Health, Safety & the Environment

In January, the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission (“P&Z”) denied a proposal by Aquarion Water Co. of Connecticut (“Aquarion”) to expand the size of an existing, but aging, water tank and construct a chemical storage facility at its Putnam Water and Filter Plant on DeKraft Road in mid-country Greenwich.  Aquarion is appealing the P&Z’s decision to the Department of Public Utility Control (“DPUC”), which regulates rates and services of Connecticut utilities.  According to Aquarion, the ancient 1920′s era plant and clearwell holding tank are far below industry standards and cannot adequately serve the 52,000 people the utility services in Greenwich and Westchester.  Aquarion’s Press Release indicates that the proposed work will cost some $25,000,000.  For their part, area homeowners believe the proposed facility is too large for the existing site on Butternut Hollow Road and that their homes are not adequately shielded from the proposed expansion.  Based upon the facts reported in this morning’s Greenwich Time, it is fairly clear that Aquarion has a legitimate need to upgrade its operation to better service the community.  However, there is a perception, accurate or not, that Aquarion has not been responsive to the homeowners’ concerns on the plant issue.  Our experience in these types of disputes is that effective corporate communication and outreach can go a long way to resolving homeowner disputes.  First Selectman Peter Tesei has asked DPUC to deny Aquarion’s appeal of P&Z’s ruling.  Tesei was troubled that there had never been effective dialogue between Aquarion and its neighbors.  Did Aquarion “reach out” to the Town, an important stakeholder,  before Tesei came out on the side of the residents?  George Logan, Aquarion’s embattled Director of Capital and Planning, apparently did meet with the Town and neighbors before the P&Z plans were filed and, according to Logan, Aquarion’s proposed plan was modified as a result of that meeting.  However, if this plant expansion is as important as Aquarion claims it to be, the Company should be doing a better job of listening and communicating.  At the very least, establishing a better record of communication with residents would be helpful from an Aquarion public relations standpoint. Arguments in the case begin Thursday at DPUC’s offices in New Britain, far from Butternut Hollow Road.  It is unfortunate for both Greenwich homeowners and Aquarion that the resolution of the problem has been taken out of their hands and given over to the lawyers upstate.  An opportunity for effective dialogue with homeowners in Greenwich has apparently been lost, at least for the present.  Disputes over the siting of facilities or the expansion of existing facilities can often be effectively addressed through dialogue.  We all have an interest in receiving plentiful and affordable water in our community.  Let’s work harder to resolve these issues through face-to-face negotiaton.