But its use as a depot to store aviation fuel over some 40 years suggests that the town's examination of the horse's teeth, so to speak, is only prudent. The U.S. government, through the Navy, was authorized by federal legislation to return the land, which was taken in 1952, to the town of Harpswell. Harpswell voted on acceptance of the property at a special town meeting on June 10, 1994. Later, in a special town meeting in June 1997, the town voted on use of the property if it were accepted-what we'll call the Use Article. As of mid-January, the language of the article was not yet available, but in general terms, the question will be whether the conditions laid down in the 1994 article have been sufficiently met, and whether the selectmen will be authorized to execute the necessary documents for transfer.
Many environmental provisions depend on use.
Consequently, the 1994 article has to be read with the 1997 Use Article to be understood in terms of the environmental compliance question. There was extensive monitoring by the DEP of the Navy's efforts at remediation, and everyone has agreed that what can be done has been done to restore the land. The rest of the cleanup below the surface will require the action of natural forces over time. DEP officials estimate the time involved could be anywhere from 50 to 100 years. In the meantime, DEP will impose restrictions on activities performed at the site.