The Boothbay Planning Board unanimously approved two applications May 16 including one for a permanent Camp Knickerbocker restroom facility. The Boothbay Region YMCA received approval for the restroom complex which will have four changing stalls, four toilet stalls (two handicap accessible), two water fountains, two handicap benches, sinks, and cubbies. 

According to BRYMCA officials, the facility will make for a better summer experience for campers and mitigate phosphorus runoff into local water sources. The structure replaces outhouses used in past summers and will accommodate more campers.

The Y has been planning for years to upgrade its campsite at 157 Barters Island Road. Since 2015, the Y and the Boothbay Region Water District have collaborated on a plan toward controlling campsite erosion and stormwater runoff. The water district received a federal Lake Friendly Grant for improving campsite environmental conditions.

The project includes a new subsurface wastewater disposal system. The complex will be 150 feet from the shore. The new septic system’s draining field is 200 feet from the shoreline. The project also includes clearing trees in the shoreland zone and replacing each, in the zone, according to project manager Randy Smith of the Knickerbocker Group.

Because Camp Knickerbocker is in the water reservoir district and is a non-conforming structure, the Y needed board approval. Expansion in the district is prohibited unless the developer demonstrates changes would not negatively impact the local environment or drinking water supply.

BRWD watershed program manager Sue Mello told board members, the work done the previous two years made a big improvement in water quality. “We’ve seen steady improvement, and with the septic system’s location and monitoring plan I don’t see phosphorus leaching becoming a problem, she said.

The board also approved Penelope Thumith's request to remove a shed and replace it with a 16 foot by 24 foot, single-car garage at her 11 Dodge Road, East Boothbay property.

The board meets next at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20 in the municipal building.