Planning Board seeks public input on creation of a proposed ordinance regulating gravel pits and quarries

The Planning Board is partnering with the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments on the creation of an ordinance that would regulate mineral exploration and extraction, rock quarry excavation, and sand and gravel pit activities. Attached is a KVCOG template ordinance that is all-encompassing in its scope. With citizen input, the Planning Board will determine which regulations in this document should be included in Winthrop's ordinance, whether regulations in this document should be modified to meet the community's needs, and which additional regulation should be required. The public is encouraged to offer its input by emailing Town Planner Dawn Emerson at demerson@winthropmaine.org. 

The ordinance will also be discussed during at least one of the Planning Board's twice-monthly meetings over the coming months. Those public meetings occur at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Town Office, 17 Highland Ave. Agendas are posted in advance at winthropmaine.org/planningboard. 

The Town Council on Sept. 25 will consider extending a moratorium on mineral exploration and extraction, rock quarry excavation, and sand and gravel pit activities through March 9, 2024. KVCOG anticipates the proposed ordinance will be completed for the Town Council's consideration prior to that date. The process for approving an ordinance includes opportunities for public input.