APPROVED
TOWN OF OLD LYME
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2005
The Old Lyme Water Pollution Control Authority met on Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall. Those present and voting were George James (Acting Chairman), Dimitri Tolchinski, Joe O’Connor, Mervin Roberts, Louisa Grogan and Roger Breunig (arrived at 7:55 p.m.). Also present was Ron Rose, Sanitarian.
Mr. James called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Approval of Minutes of the February 17, 2005 Regular Meeting
A motion was made by Joe O’Connor, seconded by Dimitri Tolchinski and voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2005 Regular Meeting.
Election of Officers
Chairman James indicated that he asked Clayton Penniman if he would accept the role as chairman and Mr. Penniman has stated that he will give it some thought. He noted that he and Mr. Roberts have extended their period of interim chairman and vice chairman.
Chairman’s Report
Chairman James stated that the proposed Sound View Village District Regulations address community septic systems. He read the pertinent section for the record. Chairman James noted that any applicant using a community septic system must get a report from the Old Lyme Water Pollution Control Authority indicating that all requirements of applicable CT General Statutes have been satisfied. Mr. O’Connor noted that it could be more properly worded. Mr. Rose explained that the Health Department will refer any community system to the WPCA who will then review it to ensure it meets their Regulations. Mr. Rose suggested writing a letter to the Zoning Commission stating that all applications for a community septic system must comply with the Health Department and WPCA Regulations.
Chairman James stated that 600 notices have been sent to people who have not pumped their systems between 1997 and 2004. He indicated that in turn they have had one complaint from a resident who owns three properties in Town and the notice did not indicate which property it was addressing. Chairman James stated that they have added this information to the notices. He indicated that there are 4,800 systems and all but 600 were pumped and he feels this is a good result for the first cycle. Mr. Rose indicated that if the Health Department gets notice from a pumper that a system has in fact been pumped in that time period or if the pumper indicates that the homeowner is now on his schedule to be pumped, there will be no penalty to the homeowner. Chairman James stated that they will begin sending
the five year notices shortly. He indicated that they will start with the older ones of those.
Mr. Rose stated that Mr. Hicks, Mr. Scully, Mr. Yuknat and himself met at Point O Woods to look at the possibility of using an alternate type septic system. He noted that it does not look favorable, although he has not received an answer from the DEP. Mr. Rose stated that the State Health Department Regulations have a recirculating sand filter system that they recommend for lots that have problems. He noted that these systems should be allowed without approval from Warren Herzig. Mr. Rose stated that the DEP indicates that these systems need approval, but he disagrees. He stated that he feels no alternate type systems will be approved until Warren Herzig retires.
Mr. Rose stated that the property he spoke of in Point O Woods has direct discharge into the Sound. He noted that things will come to a head if the Old Lyme Health Department has to condemn the house because the DEP will not approve a permit.
(Mr. Breunig arrived at this time, 7:55 p.m.).
Mr. Rose stated that Old Colony Beach Association is making good progress with the pipe replacement.
Chairman James stated that the Pesticide Committee now has an action plan. He noted that Phil Neaton provided a great deal of personal experience. Chairman James distributed a draft of the action plan.
Mr. Rose stated that he believes the Health District Plan will happen. He urged people to call their Congressman and let him know they do not want a Health District.
Mr. Breunig indicated that he does not want to write the annual newsletter. Mr. Roberts agreed to write the annual newsletter.
Budget
Ms. Grogan stated that there is $37,481.00 left in the budget to June 30, 2005.
Sanitarian’s Report
Mr. Rose noted that attendance has been low for the WPCA Meetings lately. He suggested that perhaps the Commission could meet less frequently or only when there are important issues for discussion. It was agreed to leave the annual schedule as it is and cancel meetings if there is no business.
New Business/Correspondence
Mr. Breunig stated that he does not agree with the decision made at the February meeting regarding taking a stand against the use of herbicides on Rogers Lake. He noted that he feels it was based on misinformation. He noted that the Association spent $30,000.00 on a study of Rogers Lake. Mr. Breunig stated that the consultants did not recommend dredging the lake because of the cost estimated to be 3 million dollars. He noted that the bulk of the weeds are in Old Lyme. Mr. Breunig stated that as a result of the WPCA’s decision that evening, it has created a lot of problems for the Lake Association. He noted that Mr. James gave the information to the New London Day. Mr. James stated that he was contacted by The Day.
Mr. Breunig stated that the Lake Authority, in conjunction with the State, make decisions regarding the lake.
Approval of Minutes
At 9:20 p.m. a motion to adjourn was made by Dimitri Tolchinski and seconded by Mervin Roberts; so voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan J. Bartlett
Clerk
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