Wastewater Implementation Committee Meeting

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Meeting date: 
Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Meeting Minutes

For

Town of Harwich

Wastewater Implementation Committee (WIC)

Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.

Attendees:

WIC Members: Peter de Bakker (Chair), Sharon Pfleger, Heinz Proft and Allin Thompson

Others: Dan Pelletier

CDM Smith: David Young

Introduction:

The Harwich WIC held a meeting on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the Harwich town offices to review and discuss issues related to the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP).

 

The WIC welcomed their newest member, Sharon Pfleger, to her first official meeting.

 

A summary of items discussed is provided below in order of the agenda.

Summary of Discussion Items:

  1. Discuss and approve WIC Minutes dated January 20, 2016.

Motion to approve minutes of March 16, 2016 was made by Allin Thompson and 2nd by Heinz Proft. Approved unanimously (4-0).

  1. Review CDM Smith invoice.

CDM Smith invoice in amount of $18,736.17 and progress report were discussed and approved for processing by Heinz Proft. David Young noted that less than $7,000 remains in the budget.  CDM Smith will try to maximize going forward. The MEPA and CCC hearing was recently held and certificate should be issued soon. Only the DRI review with CCC will remain along with the watershed reports due to the CCC in June 2016

Peter de Bakker noted there is no FY17 Town Meeting article for additional wastewater planning funds. He indicated he has spoken with Chris Clark who supports an amendment for future CDM Smith work. A Memo to Mr. Clark had been previously submitted requesting $25,000 amendment to continue support on the Chatham IMA, Sewer Regulations, Community Partnership discussions and other related items. Mr. Young was requested to prepare the CDM Smith amendment to submit in July.

  1. Update on status of Final CWMP filing with MEPA and CCC

David Young indicated the Final CWMP and Single Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) were filled with MEPA and the CCC at end of March. CCC held their Public Hearing on April 28th. Few minor comments received to date. Expect MEPA Certificate in next couple of weeks and then proceed to DRI process during the summer.

Sharon Pfleger asked whether Town Meeting needed to approve the CWMP. David Young noted each community does it a little different. There is no specific requirement for a town meeting approval. More important is that town meeting endorses it everytime the community seeks funds to implement the next phase.

  1. Discuss results of April 1 community partnership discussion.

David Young noted that the town administrator, assistant town administrator and chairman of the Board of Selectmen from Dennis, Harwich and Yarmouth met at the CDM Smith Office in Yarmouth on April 1st to begin discussions about a potential community partnership option for wastewater. All three town representatives were positive about the concept. Mr. Young provided an overview of the status of each community’s wastewater program. He also described a similar wastewater district formation that he participated in for three communities (MFN Regional Wastewater District) and how they addressed several governance issues. All agreed there were several potential positives and agreed to continue future discussions.

  1. Discuss results of April 7 Harwich Wastewater Summit.

Peter de Bakker reviewed the wastewater summit summary that Charleen Greenhalgh prepared and distributed. Several members received positive feedback from attendees. Sharon Pfleger noted that most agreed there is a defined nitrogen problem in town and so now the focus should turn to selling each implementation step.

  1. Discuss results of the April 28 CCC Public Hearing

As noted the Cape Cod Commission held a public hearing on the Harwich Final CWMP/SEIR on April 28th. Jon Idman of CCC facilitated the hearing and David Young made a presentation about the recommended program. Few comments were received. Same CCC Reviewers will be involved during the DRI process. The Harwich representative to the CCC asked several questions but appeared to support the Harwich CWMP even though she has never attended a WIC meeting.

  1. Status of Harwich Watershed Templates to be submitted to CCC in June

Draft copies of the CCC watershed templates for Herring River, Allen Harbor, Wychmere Harbor and Saquatucket Harbor were distributed for review and comment to the WIC. Heinz Proft indicated the Pleasant Bay Alliance was preparing the watershed report for Pleasant Bay. WIC members had no comments and Allin Thompson made a motion to approve with second by Heinz Proft. Passed unanimously.

  1. Discuss status of a potential Wastewater Outreach Person – Town Meeting action

WIC still supports and sees the need as program moves into implementation mode. Jeremy Gingras and Chris Harlow had previously offered to draft a position description for Chris Clark to utilize. Peter de Bakker will follow up with them.

  1. Update on Chatham IMA and Harwich Sewer Use Regulations.

WIC had previously endorsed the short version to implement the sewer regulations. There was no one in attendance who knew of a status update. Minimal action has occurred due to town meeting and these items were pulled since they weren’t ready.

  1. Update on Muddy Creek Project

Peter de Bakker heard there was going to be a ribbon cutting on May 5th? All commented how nice the new structure looks.

  1. Update on Cold Brook Attenuation Study

David Young recently spoke with the SMAST folks about this study and expects a draft report the end of May or early June. Thus a meeting with the HCT should be schedule in late June and a summary presentation perhaps at the July WIC meeting. All to be confirmed.

  1. New/Old/ Other Business

Peter de Bakker indicated the Planning Board and Board of Health are discussing whether to require septic systems be placed in front of homes that are planned to be sewered in the future. This process and discussions has just begun.

David Young asked if they were also going to address 300-ft setbacks for new Title 5 systems that abut freshwater ponds to help address the phosphorus removal issue. Peter indicated he would meet with Paula Champagne to discuss.

  1. Future Meeting:

June 22, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. will be booked and July 20, 2016 will also be booked. WIC Chairman will decide if a June meeting is required.

Adjourn 11;15 a.m.

The above minutes have been completed from notes taken by CDM Smith.  

Distribution: Attendees, WIC Members and Chris Clark

 

Approved:

Date:         ____________________

 

 

__________________________                               

Peter de Bakker,  Chair