LISBON — The Lisbon Water Department will implement corrosion control to reduce in-home lead and copper levels, stabilize water quality and reduce chlorine demand, General Manager Chuck Harrison told the Town Council at its meeting Tuesday.
The department will reduce metals by adding poly- and orthophosphates to the water. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes the chemicals as safe to drink.
Heavy metals can be introduced in water through older home plumbing, Harrison said. The additive acts as a barrier between pipes and water, Harrison said.
Corrosion control will not begin immediately. The department has several steps it must take before introducing the treatment, including construction, adding chlorine to Lisbon Falls water and water sampling tests.
In other news, the council unanimously approved a request by local ATV clubs to increase road access around town.
Cheryl Haggerty, a member of the Riverside Trail Riders ATV Club, told councilors local clubs have been working “feverishly” to connect the Lisbon, Lisbon Falls and Bowdoin trail systems.
“It’s nice to have a longer ride. We’ll actually have people use our town for a destination,” she said, adding there could be opportunities for local businesses to benefit.
Increased road access will bring the three trail systems one step closer to connection, however there is still more work to be done. Ed Barrett, president of the Lisbon Hardcore Riders and Bowdoin Outdoor Explorers, said he is currently working to collect signatures to put a measure to increase road access on Bowdoin’s ballots.
If everything goes according to plan, the trails could be connected for the 2023 season.
When the clubs finally connect the three trail systems, Barrett estimates there would be 115 miles of interconnected trails. It could be the largest south of Bangor, he said.
Ross Cunningham, director of economic and community benefit, backed the club’s proposal, noting that growing recreation opportunities could benefit Lisbon’s economy.
Police Chief and interim Town Manager Ryan McGee said he has been in discussion with club leadership regarding safety concerns. There has only been one incident in Lisbon due to an ATV traveling on roads, he said, adding that the person was not a member of any of the local clubs.
“This is the first step of a lot more work the clubs are going to do (to connect the trails),” McGee said.
Additionally, the council tabled the first reading of a revised cannabis ordinance which would require new marijuana stores to be no less than 2,000 feet — or just over a third of a mile — apart.
Councilors do not intend for the change to affect existing businesses.
The vote was tabled to allow councilors to consult the legal counsel.
Councilors voted 6-0 with one member abstaining to extend the moratorium by 90 days, which was planned to end in October.
Some residents previously expressed concerns to the council about the growing number of marijuana businesses in town.
The council plans to discuss and vote on the first reading for the ordinance at its next meeting Oct. 18.
Editors note: This article was modified to clarify information about the ATV trail connections.
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