Patch Letter: Support Shenipsit Lake Bill

TOLLAND COUNTY, CT — To the Editor:

I'm writing in support of state Rep. Michael Winkler's proposed H.B. No. 6324. The bill was submitted for people to have a voice regarding passive recreation at Shenipsit Lake. Shenipsit Lake is the towns of Vernon, Tolland and Ellington's historical natural resource.

Generations of families have used "Shenipsit Lake / Lake Mishenipset" not only for drinking but also passive recreation.

We started an award winning recreation program at Shenipsit Lake back in the early 1990s. We even received the Governor's 2000 Environment award and also the Milan J. Bull Memorial Conservation Award in 1995.

Since the San Jose Water Group and the Connecticut Water Co. (SJWG/CWC) merged a couple of years ago they have caused numerous problems at Shenipsit Lake. From what I have been told, last year was a disaster at the lake, no monitors or sanitation facilities and an incident in the fall involving chemicals near the water. Complaints have been made to the Department of Public Health (DPH), PURA, also to local senators and representatives. A rally to "Save the Snip" was held last year and a petition was sent to the (DPH).

The water utility does not own Shenipsit Lake and should not have total control over access and usage of our natural resource. The people and the three owners of the historical lake bed (Tolland, Vernon, Ellington) should have a say and be able to sign-off on any recreation plan or any other activities regarding Shenipsit Lake.

There should also be consideration to include a wheelchair accessible floating pier and rental boats like Lake Saltonstall has.

I've added the link to HB-6324:

https://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB-6324

I urge the legislative environment committee to to pass H.B. No. 6324. It is what the people desperately need.

Gary Pozzato

Co-founder Shenipsit Lake Association

Vernon