Wastewater Management Task Force
Minutes June 11, 2013
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Members Present: Kurt Zemba, Richard Prendergast, Dimitri Tolchinski, Robert McCarthy, Frank Chan, Donna Bednar, Frank Lorda, Tom Risom (joined the meeting in progress)
Also Present: First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder, Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal, Sanitarian Sonia Marino; David Prickett & Vin Spada from Woodard & Curran
Chair Kurt Zemba called the meeting to order at 7:34pm.
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A motion was made by Richard Prendergast, seconded by Frank Chan, to approve the minutes of the 05/14/2013 Task Force meeting. Motion passed.
Correspondence - None
Chairman’s Report
Kurt stated that he sent members an e-mail highlighting project updates.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder summarized her conversation with Governor Malloy during his recent visit to Old Lyme. She reiterated her appreciation for the DEEP’s cooperation with and assistance to the Town on its wastewater project and told the Governor that Old Lyme would like to be a model for other Connecticut communities.
Kurt noted that the State of Connecticut has approved the availability of $712 million in Clean Water Funds – more than double the current fund commitment. Two of the beach associations under consent order(s) are proceeding to a design phase for their wastewater management projects. Kurt suggested that the Town should draft information to be mailed to shoreline residents about the Town’s wastewater project, noting “it is our responsibility to provide good information to the people facing decisions.”
Donna Bednar asked that information about renewable energy sources and grant funding availability be included in the mailing. Specific examples of technologies in use in Connecticut that use wind, solar or geothermal systems should be named to illustrate the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy.
David Prickett/Woodard & Curran distributed updates on the Scope, Timetable and Progress on Testing (attached) and provided some preliminary observations based on data collected so far. Both the Black Hall and Cherrystones sites yielded positive results. Testing will continue over the next 4 weeks. The matrix he distributed will be used to estimate costs of alternative treatment systems.
Woodard & Curran’s evaluation of the data will consider multiple options, include projections of future infrastructure costs of local and New London alternative(s), and project
usage based on current seasonal patterns as well as future conversions from seasonal to year round.
A change has been made to the Workshop Topic scheduled based upon discussion at the previous Task Force meeting. The July 30 workshop will focus on Collection/Treatment, and the August 27 workshop will highlight Disposal/Reuse.
David reminded that the State will issue a request for projects and the Town should respond with a pre-funding application. Woodard & Curran is monitoring and will advise when the request is issued.
Sanitarian Sonia Marino received an inquiry from an adjacent property owner to the Cherrystones property about potential impact from a wastewater system to the well on the property. David Prickett stated that a 21 day travel time separation between a wastewater system and adjacent well(s) is required. Others noted that Town records clearly show a more than adequate distance. Kurt asked Sonia to formally advise the property owner that no impact was anticipated.
David Prickett confirmed that members of the Board of Selectmen and the Task Force can be present during testing. He will confirm dates by e-mail.
Old Business - None
New Business
Members agreed to include the following topics on the agenda of their next meeting:
1. Communication(s) to shoreline residents
2. Enlisting support from other Town Boards & Commissions, including the Conservation Commission, EDC, Flood & Erosion Control Board, and others
Adjournment
Kurt thanked the Task Force for their efforts and asked First Selectwoman Reemsnyder to call the WPCA meeting to order.
A motion to adjourn the meeting of the Wastewater Management Task Force was made by Richard Prendergast, seconded by Frank Chan. Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm
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Water Pollution Control Authority
Members Present: Kurt Zemba, Richard Prendergast, Dimitri Tolchinski, Robert McCarthy, Frank Chan, Donna Bednar, Frank Lorda, Tom Risom (joined the meeting in progress).
Absent: Andrea Lombard (alternate)
Also Present: First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder, Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal, Sanitarian Sonia Marino; David Prickett & Vin Spada from Woodard & Curran
Newly appointed WPCA members Frank Chan and Donna Bednar were sworn in by Justice of the Peace Kurt Zemba before the meeting convened.
Call to Order
First Selectwomen Bonnie Reemsnyder called the WPCA meeting to order at 8:49pm
She distributed copies of the Town WPCA Ordinance.
First Selectwoman’s Address –None
New Business
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder asked for nominations for Chair of the WPCA. Ernest Lorda nominated Dimitri Tolchinski to be Chairman. Richard Prendergast seconded the nomination. Robert McCarthy nominated Kurt Zemba to be Chairman. Frank Chan seconded the nomination. Paper ballots were distributed and votes were cast as follows: Dimitri Tolchinski – 2; Kurt Zemba – 5. Kurt Zemba was elected Chairman.
Members agreed that meetings would be scheduled on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
Kurt suggested that the WPCA elect a Vice Chair and a Treasurer. He will compile and send job descriptions to members for their consideration at the July meeting.
Tom Risom arrived and was sworn in as a WPCA appointee by Kurt Zemba.
Kurt asked Sanitarian Sonia Marino to speak to the working relationship between her department and the WPCA and the next meeting. He also asked former WPCA chairs Tom Risom and Dimitri Tolchinski to comment. Tom noted that the management and operation of any Town Wastewater Management system and facility will be the responsibility of the WPCA. As the economy improves, some proposed housing developments currently in abeyance may proceed. The WPCA will need to be vigilant. Tom recounted that at one time, some WPCA members expressed interest in also overseeing the Town’s water resources. The First Selectwoman asked the Sanitarian to investigate and advise if other towns had added this responsibility. David Prickett stated that a precedent for Stormwater Monitoring by the WPCA exists in Bridgeport. Selectwoman Nosal
would like to see better communication between the Town and the Connecticut Water Company.
Dimitri asked that the Sanitarian keep the WPCA informed of any compliance problems encountered by residents. He suggested that the WPCA can partner with the Sanitarian
to identify possible solutions to the problems.
Kurt noted that Brian Curtis of Jacobson & Associates is the engineer of record for the WPCA.
Old Business - None
Adjournment
A motion was made by Tom Risom, seconded by Ernest Lorda to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:17pm.
Catherine Frank
6/12/13
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