About two dozen Pratts Island residents attended, either in-person or via Zoom, a Dec. 3 informational hearing on potential risks to the neighborhood's clean water supply. The session was organized by Sarah Sherman, who has lived at her South End location for the past 28 years. Her family is on their third well after the prior two fell victim to saltwater intrusion. 

She is concerned about the impact on her well from a potential blasting on an abutting property. Sherman organized the forum to share information with island homeowners and municipal officials about the possible consequences on the island's other 20-plus freshwater wells from blasting. She is hoping town officials will delay the blasting long enough for a completed hydrology study.

In an unexpected turn of events, Sherman learned Friday, Dec. 5 that the blasting project has been called off.

“Friday morning, one of my neighbors contacted me with congratulations, that they decided not to blast. I then called the inspector and verified that this was true and she had told me that she had been notified by Maine Drilling and blasting on Thursday afternoon,” said Sherman.

She said this is the first good step in protecting Pratts Island’s 20 wells and setting a precedent so research regarding salt water intrusion and the effects of blasting can be conducted and informed decisions can be made moving forward, guided by expert opinion, data and science.

Last year, Sherman learned her neighbors, seasonal residents Darby and Jennifer Brower of Florida, sought a blasting permit. Sherman has discussed her concerns with the Browers, as well as with selectmen, the code enforcement officer and planning board over the past two years.

During the forum, the Browers said they've been in the planning process for the past eight years to build a "legacy" cottage to house children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The proposed cottage is around 2,300 square feet. Nick Andrews of Maine Drilling and Blasting attended the meeting via Zoom. He estimated the project would result in removing 500 cubic yards.

Darby Brower, via Zoom, said blasting along with other options such as hammering and fracking were under consideration. The proposed blasting would enable placement of a foundation and basement. Jennifer Brower admitted she was the reason for the project's long delay. "I'm the one who has been dragging my feet on this project. We've evaluated all our options, and we've tried being good neighbors," she said.

Sherman asked Andrews why the blasting couldn't wait until spring, when the "summer water" is turned on. He responded, "I'm paid to blast." Andrews added he wasn't aware of any studies showing blasting would conclusively result in damaging local wells. "I've never had a problem blasting," he said. "There are also years of data and analysis showing this is a safe practice."

Pratts Island resident Bill Royall advised the Browers not to take the risk. He spoke to the couple as a "friend and neighbor." "Darby, you don't need to do this. You can design your way around it," he said. "You can either hammer or go 'old school' and use cinder blocks. I'd love to see you build a house, but a million-dollar bond won't cover it. It's more like $50 million."

Sherman and Darby Brower also clashed during the meeting over a conversation last year in Southport General Store. Sherman alleged that Darby Brower told her he would protect her property. "Don't tell me you're looking out for my best interests when you can't even tell the truth," she said. Brower responded, "I really hate it when people put words in my mouth. What I did say was 'We would try not to blast and would consider all options.' Don't call me a liar," he said.

The 90-minute meeting didn't result in any official municipal action, but  Selectman Gerry Gamage said the board was interested in hearing more information regarding a hydrology study. Sherman said she was pleased with the discussion. "I was very satisfied with the meeting and the number of residents who participated. It really demonstrated how much concern there is regarding blasting and the protection of the 20 wells on Pratts Island," she said. "As one of my neighbors stated, 'Clean drinking water is a basic human right everyone is entitled to.'"

Sherman said her family will continue to work with town officials to strengthen the blasting ordinance, research what a hydrology study would entail, and work with hydrologists to participate in a state saltwater intrusion study of coastal wells.