Save Our Groundwater Annual Meeting, June 29, 2010, 7 p.m.

Nottingham Unitarian Universalist Church, Corner of Route 156 and Church Street. At the annual meeting, members will vote on one Board of Directors position and other business. We will have updates on recent groundwater law developments, the USA Springs, Inc. bankruptcy proceedings and more.

Senate Bill 411 Public Hearing

April 6, 2010, 1 p.m., Legislative Office Building, Room 305, Concord, New Hampshire

A public hearing will be held for SB411 before the House Resources Committee, chaired by Rep. Judith Spang. The bill clarifies the role of local communities and the state for large groundwater withdrawals and was introduced by Senator Jackie Cilley on behalf of the SB155 Groundwater Study Commission. The bill had a public hearing before the Senate February 4 and was voted 'ought to pass' and the Senate passed it February 10. It now comes before the House.

To read the bill, click here.
You can check the status of a NH bill by using Quick Bill Search; click here.

Maude Barlow at UNH-RESCHEDULED for 3/31

March 31, 2010 at 7 p.m., University of New Hampshire, Durham, Murkland Hall Room 115 (auditorium)

Please see March 4 entry for details. The event is free and open to the public.

"Tapped" -a film about the impacts of bottled water

March 22, 2010 @ 6 p.m., University of New Hampshire, Memorial Union Building Theater 1

Celebrate World Water Day with the movie "Tapped" exploring the impacts of the bottled water industry and the resolve of community residents saying "our water is not for sale." The film features Maine water activists as they work to stop Nestle's Poland Spring bottling empire from expansion in their state among others.Learn more about the film by clicking here.The film is presented as part of the "Tap In" water film and speaker series by Food & Water Watch and the University of New Hampshire's Office of Sustainability. For more information about the series, click here.All events are free and open to the public. Park in Lot C on Mill Road across from the shopping mall for $1/hour; university parking lots are unrestricted after 6 p.m.

Maude Barlow at Univ. of New Hampshire-CANCELED

March 4, 2010 @ 7 p.m., University of New Hampshire, Murkland Hall, Room 115 (auditorium)

3/3/10-Maude Barlow's lecture at UNH has been canceled due to unforeseen travel complications. We are working to reschedule her talk for later this spring or next fall.
Please check the calendar or sign up for SOG emails under "Contact Us" for updates.

World-renown water activist Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, and Chair of the board of directors of Food & Water Watch, will speak about “The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water.” Her talk is part of “Tap In,” a series of lectures and films about world water privatization, access, and quality sponsored by Food & Water Watch’s Take Back the Tap Campaign and the University of New Hampshire’s Office of Sustainability. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors may park in the university lots after 6 p.m., or at metered locations for $1 an hour using quarters. Short-term parking is available in Lot C off Mill Road for $1 an hour for up to three hours.

NH Citizens Trade Policy Commission

December 7, 2009 @ 9 a.m., Legislative Office Building, Room 305, 33 N. State Street, Concord, NH

"International Trade Impacts on NH's Food Supply" with Dorn Cox, manager for Westwick Farming, LLC and a fourth generation farmer. The presentation discusses the impacts of international trade agreements on food self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture within New Hampshire and other states. The meeting is open to the public and there will be an opportunity to submit questions and comments to both the presenter and Commission members.

New Hampshire SB155 Groundwater Commission meeting

December 7, 2009 @ 10 a.m. Statehouse, Room 100, 107 N. Main St., Concord, NH

U.S. Bankruptcy Court hearing in USA Springs, Inc. case

December 7, 2009 @ 9 a.m., United States Bankruptcy Court, 11th Floor, 1000 Elm St., Manchester, NH

The debtor, USA Springs, Inc., has filed a request to consolidate the following business as part of the debtor's estate: USA Springs, Inc., Garrison Place Real Estate Investment Trust, Just Cause Realty Trust, Sweet Review Realty Trust, and Amici Realty Trust. The various attorneys representing parties in the case will have their say about the proposed consolidation at this hearing.

NH Groundwater Commission November meeting

November 9, 2009 @ 9:30 a.m., State House Rm. 100, 107 N. Main St., Concord, NH

The state's Groundwater Study Commission, created by Senate Bill 155, is due to present its final report in November 2009. The Commission has most recently been studying the role of local communities in the large groundwater withdrawal permitting process. You can read more about the work of the Commission by clicking here.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court hearing USA Springs, Inc. case

November 9, 2009 @ 9 a.m., United States Bankruptcy Court, 11th floor, 1000 Elm St., Manchester, NH

USA Springs, Inc., a Delaware corporation, filed motions as the debtor for extending the exclusivity period, solicitating acceptances and other deadlines. This hearing will decide if there will be an extension of the deadlines.

USA Springs Inc. Emergency Bankruptcy Hearing

October 8, 2009 - US Bankruptcy Court, 1000 Elm Street, Manchester, NH

An emergency hearing was held to discuss a potential buyer for the company. The names of all the principals were redacted--blacked out--in court documents so that the interested party remains a mystery. Click here to read the New Hamphire Business Review's Oct. 9 story by Bob Sanders for the best update.

NH Groundwater Commission Meeting

September 25, 2009 @ 9:30 a.m., Legislative Office Building, 33 N. State Street, Room 307, Concord, NH

The Commission, established by Senate Bill 155, meets to discuss all matters relating to groundwater. This year a sub-committee held 8 regional meetings around the state to gather information and testimony about the role of local communities in the large groundwater permitting process. You can read more about it at: nhgroundwater.com

Barrington's Wetlands Appeal at the NH Supreme Court

September 24, 2009 @ 1 p.m. , New Hampshire Supreme Court, 1 Charles Doe Drive, State Campus, Concord, New Hampshire

It's been a long time coming and today the Town of Barrington will have its day in our state's highest court defending the integrity of its prime wetlands that abut the USA Springs, Inc. planned water bottling plant. The case is #2009-0037 Appeal of Garrison Place Real Estate Investment Trust (Wetlands Council) v. Town of Barrington. In 2008, Barrington won its appeal to the state's Wetlands Council of the 2005 wetlands permit issued by the Dept. of Environmental Services to the water bottler (for more information, click here and scroll down to 9/11/08). The company's appeal of this decision will be heard today. Come out and support the Town of Barrington!

Check-in time is 12:30 p.m.; parking is sometimes difficult. Each side will present 15 minutes of oral arguments. For more information, contact the Clerk of the Court Eileen Fox at 271-2646 between 8:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m. M-F.

Save Our Groundwater Annual Meeting

June 30, 2009 @ 7 p.m., Community Room, Unitarian Universalist Church, 106 Church Street, Nottingham, NH

SOG's Annual Meeting is a time when members meet to discuss updates about water issues, vote for board members, conduct other business and enjoy each other's company. Eight years later and not one bottle of water sold from the cause that brought us all together! We thank the Nottingham Unitarian Church for welcoming us after the sale of the Sugar Shack--it's a great place to meet in the center of all the action to protect our groundwater. Refreshments will be provided--come meet your neighbors and take action to Save Our Groundwater.

New Hampshire Groundwater Commission Public Hearing

June 11, 2009 @ 6:30 p.m. Dover City Hall, 288 Central Avenue, City Council Chambers (2nd Floor), Dover, NH

The New Hampshire Groundwater Study Commission will hold a public discussion on this date to explore "What Role Should Your Community Have in Regulating Groundwater Withdrawals?" in collaboration with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission. This is part of a series of regional meetings held by the Commission to gather information and prepare recommendations for the Legislature by November 2009 per House Bill 1358 (2008). More information, including a background document, is available on NHGroundwater.com. Parking is available on the street or behind the Dover Public Library.

USA Springs, Inc. emergency bankruptcy hearing

April 15, 2009 @ 2 p.m. Federal Bankruptcy Court, 1000 Elm St.,
Manchester, NH

An emergency hearing will be held following a motion by the company asking the judge to reconsider his April 1 decision to convert their bankruptcy case from Chapter 11 (reorganization) to Chapter 7 (dissolution and liquidation of assets). All court hearings are open to the public. If you're planning to attend, we suggest calling the court first to verify that the hearing will be held. The telephone number is 222-2600 and the case number is 08-11816.

USA Springs, Inc. bankruptcy hearing

April 1, 2009 @ 2 p.m. Federal Bankruptcy Court, 1000 Elm St.,
Manchester, NH

Hearing to dismiss the USA Springs, Inc. Chapter 11 bankruptcy case and convert it into a Chapter 7 dissolution and liquidation of assets. All court hearings are open to the public. If you're planning to attend, we suggest calling the court first to verify that the hearing will be held. The telephone number is 222-2600 and the case number is 08-11816.

USA Springs, Inc. bankruptcy hearing

February 18, 2009 @ 11 a.m. Federal Bankruptcy Court, 1000 Elm St.,
Manchester, NH

Hearing on trustee's motion to dismiss the USA Springs, Inc. Chapter 11 bankruptcy case or convert it into a Chapter 7 liquidation of assets.

USA Springs, Inc. Foreclosure Auction Sept. 29 - POSTPONED

September 29, 2008 @ 10 a.m. - 155 Old Turnpike Road, Route 4, Nottingham, NH

The company's three parcels are scheduled for a public auction at the company's site. Please check the auctioneer's website for the latest updates.

***9/29@ 10:15 a.m. We have learned that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court has not approved the foreclosure auction and it will not be held at this time.

SB155 Groundwater Study Commission meets Oct. 1

October 1,2008 @ 10 a.m. Room 100, State House, Concord, NH

The legislative Commission to Study Groundwater Withdrawals, established in 2003, meets in Cocord for a regular session; all meetings are open to the public. For more information, contact Brandon Kernen, NH-DES at 271-0660 and Brandon.Kernan@des.nh.gov or Patrick Murphy, legislative aide at 271-2609 or patrick.murphy@leg.state.nh.us

USA Springs, Inc. bankruptcy hearings - July 2008

USA Springs, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (reorganization) June 27, 2008 in the federal bankruptcy court located in Manchester. The filing automatically generated a 90-day postponement of the June 30th foreclosure auction of the company's property.

Bankruptcy hearings and meetings are open to the public. If you are interested in car-pooling, please write to us at saveourgroundwater@gmail.com. Please call to confirm hearing dates as they are sometimes rescheduled due to attorney filings.

The US Bankruptcy Court is located at:
1000 Elm Street, Suite 1001
Manchester, NH 03101
Telephone: 603.222.2600
Recorded hours/operations line: 603.222.2690

The case number is: 08-11816-JMD USA Springs, Inc. The PACER Service Center provides electronic access to federal bankruptcy court filing for $.08/page.

Judge J. Michael Deasy is assigned to the case.

7/16/08 – Show cause hearing for failure to obey local bankruptcy rules
USA Springs, Inc. attorneys Hyatt and Munroe must explain “why this case ought not to be dismissed or sanctions issued” due to violations of Local Bankruptcy Rule 5005-4 and Administrative Order 5005-4 [d] [1].
Time/Place: 9 a.m. Courtroom 2 (JMD), 1000 Elm Street, 11th Floor, Manchester, NH
(Confirmed 7/14/08)

7/23/08 – Show cause hearing for failure to file certain bankruptcy schedules.
Time/Place: 10 a.m., Courtroom 2 (JMD), 1000 Elm Street, 11th Floor, Manchester, NH
(CANCELED 7/21/08)

7/29/08 – Meeting of the creditors
Time/Place: 2 p.m., 1000 Elm Street, Seventh Floor, Room 702, Manchester, NH 03101
The Creditors Meeting will be convened by U.S. Trustee Geraldine Karonis, who is the general overseer for matters relating to the company's assets. The meeting will provide a general overview of the case and provide an opportunity for creditors to ask questions. It is our opportunity to learn more about the company's backers.
(Confirmed 7/28/08)

*Please note: Photography, broadcast and recording are not allowed in this court per local bankruptcy court rule 5073-1. Hearings are recorded and a transcript may be requested from the clerk of the court for a fee.

USA Springs, Inc. foreclosure auction

June 30, 2008, 10 a.m. @ 155 Old Turnpike Road (Route 4), Nottingham, NH
POSTPONED until September 29, 2008 due to USA Springs, Inc. filing for bankruptcy
A public foreclosure auction brought by Roswell Commercial Mortgage, LLC and conducted by James R. St. Jean Auctioneers is scheduled for the company's three parcels located along Route 4. Click here for the latest status of the auction.

Next SOG Meeting

May 8, 2008 from 7-9 p.m., at the Sugar Shack on Route 4, 1/2 mile west of the Lee circle.

This is SOG's Annual Meeting; all members are encouraged to attend. SOG members decided at our May 2007 Annual Meeting to change to a quarterly membership meeting schedule following our August 2007 six-year celebration. SOG 2008 meetings will be held in November, February, May (Annual Meeting, elections) and August. The Board of Directors, working with SOG committees, may schedule additional informational or educational events throughout the year. We'll post these on the calendar and also send email announcements.

To inquire about helping with a committee, please send an email to saveourgroundwater@gmail.com.

Neighborhood Guardians' Superior Court Appeal

April 16, 2008 @ Rockingham County Superior Court, Brentwood, NH

The Neighborhood Guardians appealed the issuance of a building permit to USA Springs, Inc. on the grounds that all required permits were not in "full force and effect" at the time. Their appeal initially went to the Nottingham Zoning Board of Adjustment, which dismissed it saying they did not have jurisdiction. The NG has continued their appeal to Rockingham County Superior Court (docket no. 07-E-0173).

All hearings are open to the public. We suggest that you call to confirm the day before if you are planning to attend as hearings may be rescheduled.

"The Waterfront" documentary film

April 2, 2008 @ 7 p.m., Dover Friends Meeting, 171 Central Ave., Dover. NH

"The Waterfront," a film by Liz Miller, explores the campaign organized by Vallory Johnson to stop water shut-offs and to keep the public water system rates of Highland Park, Michigan affordable as a human right . The film is part of the Create a Peaceful World by Sustaining Our Future series sponsored by The Peace and Social Concerns Committee of Dover Friends Meeting, Seacoast Peace Response, Seacoast Alliance for Democracy, and Clean Water Action. Free and open to the public. For more information contact : Phyllis Killam-Abell at 603-580-1934 or pkillamabell@comcast.net.

NHPR's The Exchange Features Maude Barlow

April 1 @ 9 a.m. on New Hampshire Public Radio's The Exchange

Listen to Maude Barlow as she is interviewed on The Exchange, NHPR's statewide call-in program. Ask a question and join the conversation!

Maude Barlow Talk & Book-signing in Portsmouth

March 31, 2008 @ 7 p.m., Portsmouth Public Library, Levenson Room, 175 Parrott Avenue, Portsmouth, NH

Join SOG, the NH American Friends Service Committee, Seacoast Peace Response, Clean Water Action, Citizens for Sludge-Free Land and the NH Sierra Club in welcoming Maude Barlow, Canadian author and water justice activist back to our state to celebrate the publication of her new book Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right To Water. Reception and book-signing to follow her talk.

Maude Barlow Addresses Trade Policy Commission

March 31, 2008 @ 9:00 a.m. in Legislative Office Building, Room 307, Concord, NH

Maude Barlow addresses the New Hampshire Citizens Trade Policy Commission about the impacts of international trade agreements on water and trade relations with Canada. The public is invited to attend this special presentation.

The Commission was established by law in 2007 to investigate and report to the Legislature about the impacts of international trade agreements on state sovereignty and local economies. The Commission is chaired by Senator Jackie Cilley with Arnie Alpert, NH American Friends Service Committee serving as vice-chair.

All Commission meetings are open to the public. For more information or to confirm a meeting, please contact Patrick Murphy, Legislative Aide at 271-2609.

NH Citizens Trade Policy Commission Meets Mar. 3

March 3, 2008 @ 9:00 a.m. in Legislative Office Building, Room 307, Concord, NH

The New Hampshire Citizens Trade Policy Commission was established by law in 2007 to investigate and report to the Legislature about the impacts of international trade agreements on state sovereignty and local economies. The Commission is chaired by Senator Jackie Cilley with Arnie Alpert, NH American Friends Service Committee serving as vice-chair. The March meeting agenda includes an overview of the November 2007 New England Regional Trade Conference with Robin Lunge of the Forum on Democracy and Trade and an overview of the 5th Annual CIBER National Forum on Trade Policy.

All Commission meetings are open to the public. For more information or to confirm a meeting, please contact Patrick Murphy, Legislative Aide at 271-2609.

SB155 Groundwater Study Commission Meets Mar. 3

March 3, 2008 @ 10:00 a.m., Room 100 State House

The Groundwater Study Commission, co-chaired by Senator Jackie Cilley and Representative Judith Spang, studies issues relative to groundwater withdrawals in New Hampshire. Established as a study committee by Senate Bill 155 in 2003, the Commission filed an interim report in 2004 with a final report due in November 2008. Meetings of the Commission are open to the public. For more information or to confirm a meeting, call Patrick Murphy, Legislative Aide, 271-2609.

Senate Bill 403 "Local Option" Hearing

January 29, 2008 @ 3:20 p.m. in Room 102 of the Legislative Office Building in Concord, NH.

A public hearing will be held for Senate Bill 403 by the Senate Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee. The bill provides for a local option to refuse to allow a large groundwater withdrawal from an aquifer within its boundaries.

The committee will take testimony from the public at this hearing. If you are unable to attend but would like to submit testimony, please send it as an attachment in an email by Jan. 29 to Patrick Murphy, legislative aide to Senator Cilley at: patrick.murphy@leg.state.nh.us

Barrington Wetlands Council Appeal

October 23, 2007 @ Dept. of Environmental Services, Concord, NH

The New Hampshire Wetlands Council had scheduled an October 23, 2007 appeal hearing for the Town of Barrington's appeal (docket number 07-02WtC) of the Dept. of Environmental Services Wetlands Bureau permit concerning Garrison Place Real Estate Investment Trust - Francesco Rotondo, trustee. At issue is whether or not the Town's prime wetlands would suffer adverse impact from the company's water withdrawal of more than 300,000 gallons/day.

Garrison Place REIT is an affiliate of USA Springs, Inc. and owns the land where the company has started building its bottled water plant. Mr. Rotondo is both the trustee of Garrison Place and the president of USA Springs, Inc.

DES appeal hearings take place at the agency's offices located at 29 Hazen Drive, Concord. All DES hearings are open to the public.

Save Our Groundwater Celebrates Six Years!

August 11, 2007 @ 2-5 p.m.

Join your neighbors for an ice cream social honoring SOG's six year effort to protect our groundwater. We will meet at beautiful Juniper Hill on the shores of Swains Lake. Bring the family and enjoy swimming and boating.
For directions, send an email to saveourgroundwater@gmail.com.

Coffee & Chat with Senator Cilley and Councilor Hollingworth

July 21, 2007 8-9:30 AM

You're invited to meet with Senator Jackie Cilley and Executive Councilor Beverly Hollingworth at Calef's Country Store, corner of Route 9 and 125. Bring your ideas for 2008 legislation, express your concerns, share in the conversation and enjoy coffee and donuts with our state government officials at a long-time business supporter of SOG.

Neighborhood Guardians Superior Court Appeal

June 28, 2007@ 9 a.m.
The Neighborhood Guardians' appeal of the Nottingham Zoning Board of Adjustment's 12/19/06 decision to allow the building permit granted by the town to Garrison Place Real Estate Investment Trust/A.K.A. USA Springs, Inc. will take place in Rockingham Superior Court in Brentwood, NH.

The case number is 07E-173. Court hearings are open to the public as are the documents filed with the court by parties to the case. Please call the court at 603-642-5256 for updates as to time, room and to confirm the date (this sometimes changes) if you are planning to attend.

Transportation Appeals Board Hearing

June 20, 2007 @ 4 p.m.
John O. Morton Building, 7 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03302

SOG and the Neighborhood Guardians appeal hearing of the NH Dept. of Transportation's (DOT) driveway permit issued in November 2006 to USA Springs, Inc./Garrison Place Real Estate Investment Trust is scheduled for Wed., June 20th by the NH Transportation Appeals Board.

Save Our Groundwater's attorney is Robert A. Backus, of Backus, Meyer, Solomon & Branch, LLP of Manchester.

The hearing is open to the public. The case is TAB Docket No. 2007-09, Petition of Neighborhood Guardians and Save Our Groundwater. To confirm date and time, please call 603-271-3468.