C h i l m a r k B o a r d o f H e a l t h
M i n u t e s
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Chilmark Town Hall
5:00 pm
Present: ~ ~ Katie Carroll,~ Jan Buhrman~
Absent: ~ ~ Matt Poole
Also Present: ~ Doug Cooper (Cooper Engineering), George Sourati (Sourati Eng, Inc),~
Menemsha Wastewater update:~ Doug Cooper came before the Board to report on his review of the Harbor sewage pump out system, the Menemsha Bath House septic system~ and the Coast Guard Station Menemsha Title 5 Official Inspection Report, which he deemed to be a conditional pass.
Harbor Boat pump out station:~ Doug Cooper was asked to examine the system to determine the possible cause of strong smell of sewage from the electrical panel inside the Harbor Master Shack and was also strongly evident at that occasion in the immediate vicinity of the pump itself.~ The problem has not recurred since that one incident. Doug Cooper noted that there was no apparent cause evident at the site, and asked that he be notified at any time that the problem re-appears.
The Menemsha Bath House septic system appears to be in good working order, although a pump-out is required; he stressed the importance of frequent pumping during periods of intensive use during the summer season, as evidenced by the very heavy scum layer (consisting largely of toilet paper) at the top of the tank less than one month following the prior pumping.~ He also reported that wastewater from the men’s shower does flow into the system as required.
Doug Cooper described the Coast Guard Station system as a “glorified septic system”.~ It consists of large leaching fields, under drained, build for 6,000 gpd capacity.~ It has a 7,000 gallon tank and pump chamber, with siphon chamber outlets from the tank: one leading to the pump and one to the siphon.~ The siphon does not require a pump to reach the smaller of the leaching fields.~ The pump in the pump chamber, however, was non-operational, and appears to have been so for a considerable period of time, which means that the entire flow has been directed through the gravity system. ~The leaching system which has been in active use shows no signs of being overloaded.
Post-leaching system, water would go through a chlorine contact chamber and after that into the “Green Pond” located at the back of the Homeport Restaurant; Doug Cooper reported no evidence of water in the chlorine chamber, and it appears doubtful that this feature of the system sees use.~ However, he also noted that the pipe leading from the chlorine chamber to the green pond has experienced root penetration and will require repair.~ He discussed water meter monitoring with CG staff.~ Although a meter is installed, it appears that it is not being monitored.
In sum, while the system in in need of some repair and ongoing monitoring and maintenance, it does not appear to have caused an environmental threat at this time.~ Doug Cooper recommended replacing the chorine chamber overflow system with UV disinfection and no overflow, since once the pump is repaired, the leaching capacity of the system appears to be more than adequate to handle existing peak flow.~ Operator requirements for this system remain to be worked out; in the meantime, Doug Cooper is available to consult as needed on system operation.
The Board asked Marina Lent to draft a letter to the EPA and DEP, conveying the Board’s wishes that the outfall/overflow system is not necessary.
Mayhew, 225 State Road (33-122) Doug Cooper reported on a needed septic tank patch for two tank & pit systems serving the property.~ The Board noted that a well replacement permit had recently been approved which did not take into account one of the two systems, and which will therefore require review and probably relocation to address separation requirements.~ The Board requested an updated plan showing the location of the tanks and pits, and Doug Cooper will contact Reid Silva to update the well permit application and plan previously submitted.
Malkin, 10 Tilton Cove (25-124) ~ The Board requested Marina Lent to obtain a plan to accomany the well permit application submitted by Chris Alley.
Bromberg, 13 Little Oak Lane (19-83)~ The Board reviewed a request from Chris Alley as to whether a septic system expansion to accommodate a 5th bedroom would require a hearing and abutter notification.~ The existing plan does include variances previously approved by the Board; the Board will review a specific expansion plan for the system.~ if the proposed plan does not involve additional variances or any increase in previously-approved variances, the plan could be considered without a public hearing.~ The Board asked Marina Lent to conduct a bedroom count at the property prior to Board review of septic expansion and renovation plans for the dwelling.
Dunham, 14 Rebecca Lane (4-1) ~ The Board reviewed a septic construction permit submitted by Chris Alley for a proposed expansion of an existing 3 bedroom system to accommodate five bedroom.~ Under the plan, the existing leaching pit will be filled and abandoned.~ The existing 1,500 gallon tank can be used for the upgraded, title 5 compliant system, which requires no variances.~ The Board approved the plan.~
Breuer, 5 Lovey’s Cove Road (33-124) ~ The Board reviewed and approved a septic plan~ revision submitted by Chris Alley which meets all setback requirements.
Emerson, 35 North Road (3-9) ~ The Board set a hearing date for a proposed septic system expansion requested by George Sourati for November 2nd.~
The following invoices were approved for payment: MVRD SEMASS $2,318.05
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
Katherine L. Carroll, Chair Matthew Poole Janet L. Buhrman
Chilmark Board of Health Chilmark Board of Health Chilmark Board of Health
A recording of this meeting is on file at the Board of Health office and available for on-site review.
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