Town Meeting voted against adding new regulations for earth removal on Monday evening with opponents worried about how the changes would impact local businesses.

The article proposed amendments on the current Earth Removal Bylaw, including prohibiting earth removal in Zone II as identified on the Town of Wareham Zoning Map — located in the northeast part of the town borders — and ensuring the protection of groundwater resources throughout the community.

The amendment would also prohibit any earth removal within 10 feet of the seasonal high water table on any land in the Town of Wareham, with a few exceptions such as the installation of utilities.

Opponents of the article said they were concerned that it would put people out of business and hinder the cranberry industry.

John Decas, of Carver-based Decas Cranberry Co., said the cranberry industry would be most affected by the vote.

"If you pass this amendment as it is written we will be the only cranberry town in Massachusetts with restrictions," Decas said.

Donna Bronk of the Finance Committee also voiced negative opinions about the proposal.

"This is going to hurt the cranberry growers and it's going to hurt our people," Bronk said. "It's just wrong."

Brock Tucy, owner of the Maple Park Campground, also voiced his concerns about the proposal, saying he thought it was aimed at him. He called it a "big mistake."

"If people think this is just to keep me from hauling sand, they are mistaken," Tucy said.

Bruce Sauvageau, former selectman, spoke in favor of the proposal, saying the town has a great responsibility to the community because it sits on top of its own water supply, unlike other towns that have to pump their water in.

Lynne Burroughs, precinct 5, also said she was in favor of the amendments.

"If we knowingly allow problems that exist with our water we would be ... [held] liable," Burroughs said. "It's not right. ... Water should come before anything."

But the proposal ultimately failed with 58 voters in favor and 208 opposed.