Effingham—May 23, 2022—The controversy surrounding the proposed Meena gas station in Effingham’s Groundwater Protection District has heightened awareness of the importance of protecting our drinking water. At the same time, it has created confusion about the different roles played by state and local authorities, both of which are important.

Green Mountain Conservation Group, Saco Headwaters Alliance and the N.H. Department of Environmental Resources hope to help clear things up with a workshop on Wednesday, June 1, at 5 p.m. in Chocorua’s Runnels Hall.

The program will be led by two long-time water protection specialists. Paul Susca is DES’ Supervisor for the Planning, Protection and Assistance Section, and Pierce Rigrod is the agency’s Drinking Water and Ground Water Supervisor.

The two will discuss common threats to drinking water and the benefits of groundwater protection strategies, as well as detail state and local roles in how water is protected.

The workshop is open to anyone interested in learning more about on-the-ground development and implementation of recommended tools, such as Groundwater Protection Ordinances, Groundwater Reclassification, and Source Water Protection Plans.

The session will be especially relevant to planning board members, select boards, conservation commissioners, zoning boards, code enforcement officers, health inspectors, and public water suppliers.

To attend in person or by Zoom, you must register in advance.

To attend in person, contact education@gmcg.org. To watch on Zoom, register at this link.

The date is Wednesday, June 1, at 5 p.m. at Chocorua’s Runnells Hall.