APPROVED
OLD LYME WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
SPECIAL MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2007
The Old Lyme Water Pollution Control Authority met on Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall. Those present and voting were Tom Risom (Chairman), Louisa Grogan, Dimitry Tolchinsky, Roger Breuning, Mervin Roberts, George James, Angus McDonald and Aimee Eberly. Also present was Brian Curtis, Consulting Engineer.
Chairman Risom called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Chairman’s Report
Chairman Risom stated that the WPCA does semi-annual testing of the test wells and after each they receive a matrix of each well and the counts. He indicated that Nathan Jacobson and Associates is asked to review the data, look for trends. Chairman Ozols stated that the two annual test times are in the spring before heavy use and in the fall after the summer high intense use time.
Mr. Curtis presented the test data. He indicated that there is quite a bit of information that has been accumulated over the years and he has put together a packet for reference during his explanation. Mr. Curtis stated that the first, larger drawing shows the surface water sampling sites ranging from the shoreline to the northern parts of Town by Rogers Lake. He noted that the sample stations correspond to the surface water sampling sites.
Mr. Curtis stated that the next series of drawings are blow-ups of these individual areas where they can see both the surface water and ground water sampling locations. He noted that the red dots are the ground water monitoring well sites and the blue are the surface water sampling sites. Mr. Curtis stated that the ground water sampling sites were laid out with the goal of reflecting the overall impact of subsurface sewage disposal systems and land uses on the ground water as it flows towards the surface waters in the area. He noted that because of the density in the beach areas it is difficult to locate wells without being very close to septic systems. Mr. Curtis stated that this is important to keep in mind when looking at the ground water quality results.
Mr. Curtis stated that there are USGS sheets that give an overview of the larger area. He noted that the next two sheets are summary sheets that give an overview of the last 10 years. Mr. Curtis stated that these sheets contain data on bathing water quality and which samples conform to the bathing beach criteria and those that did not. He indicated that the far right column shows the percentage of times that the sample results exceeded the maximum numbers for bathing waters. He noted that some location samples exceeded the criteria more often then others. Mr. Curtis stated that the results for the Sheffield and Swan Brook watersheds are significantly different from the other watersheds. He noted that the ones that are low density development have much lower counts in the surface water
samples. He noted that they tried to pull this out with the data. Mr. Curtis explained that there is a similar summary sheet for the ground water quality data.
Mr. Curtis stated that the bacteria tests are used as indicators that there may be disease causing organisms present. He explained that they are all derived from the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded mammals, but does not differentiate whether it is a person, a bird, a dog, a raccoon, etc. Mr. Curtis stated that the water quality criteria for bathing waters does not differentiate either. Mr. Risom indicated that the DEP does not differentiate either.
Mr. Curtis stated that the maps show all the known septic systems within 100 feet of each test well. He noted that these locations may explain the difference between higher and lower counts in the test well data in the same general area.
Mr. Curtis explained that the report indicates the frequency which any monitoring wells exceed the drinking water standard of total nitrogen of 10 milligrams per liter. He pointed out, noting the second to last column, that it is very infrequent that any of the monitoring wells exceed the standard. Mr. Curtis stated that SV-2, SV-4 and OC-1 had incidents where they exceeded ammonia counts.
Mr. Curtis stated that where there are very high surface water bacterial counts they communicate to Mr. Rose as this usually indicates a direct discharge or overflow. He noted that in the past Mr. Rose has been able to locate the problem and he can, through an administrative order, require the repair. Mr. Curtis stated that very high numbers indicate a nearby source
Mr. Curtis stated that the Swan and Sheffield Brooks discharge directly on the beach area. He noted that the surface water sampling stations C-2 (Sheffield Brook) and D-2 (Swan Brook) have many samples that exceed the standard for bathing waters. Mr. Curtis stated that the water flowing right onto the beach is an attractive nuisance for the little kids that like to play around in it. He stated that the Health Department may want to isolate the discharge points so that the kids cannot play in the water. Mr. Breunig stated that they have discussed that in the past.
Mr. Curtis stated that the Environmental Protection Agency has placed mandates on the States and Towns where, in urbanized areas, they must do storm water sampling. He noted that it is surprising to see the high bacteria counts from normal storm events in one-acre neighborhoods.
Mr. Curtis stated that his number one recommendation, as a result of the testing, would be to isolate the discharge points. He indicated that this would best be accomplished with a physical barrier. Mr. Risom asked Mr. Curtis to write a short proposal, sifting through all the information looking for trends and making recommendations of action.
Mr. Breunig indicated that he would like to see a few additional wells on the eastern side of Rogers Lake, reminding the Commission that they have discussed this for the past few years. Mr. James noted that 90 lots have been approved in that area. Chairman Risom asked Mr. Breunig to create a list of possible sites for new test wells. He noted that every year the WPCA budgets for a few and they have not installed any in a few years.
Chairman’s Report
Chairman Risom reported that Four Ponds has withdrawn and is resubmitting to the Planning Commission.
Treasurer’s Report
Ms. Grogan noted that she has not received a report from the Treasurer returning the $10,000.00 so it appears that the WPCA has only $6,900.00. Mr. Risom asked Mr. Curtis to get his bill in quickly so that it can be paid in the 2006/2007 fiscal year.
Sanitarian’s Report
Mr. Rose was not present; Chairman Risom distributed his report.
Mr. Roberts stated that they are currently spending $71,000.00 a year plus the cost of the new grinders, to operate the Lyme Street Schools’ septic system. He indicated that $12,000.00 a year goes to feeding the system. Mr. Roberts stated that the DEP permit for this plant is for more than four times as what goes into it. He questioned why it was overbuilt.
Mr. Roberts stated that Mr. Rhodes has indicated that it is not a Xenon System but a Kaboota System and he does not understand. Mr. Curtis stated that they are both manufactures of the same type of system. He indicated that the proper name is membrane bioreactor.
Mr. Roberts stated that Fred Callahan, a member of the Point of Woods WPCA, has indicated that most of the POW WPCA and members of the Board of Directors feel now that the best way to stop the project of sewers is to abolish their WPCA and throw themselves at the mercy of the Town WPCA where there is already a sewer avoidance program in effect.
Mr. Roberts stated that they have re-designated Point O’ Woods a small community and now the State reimburses them 25 percent instead of 20 percent. He indicated that according to the new CEE gentlemen it will cost POW 8 million to do the project. Mr. Risom stated that he heard the Connecticut Water Company declined participation in the project.
Chairman Risom asked for a volunteer to be the WPCA representative on the Pesticide Committee and Mr. James agreed to be the representative.
Mr. Breunig noted that there are several people who still have not yet met the 5-year pump out requirement. He indicated that he tried the personal approach and made a few phone calls, but none of the homeowners followed through. Chairman Risom stated that the fines should be levied. Ms. Eberly noted that the fine section was just incorporated into Westbrook’s Regulations so there is no history on it at this time.
Mr. Roberts suggested inviting the beach community directors to the next WPCA meeting.
Mr. McDonald indicated that he enjoyed his first exposure to the WPCA.
At 9:20 p.m., Mr. Roberts made a motion to adjourn. Mr. McDonald seconded; so voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan J. Bartlett
Clerk
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