Wayland Board of Health to seek counsel on private irrigation well moratorium

WAYLAND — January 23, 2023 — Wayland Board of Health asks town counsel whether it can freeze new private irrigation well permits. The board voted 4-0 Monday to seek a legal opinion on its jurisdiction over private wells and on an 18-month moratorium requested by the Board of Public Works, whose Cliff Lewis wrote that state limits on municipal withdrawals already drive summer watering bans while private wells face no such restrictions. Health Director Julia told members the town's well regulations date to 1982 and have never been updated despite prior town counsel recommendations. River steward Tom Sciacca said private wells affect Sudbury River levels on a delayed timetable. Dr. Arnie Soslow, who called the study "reasonable," also announced he will not seek reelection in April. Lewis is expected to address the board Feb. 13.