SESSION A:

Topic: Dallas Plantation Case Study

Author: Keith Taylor
St. Germain & Associates, 846 Main Street, Westbrook, ME 04092; 207/591-7000; keitht@stgermain.com

The Rangeley Water District withdraws ground water from a glacial valley aquifer in Dallas Plantation northeast of Rangeley, Maine. Several years ago, the Poland Springs Water Company (PSWC) identified springs in the same aquifer tapped by the District, and they applied for a permit from LURC to install an extraction well. The District was concerned that the PSWC well could threaten the quantity and quality of its water supply. The District analyzed hydrogeologic data in the PSWC permit application closely and concluded that strict safeguards would be necessary to protect the District's supply. These safeguards included hydrologic monitoring, and hydrogeologic thresholds that would prompt a change in PSWC operations if the District supply were threatened. PSWC agreed to abide by these safeguards in the event that their project was approved.

Keith Taylor is the Senior Hydrogeologist with St.Germain & Associates of Westbrook, Maine. Mr. Taylor specializes in the interpretation of geologic, water quality and chemical data. For 20 years, Mr. Taylor has applied these skills to water supply studies such as ground water exploration, wellhead protection, water system security and water quality testing. Taylor also has expertise in investigating and assessing risk, liability, and remedial options on contaminated properties. Mr. Taylor holds a B.S. in geology from Bates College, a M.S. in geology from the University of New Mexico, and is a Maine-Certified Geologist and New Hampshire Professional Geologist.