OLD LYME WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Old Lyme Water Pollution Control Commission held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, July 15, 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, Luisa Grogan, Aimee Eberly and Mike Dickey. Also present was Ron Rose, Sanitarian and Mark Gilbert, Atlantic States Rural Water and Wastewater.
Chairman Risom called the Meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Chairman’s Report
Chairman Risom stated that he will be speaking at the Sound View Community Center on July 27, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. He indicated that he will be speaking to the Power Point Presentation that is on the website. Chairman Risom stated that he will make the same presentation at the Town Hall on August 17, 2010, time of 7:00 p.m. to be confirmed. Chairman Risom stated that if suggestions of change are made at either of these meetings, a Special Meeting of the WPCA will be called to address them. He noted that in this way any changes to the Ordinance could be reviewed and voted on prior to the Special Town Meeting in late August. (Luisa Grogan arrived at this time). Chairman Risom asked Commission Members to come a little early to the July 27, 2010 presentation as he will need help setting up the
room.
Chairman Risom stated that the Planning Commission has asked for the WPCA’s input into the 2010 Plan of Development. He indicated that Mervin Roberts will be representing the WPCA in this and asked Commissioners to give their thoughts and ideas directly to Mervin.
Chairman Risom stated that the Planning Commission is looking at a single lot split in Point ‘O Woods. He noted that the lot produces the MABL, but the new lot wants to tie into the main. He explained that there was great discussion and some members of the Zoning Commission remembered that the approval had a maximum number of homes that could tie in and it did not include undeveloped lots. Chairman Risom stated that he recalled the number included some empty lots. He indicated that the lot could support a septic system, the question is whether they will be required to put in the septic system or whether they will be allowed to hook-up to the main.
Mr. Roberts questioned whether a letter was written to the Board of Selectmen regarding the Sanitarian’s hours being reduced. Chairman Risom replied that he has been busy and did not write the letter. Mr. Tolchinsky suggested that Mr. Roberts write the letter. Mr. Roberts indicated that he has already written a letter on the subject to the Selectmen. Ms. Bartlett indicated that she would write the letter based on last month’s discussion, for Mr. Risom’s editing and signature.
Treasurer’s Report
Ms. Grogan stated that she has a bill dated June 26, 2010 from Jacobsen that needs to be paid from the fiscal 2009/2010 budget.
Education
Mr. Dimitry stated that the material he wrote for the newsletter will be in the Fall edition because the deadline for the Summer edition has already passed.
Sanitarian’s Report
Mr. Rose gave Mr. Risom a copy of the letter from the Department of Health. It was noted that this is the same letter discussed at the June WPCA Meeting. Chairman Risom stated that the DOH indicates that the WPCA is required to refer the proposed ordinance to the DOH and DEP. He indicated that Attorney Ochsner did not agree with this because the Ordinance is more restrictive then DOH/DEP Codes, not less restrictive.
Mark Gilbert stated that Atlantic States Rural Water and Wastewater is a private non-profit under the USDA. He indicated that he reaches out to small water and wastewater systems and help them obtain grants and low-interest loans. He explained that they perform energy audits and help provide asset management. Mr. Gilbert stated that he attended the Point ‘O Woods WPCA Meeting this month and noted that he was not aware that Old Lyme had two WPCA’s. Chairman Risom gave a quick history of how Point ‘O Woods came to be sewered. He also explained the more restrictive proposed WPCA Ordinance. Chairman Risom stated that one of the main concerns of sewers is removing the groundwater and sending it to New London. Chairman Risom welcomed Mr. Gilbert and encouraged him to
continue attending WPCA Meetings.
Mr. James stated that he is concerned about the water being taken out of Point ‘O Woods. He indicated that the Zoning Commission is tasked with making sure surrounding communities are not affected by the draw down. Chairman Risom stated that the difficulty is that it is very difficult to measure.
Mr. James questioned whether the WPCA should recommend to the Town that they have some type of help with homeowners at Rogers Lake to drill wells when the lake is drawn down. He noted that many of the wells there are very shallow. Chairman Risom explained to the Commission that one of the proposals is to draw down the lake 8 feet and then remove the weeds. He noted that this could affect many wells. Mr. Rose questioned why the Town would be obligated to do that; he noted that the fact that the Town is participating in the weed removal costs. Mr. James stated that perhaps they could offer low cost loans to homeowners. Chairman Risom stated that the Board of Selectmen were interested in providing low cost funds to help homeowners that need financial help adhering to the proposed
Ordinance. He indicated that this would be something that someone could take on if they were inclined. Mr. Gilbert stated that some of the homeowners might be eligible for low interest loans through Atlantic States.
Mr. Rose distributed the monthly pump-out report.
The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m. on a motion by Luisa Grogan; seconded by Dimitry Tolchinsky and voted unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan J. Bartlett
Recording Secretary
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