PUC approves Nestlé-Fryeburg water deal
The Maine Public Utilities Commission has approved a long-term contract allowing the bottler of the Poland Springs brand to buy water from Fryeburg Water Co.
The Portland Press Herald reported that the contract’s approval comes after PUC staff recommended against it, saying the water was meant “to convey to the village of Fryeburg a supply of water for domestic and other uses," but not for sale as a bulk commodity.
Opponents said they are planning to determine whether they can challenge the deal in court, adding that it doesn't serve the community’s interest and that it undervalues the water’s value.
Two temporary PUC members made the ruling, saying there would be “no net harm” as a result of the contract. The PUC’s three regular members had recused themselves from the matter because they had all previously done business with Nestle.
Nestle Water, a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Nestle SA, will have exclusive rights to water from the well Fryeburg Water currently uses, but Fryeburg Water won’t be barred from selling bulk, untreated water to other companies in general. Nestle Water will pay Fryeburg Water’s published water rate and a $12,000 monthly lease for the land.
Read more
State oversight agency finds PUC within law
Maine's bottled water industry taps into an $11.8 billion trend
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments