STAMFORD, Conn. Stamford residents will get to voice their opinions on a proposed well-water testing ordinance. The Stamford Board of Representatives voted 33-2 Monday night to send the amended ordinance to a public hearing. A date for the hearing has not been set.
If the ordinance wins final approval, it will cost the city about $100,000 a year to have the health department test up to 750 private wells annually. The cost to residents for testing would be up to $100.
The boards North Stamford Water Supply Special Committee made several changes to the original ordinance last week. The changes included requiring wells that test positive for pollutants to be tested the next year, and the addition of a sunset clause so the ordinance will expire or have to be extended or amended after two years.
The board approved the amended ordinance despite pleas from city Representative John Zelinsky, who has consistently objected to the measure. Though Zelinsky says he sympathizes with residents who have contaminated wells, he has tried unsuccessfully to amend the ordinance to make people with wells pay more for testing.
It would be unfair to residents in my district and other districts to subsidize the service for those [with wells], Zelinsky said. He added that the city has already allocated funds to test the Scofieldtown Landfill for pollutants, and to hook more streets up city water.
Now that the ordinance will be republished it can be given a public hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. If the board feels no further changes are necessary after hearing from residents, it will vote on the ordinance. A vote could take place as early as September.
What city services are you willing to pay for? Which ones do you mind paying for? Voice your opinions below or send them to reporter Anthony Buzzeo at [email protected].
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