Jeanne Robillard

Dear Committee Members, I write in reference to HR-13, which would stop a landfill from being permitted next to Forest Lake State Park. My property in Whitefield is located in a Source Water Protection Area (SWPA) on Burns Pond. The watershed of Burns Pond is connected with the watershed of Forest Lake through wetlands, aquifers, and small streams. My well is not only drawing my drinking water from Burns Pond, I am also drinking water from Forest Lake that has percolated through the wetlands, streams, aquifers, and groundwater. I receive a pamphlet every year from the DES to remind me that as I am "probably already aware" my property is in a SWPA for a public water system, and certain activities can potentially contaminant the drinking water, not just for me, but the public water supply as well. How ironic that the DES encourages me, as a homeowner, to "Please Help Protect Drinking Water" while it simultaneously contemplates permits that would site a 130-(plus) acre landfill in the very watershed they are asking me to protect. How am I expected to help protect this “valuable source of drinking water" while the DES allows a landfill to permanently contaminate the combined Burns Pond/Forest Lake/Johns River watersheds, watersheds further downstream, and countless homeowner wells. This is not a "maybe" contamination could happen at this site: it will occur, with certainty. The science proves that all landfill liners eventually leak. The DES pamphlet also states ``Got Clean Drinking Water? It's up to you!" However, by even contemplating placing a landfill in this watershed, the DES has not kept its end of the bargain. It has failed to protect me, the environment, and the countless wildlife that depend on the purity of this watershed. With all due respect - by and through HR-13- this now up to you, our legislature. I remain hopeful that you, and our Governor, will do the right thing where the DES has failed. I take my role as a property owner and steward of this watershed very seriously. But how can I be expected to protect this valuable source of clean drinking water, if the state is not also willing to protect it? Please pass HR-13. Please. Let’s be good stewards together. Thank you in advance. Jeanne Robillard Burns Pond Whitefield