Officials concerned about Tiverton pond

TIVERTON, R.I. (AP) -- Tiverton officials say they're concerned that one of the town's drinking water sources, Stafford Pond, could become contaminated because of the fishing tournaments and seaplane landings the state allows there.  

The Newport Daily News reports town officials held a workshop on drinking water protection Wednesday night.

Thomas Ramotowski, chairman of the town's Conservation Commission, says the activities the state Department of Environmental Management allows on the pond wouldn't be tolerated at other drinking water sources. He says Stafford Pond has the least protection of any drinking water body in the state.

Town officials say the fishing tournaments draw 30 to 40 high-speed boats that travel at up to 70 mph. Officials say they're concerned about gasoline contamination from potential accidents and the boats bringing invasive species to the pond.