PARIS — Selectmen are considering how to approach a landowner who won’t allow ATVs on a public right of way, but a new discovery on rules for gravel pits might keep ATV riders out of the pit entirely.
Town Manager Phil Tarr said in recent research with the Mine Safety Health Administration he “stumbled across” federal regulations on mines, which include gravel pits. The rules require extensive safety gear for anyone visiting a mine, including hard hats, safety glasses and shoes.
This applies to “people accessing properties identified as mine properties, including access roads,” Tarr told selectmen. He said training is also required, and property owners must post signs about the danger of mines.
Tarr said it wasn’t clear whether the rules applied only to people working in the gravel pit off High Street or anyone in the area. He pointed out that ATV trails travel close to the gravel pit.
“Before we go any further in this easement direction, I recommend that we first answer the question of whether the town is able to reasonably allow people to access the town’s gravel pit,” Tarr told selectmen.
He said it has nothing to do with ATV riders. “This is about the town of Paris at risk.”
He said the town might have to close off the gravel pit to anyone not working there. Five property owners, including the town and ECI Materials owner David Everett, own parts of the gravel pit.
Selectmen expressed concern about the town’s liability if there was an accident in the gravel pit. Tarr said he’ll be meeting with an adviser from the Mine Safety Health Administration soon.
John Goodwin, trailmaster of the X-tra Mile ATV Club, said the state insures landowners along ATV trails. “You are covered under the state’s ATV policy,” he told selectmen.
Selectmen agreed to hold off proceeding with working to open the right of way to ATV riders until the safety and liability issue has been resolved.
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