OLD LYME WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Old Lyme Water Pollution Control Commission held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor Conference Room of Memorial Town Hall. Those present were Tom Risom, Chairman, Dimitry Tolchinsky, George James, Mervin Roberts and Luisa Grogan. Also present was Ron Rose, Sanitarian.
Chairman Risom called the Meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.
Chairman’s Report
Chairman Risom explained that very last minute he was contacted by Tim Griswold to put together a budget presentation for the Board of Finance. He distributed a copy of what he presented to them and explained it to the Commission. Chairman Risom stated that the Board of finance accepted an increase of $4,185.00 for this budget year and also approved the requested amount for fiscal 2010/2011.
Proposed Ordinance Discussion
Chairman Risom stated that he would like the Commission Members to go over the proposed Ordinance one last time and make a motion to send it Town Meeting.
Mr. Roberts reviewed his comments. He noted that #7 implies that they are just beginning to develop an on-site waste water system. He indicated that he would like to see it changed to say “to continue to develop …” The Commission agreed to this change.
Mr. Roberts stated that on Page 4 he is concerned about the definition of failed system. He indicated that a failed system is a system on a lot of less than a particular size in Old Saybrook. Chairman Risom stated that a failed system or a failure means that the discharge is going into the groundwater.
Mr. Roberts stated that there does not appear to be any reference to alternate systems. Chairman Risom explained that use of alternative systems is addressed with the WPCA Regulations. Mr. Roberts stated that he is satisfied with the proposed Ordinance.
Mr. Tolchinsky stated that on Page 3, he would like to see the cesspool definition changed to say that they are most likely polluting groundwater. Mr. James stated that he too feels it is a weak definition; he indicated that a septic system would meet that same definition. Chairman Risom agreed that it would meet the definition except for the fact that it is a system. The Commission agreed to change the wording in the definition of cesspool to “most likely polluting groundwater.”
The Commission agreed to change cesspool to read “and most likely polluting groundwater by discharging water directly to the surrounding soil.”
Mr. James questioned whether outhouses are acceptable to the State. Mr. Rose indicated that they are acceptable.
The Commission discussed the term change of use.
Mr. Tolchinsky questioned whether Mr. Rose was able to perform a complete inspection as defined. Mr. Rose stated that he can and currently does.
A motion was made by Mervin Roberts, seconded by Luisa Grogan and voted unanimously to send the proposed Water Pollution Control Ordinance to the May, 2010, Town Meeting; changing Page 1, #7 by adding the words “to continue to develop …” and Page 3, definition of cesspool, adding the words “most likely polluting groundwater.”
Chairman’s Report
Ms. Grogan acknowledged that the Commission has gone over-budget for Counsel for the current fiscal year by $2,170.00. Chairman Risom stated that they will be over $4,000.00 by the end of the year. Ms. Grogan stated that she has not seen the bills from Attorney Ochsner. Chairman Risom suggested that she call Nicole directly. Ms. Bartlett stated that the bill comes in one envelope and is usually distributed to the different Commissions. Chairman Risom suggested that Ms. Grogan contact Ms. Barrows or Ms. Groves also.
Chairman Risom stated that Mr. James submitted a report for the WPCA and it was included in the current Selectmen’s newsletter. Mr. Tolchinsky volunteered to write something for the next newsletter. He noted that many people don’t know about septic systems and he would like to provide them with some good information. Mr. Tolchinsky stated that in his business he is amazed at what some people will flush down their toilets, unaware of what they are doing to their septic systems. Mr. Risom asked that Mr. Tolchinsky send his article through Mr. James who will distribute it to the proper person for publication.
Mr. Roberts stated that Bill 5477, dated February Session 2010, an Act Concerning the Clean Water Act and Stream Flow Regulations. He noted that the statement of purpose states “to prohibit the Department of Health from requiring septic tanks and subsurface disposal systems to be inspected or pumped at regular intervals. To require the DEP to conduct a study of basins in the State to assess the impact of stream flow regulations; to reuiqre the Commission of Public Health to examine the impact of stream flow regulations on public water supplies and to require the department of Public Utility Control to initiate a docket to examine the potential impact of stream flow regulations on water company ratepayers.” He questioned what company ratepayers could have to do with Ron Rose and what he does
with Septic Tanks and subsurface disposal systems. Mr. Roberts indicated that he believes this Bill was snuck in by someone in the Health District that wants sewers. He stated that once they eliminate regulations and Sanitarians, there will be a problem, they will call in the DEP, who will then sewer. Mr. Roberts stated that he would like to know why they were not aware of this Bill. He indicated that someone gave him a copy knowing that he would be interested in the subject matter.
Mr. Roberts stated that he has been in touch with Ms. Guiliano who has indicated that there is no guarantee that this Bill will die in committee. He indicated that they have problems with communication and with legislation in the State. Chairman Risom stated that the idea of not allowing septic systems and regulations in the suburban areas is unbelievable. He indicated that they are legislating against sewer avoidance.
Mr. Risom stated that he will check with Tim Griswold to see if the Council of Governments has an advocate that can keep the Town informed of things such as this.
Ms. Grogan stated that she went to a meeting of CT Water company who is raising their rates. She noted that seasonal residents will be paying $13.00 per 1,000 gallons and year round people will be paying $6.00 per 1,000 gallons. Ms. Grogan stated that there were not many residents in attendance. She indicated that they also discussed the possibility of 400 new homes becoming year round because of the seasonal lawsuit. Chairman Risom pointed out that the CT Water Company’s expenses in the sewer project were very high. He indicated that he would bet that soon CT Water Company will put a pipe up to Pattagansett Lake or out into Salem.
Sanitarian’s Report
Mr. Rose distributed the monthly pump-out report.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a motion by Mervin Roberts; seconded by Dimitry Tolchinsky and voted unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan J. Bartlett
Recording Secretary
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