Water Pollution Control Authority
March 11, 2014
Present: WPCA members Rich Prendergast, Rob McCarthy, Dimitri Tolchinski, Kurt Zemba, Donna Bednar, Ernest Lorda, Frank Chan, Tom Risom, Doug Wilkinson
Absent/excused: alternate Andrea Lombard
Three residents were in the audience: Steve Dix, Harvey Schiller, and Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal
Call to Order
Chairman Kurt Zemba called the meeting to order at 7:30pm. He noted that alternate Andrea Lombard was excused from the meeting, and stated that he had sworn in member Frank Chan before the meeting began.
Approval of the Minutes – February 11, 2014
A motion to approve the minutes as written was made by Dimitri Tolchinksi, seconded by Doug Wilkinson. Motion passed.
Correspondence
Kurt has received a “Save the Date” letter from the CT Association of WPCAs announcing a meeting on May 9 from 8am to noon at the Marriott Courtyard in Cromwell. All members are welcome to attend – invitations will be sent in April.
Post Project Report Status Update – Dave Prickett from W & C and DEEP.
Carlos Esquerra from the DEEP has been in contact with both Dave Prickett and First Selectwoman Reemsnyder expressing apologies that the DEEP’s comments on the report have been delayed. He expects them to be expedited and available prior to the WPCA’s April meeting. Kurt confirmed that one of the DEEP’s requests will be to consider surface disposal as a secondary option. Members discussed how surface disposal from Old Lyme’s proposed treatment system would differ from the flow from New London’s system into the Thames River. Members concurred that keeping water in Old Lyme is of paramount concern.
Tom Risom asked that Kurt confirm with Woodard & Curran whether the project needs to be above the 500 year flood line, a reference point mentioned to the Zoning Commission by a FEMA representative. Kurt will follow up with Dave Prickett.
Chairman’s Report –
Budget Update
Kurt reviewed a draft budget document (attached) for 2014-2015 which will be presented to the Board of Finance on March 18. The WPCA budget will be an “enterprise” budget within the Town’s General Fund structure. He deferred to Tom Risom for an explanation of a $100,000 Transport & Septage Disposal expense in the budget.
Notification Process for Pump Outs / Penalties / Review etc – Update
Tom Risom distributed an “operational overview” of the history of the Town’s septic transfer facility (attached). The Town pays Shoreline Sanitation $100,000 annually to dispose of septage
Pumped from Old Lyme properties and hauled to the transfer facility managed by Shoreline Sanitation. The Town collects data on residential septic systems from the haulers, and receives approximately $70,000 in fees from the septic haulers which offsets the payment to Shoreline.
Rich Prendergast, Dimitri Tolchinski, and Tom Risom are exploring the possibility of new procedures to encourage septic pumping compliance from residents.
Land Sub Committee Status Review
All negotiations are on hold, pending the DEEP’s review of our Wastewater Report.
By Laws Update
As discussed at the February meeting, Attorney Lord’s “housekeeping” suggestions for the Ordinance and By-Laws will be discussed at a future WPCA meeting and will require a vote of the WPCA membership. Changes to the By-Laws will reflect the WPCA’s intent to have a collaborative relationship with the Boards of Selectmen and Finance while not relinquishing their statutory authority and responsibility.
Communications and Letters – Education Committee
Donna Bednar distributed a draft letter prepared for mailing to shoreline residents.
Members suggested some changes and edits, and concurred that the letter should be sent from First Selectwoman Reemsnyder to all town residents. The letter should include a link to the Town website for additional information, as well as an announcement of the March 24 Town Meeting, which will feature a presentation on the Wastewater Management project.
Kurt will ask Dave Prickett to attend the Meeting to be available for questions. Donna will edit the letter based on member comments, and work with the Selectman’s Office to expedite the mailing.
Sanitarian’s Report
Sonia Marino distributed the February 2014 Report.
Tom Risom requested pumping compliance stats, which Sonia will bring to the April meeting.
Sonia asked if the WPCA had considered investing in a pump out tracking software system, like Carmody, which is used by many neighboring towns as well as local haulers. Tom indicated that the system cost had been considered prohibitive in the past.
Rich Prendergast suggested tabling consideration of new software until the committee investigating alternative compliance incentives completes its study and has recommendations.
Sonia also updated members on her research regarding Stormwater requirements. Stormwater is now a budget item under the WPCA. Tom suggested she contact Jacobson & Associates engineering firm to discuss stormwater testing & permitting requirements. Currently both Jacobson and Anchor Engineering have been conducting stormwater tests. Anchor has been handling DEEP permitting for the Transfer Station.
Old Business
None
New Business
None
Public Comment
Steve Dix asked if there was any feedback on his letter from the WPCA or the DEEP.
Kurt said he would ask Dave Prickett to respond at the next meeting.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Dimitri Tolchinski, seconded by Donna Bednar to adjourn at 9:04pm.
Catherine Frank
3/12/14
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