well-being.
Brian Tarpy, a local resident, urged the council to consider the importance of the head pond and the wetlands, emphasizing the potential benefits of installing a fish ladder funded by the USDA. He highlighted that $450,000 is available for this project, which could preserve the existing ecosystem without costing the town anything. Tarpy warned that lowering the head pond could lead to increased riverbank heights, potentially causing flooding in downtown Westerly during heavy rains.
Michael Geary echoed concerns about the dam's removal, particularly its implications for local wells. He questioned the long-term strategy for managing water resources and suggested that maintaining the dam while adding a fish ladder could be a viable solution.
Chris Abbott raised alarms about the potential contamination of the Pocatuck River aquifer, which supplies drinking water to Westerly and Pawcatuck. He referenced a recent report detailing hazardous chemicals in sediment samples and warned that removing the dam could disrupt the aquifer's recharge process.
Fatima Abbott, supporting her husband's concerns, emphasized the need for thorough research before making any decisions about the dam's future. She cautioned against rushing into removal, given the potential health risks to the community.
Wayland Curry highlighted the historical significance of the Pocatuck River, which has been recognized for its outstanding natural characteristics. He argued that the removal of the dam could diminish the river's ecological value and recreational opportunities for the public.
The meeting underscored a divide among residents regarding the dam's future, with many calling for more research and community input before any irreversible actions are taken. The council faces the challenge of balancing environmental concerns, public health, and community interests as discussions continue.
Brian Tarpy, a local resident, urged the council to consider the importance of the head pond and the wetlands, emphasizing the potential benefits of installing a fish ladder funded by the USDA. He highlighted that $450,000 is available for this project, which could preserve the existing ecosystem without costing the town anything. Tarpy warned that lowering the head pond could lead to increased riverbank heights, potentially causing flooding in downtown Westerly during heavy rains.
Michael Geary echoed concerns about the dam's removal, particularly its implications for local wells. He questioned the long-term strategy for managing water resources and suggested that maintaining the dam while adding a fish ladder could be a viable solution.
Chris Abbott raised alarms about the potential contamination of the Pocatuck River aquifer, which supplies drinking water to Westerly and Pawcatuck. He referenced a recent report detailing hazardous chemicals in sediment samples and warned that removing the dam could disrupt the aquifer's recharge process.
Fatima Abbott, supporting her husband's concerns, emphasized the need for thorough research before making any decisions about the dam's future. She cautioned against rushing into removal, given the potential health risks to the community.
Wayland Curry highlighted the historical significance of the Pocatuck River, which has been recognized for its outstanding natural characteristics. He argued that the removal of the dam could diminish the river's ecological value and recreational opportunities for the public.
The meeting underscored a divide among residents regarding the dam's future, with many calling for more research and community input before any irreversible actions are taken. The council faces the challenge of balancing environmental concerns, public health, and community interests as discussions continue.
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