TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
356 Main Street, Farmington, NH
Selectman Present: Chairman Gerry McCarthy, Marty Gilman, Paula Proulx, Gail Ellis and Joan Funk.
Town Staff Present: Town Administrator Anthony Mincu and Water/Wastewater Department Head Dale Sprague
Public Present: Ed Leonard of Wright-Pierce and Charlie King.
Chairman Gerry McCarthy opened the meeting at 5:30pm.
This was a special meeting with Ed Leonard of Wright-Pierce to Update the Board on the Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant Plan.
Mr. Leonard informed the Board that with the conclusion of the last study he is comfortable with submitting a ground water discharge permit application at 600,000 gallons a day for site Farm 1A. Paula stated that it appears Farm 1E might not be a possibility and Farm 1D could cost $50,000-$100,000 construct. She questioned if it would be more cost effective to have the river studies done and utilize the river for peak flows instead of this extra Farm 1E area. Paula then questioned whether or not the potential for reduction from I/I work might reduce the need for the overflow areas. Mr. Leonard explained that even if the town did a lot of I/I work the peak flows would still exceed what Farm 1A can accept; therefore another site would be required whether it be the river or another section of
land. He continued by saying that when he looked back at the town’s flow history 92% of the outflow was taken by land. This high percentage would be looked on favorable by the EPA because the river was historically only used during high precipitation when the river is high also.
Paula asked if the town could negotiate not having to complete the river studies because they would only be using the river during high peak times. Mr. Leonard replied that he could modify the draft permit to read the goal is to get out of the river entirely with a phasing plan of I/I and only using the river during high peak and precipitation times. Joan asked how this would affect grants. Mr. Leonard replied that phasing would actually assist the town with getting more grant money.
Marty asked if there is a standard for infiltration basins and how many are proposed for 1A. Mr. Leonard responded that there are three basins proposed and that they are not regularly shaped. Marty asked how many basins would be proposed for 1A and 1E if the road were shifted as he suggested at an early meeting. Mr. Leonard explained that he would be working with the same square footage for each parcel so there would still be three in 1A and 2-3 somewhere else.
Gerry asked what 1A can discharge now and Mr. Leonard replied less than or equal to 600,000 gallons a day. Gerry added that since the town as an average of 500,000 gallons a day of usage, we should be all set. Mr. Leonard replied that the design average would be 600,000 but that there have been times in town that the flow has been over a million gallons (during large storm events), so the town would need another area other than 1A to handle any overage.
Paula stated that Farm 1A could possibly allow more than 600,000 gallons per day and it would be nice if the EPA would allow phasing to get out of the river so that the town can test to see exactly how much discharge 1A can infiltrate. Gerry asked if the town could keep the river discharge down between 8-10%, would they have to do the studies for 1D, 1E or the river. Mr. Leonard replied that it would depend on whether or not the EPA accepts that plan. Dale added that he could sit and talk with the EPA to see what he can negotiate and then bring a response back to the Board.
Paula asked how deep the basins are the Wright-Pierce is proposing. Mr. Leonard replied that they would be 6 feet with 18 inches of free board, which is the “norm.”
Paula Proulx motioned for Dale and Wright-Pierce to report to the EPA that the Board’s long-term intention is to get out of the river 100% and the short term intention is to submit the groundwater discharge permit for Farm 1A, build it and have any overflow go into the river, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried with all in favor.
Dale reminded the Board that they also needed to decide what size plant they wanted to build. Paula asked if the town needs to consider the receiving of septage and if they are planning to do so. Mr. Leonard said that the town produces 314,000 gallons of septage a year. The Board further discussed that idea of receiving septage and the grant possibilities that might not be there. Mr. Leonard stated that it would probably not be cost effective for the town’s small plant to take this on because this type of sewage is harder to treat because it is very rugged concentration wise. Paula asked Mr. Leonard if he could weigh out the pros and cons. Mr. Leonard responded that from a flow perspective it would make a difference but the clarifiers and aerators would need to be
larger. Dale added that if the town did decide to accept septage there would be extra monitoring, treatment and maintenance costs. Paula responded by saying that it might be the bonus taxpayers would be looking for if they are asked to help pay for the new plant because they would get a cost savings from septage haulers. She then asked how much capacity would need to be set aside for such a program. Mr. Leonard said less than 1%, because it would be approximately 2000-2500 gallons per day in the summertime.
Paula asked what the build-out would be. Mr. Leonard explained that the build-out is without the sewer extensions. Paula then stated that if there was a full build-out with extensions and septage was taken in then there would not be much room left for growth and extensions would have to be approved on a case by case basis. Charlie King stated that he did not feel a probable build-out is realistic and is overestimated. He further stated that he is concerned that the 2007 flow reports show the flow at 484,000 gallons and cautioned the Board to make sure the plant is large enough but not irresponsibly large.
Dale commented that he feels the Board’s consensus is that they are comfortable with a 500,000 gallons plant design with a plan for aggressive I/I work. Marty said he agrees with that statement. Paula added that she agrees and that the plant should leave little room for environmental factors. Paula Proulx motioned that the goal for the new wastewater plant should be to handle 500,000 gallons per day, 2nd Gail Ellis. Motion carried with all in favor.
Paula stated that she would like to see a cost analysis for opening the septic lagoons. Dale responded that he would also have to check with Joel Moulton to see if there is even an opportunity to open them and if there is room.
The Board will reconvene with Wright-Pierce on 11/17/08 at 5:30pm.
Marty Gilman motioned to adjourn, 2nd Gail Ellis. Motion carried with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 6:58 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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Chairman, Gerald McCarthy Vice-Chairman, Martin Gilman
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Paula Proulx Gail Ellis
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Joan A. Funk
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