By now, many of you have seen that the hanging flower baskets on Main Street have been taken down. The plants were the same as dead. Last week, leaves began dropping onto the street. The plants had started dying within a couple of weeks of having been put up. We had called the nursery for guidance and instruction of any special treatment that might revive the plants. But, to no avail. So, last Friday, I faced the facts and took them down.

The plants were the same as last year and had been watered and treated the same. Everything was the same as last year except the outcome. For my own curiosity, soil samples are being tested. Some of the plants are being treated at another location to see if they can be restored.

Last week, I mentioned other water testing that will be taking place in the coming months. Since last week, I have found out the requirement for Cryptosporidium testing will cost $10,180 for (2) samples per month for twelve (12) months. Consequently, the revised plan to comply with the requirements of the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2) will consist of (1) sample per month, for twenty-four (24) months.

The original thought was to get compliance over as quickly as possible. Now, we intend to spread the cost of testing over the full 24 months and spend $5,090 per year for two years. Another example of an unfunded mandate for towns to figure out.

Also, for your information, more DEP requirements are on the way. Stay tuned visitmarlinton.com

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