Old Oaken Bucket Pond Granted 150-Foot Protection Buffer to Guard Drinking Water
Key Points
- Zoning change adds 150-foot non-disturbance buffer to Old Oaken Bucket Pond
- Pond is the primary surface water source for Scituate's drinking water
- Amendment also clarifies rules for invasive species removal in protected zones
- Passed unanimously to ensure long-term water quality protection
In a unanimous vote, Town Meeting approved Article 20, a zoning amendment designed to protect the town’s primary drinking water source. The amendment adds Old Oaken Bucket Pond to the 150-foot non-disturbance buffer zone within the Water Resource Protection District. It also clarifies regulations regarding the removal of invasive species within these sensitive areas. Bruce Arbanese spoke to the critical nature of the pond, noting it is the surface water source for the entire municipal water system.
Old Oaken Bucket Pond is the surface water source for our water system,
Arbanese said. It is the most important surface water body that we have.
The new zoning language ensures that the pond receives the same level of protection as other critical water resources in town, limiting development and disturbance within 150 feet of the water's edge to prevent contamination and preserve water quality. The measure passed with the two-thirds majority required for zoning changes.
Motion: To add Old Oaken Bucket Pond to the 150-foot protection buffer.
Vote: Passed Unanimously by 2/3 Majority