What is a spring water station?

A spring water station enables spring water to travel via underground pipeline from a spring water source to the station. The water is then transported and bottled at a Poland Spring bottling facility. Poland Spring operates three bottling facilities in Maine and employs nearly 800 full time and seasonal people. 

Will the spring water station use water from Fryeburg?

No. The spring water source is located in Denmark, Maine and the water will travel via underground pipeline to the East Fryeburg spring water station.

Why is Poland Spring building the spring water station in East Fryeburg?

The project represents the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in the people and economy of Maine and the Lake Region. The East Fryeburg location is an ideal 59-acre site accessible from Route 302, a state designated truck route that keeps truck traffic off smaller roads. 

Will Poland Spring hire local people for the spring water station construction?

Yes. We expect to award 90% of all construction contracts to Maine companies from the immediate area and throughout the state. Poland Spring employs nearly 800 full time and seasonal people in Maine and spends over $65 million a year with other Maine companies.

What will be the benefits to the town of Fryeburg?

The spring water station represents a $2.1 million dollar investment in Fryeburg. The project will help create and maintain jobs, especially during construction, and will generate annual property taxes for the town. After construction is completed, the project will create 55 acres of open space for traditional, non-motorized use. This parcel connects approximately 1000 acres of land including a spring site in Denmark. Moreover, Poland Spring is constantly looking for new ways to form lasting partnerships with the communities where it operates. Since 2000, Poland Spring has donated more than $2.5 million to local communities and causes. 

Why does Poland Spring need another spring source?

By utilizing an abundant, renewable resource, Poland Spring has created nearly 800 well-paying jobs in Maine. New spring sources allow the business to grow, creating the potential for additional jobs and investments in the state and the region. 

How is the spring source monitored and protected?

Poland Spring’s business depends on the long-term sustainability of Maine’s groundwater resources. We carefully manage the use of the resource to ensure long-term sustainability. In Fryeburg and Denmark, Poland Spring measures and reports on over 40 monitoring stations every month. Poland Spring operates under strict state and local regulatory controls enforced by Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection and verified by independent scientists and water experts.

How will this project impact the area?

The water station represents a $2.1 million dollar investment in the Fryeburg economy and will add 55 acres to create a total 1000 acres of protected land upon completion. On average, the station will service about one or two trucks per hour, with limited operation during school busing hours, and no more than four trucks per hour during peak operation. Additionally, Poland Spring will fund improvements to Route 302 at the station turnoff to enhance safety.

What does Poland Spring do to ensure its trucks are operated safely?

Poland Spring prides itself on the safety record of its biodiesel tanker fleet, the largest in Maine. We monitor our fleet with an on-board computer that measures speed, acceleration, idling and other driving conditions in real time. Our drivers are required to obey posted speeds, be courteous and keep their trucks quiet (no engine brakes, for example), and we enforce these policies very strictly.

Will Poland Spring help maintain a consistent snowmobile trail network and access to traditional uses?

Poland Spring continues to work with area clubs on maintaining access and working on trail improvement projects. During construction, our posted signs will affect less than 5% of the total 1000 acres created by this project. Poland Spring permits traditional uses like walking, hiking, and hunting. ATV access is by permission only.

Is this the same facility that the planning board voted to approve in 2005?

Yes. The project is the same as originally approved in 2005.