Wellfleet Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting of August 7, 2002
Town Hall Hearing Room
Present: Dennis O'Connell, Chair; Lisa Brown, Helen Miranda Wilson, Mark Berry, David Wright, Alfred Pickard, Gerald Parent; Rex Peterson, Assistant Town Administrator
Chair O'Connell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The first agenda item, the signing of the Diana Crooks ANR plan, was not covered because of the absence of a representative of Slade Associates. The Chair stated that Planning Board, in order to get "up to speed" on the proposed recycling project, was seeking information on the project. Roger Putnam, Chair of the Board of Selectmen, attended the meeting to explain the current proposal for the disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). O'Connell stated that Citizens for Preservation of Wellfleet have asked for meeting time to present to the Board in the future.
Proposal for composting MSW: Mr. Putnam, acting as spokesman for this proposal, read his presentation, which covered the history and method of Wellfleet's trash disposal, the implications for the future, and the possible use of a composting process to deal with MSW. Warning that SEMASS costs for tipping and hauling will become prohibitive and that Mass EPA will not allow traditional medium or low temperature incineration as a long-term method of disposing of such wastes, Putnam outlined the "low tech approach" of the use of the composter/digester to "turn organic waste into garden quality compost . . . in a continuously rotating tube." Such a composter, which is being successfully used on Nantucket, could be used for the volume of trash produced by
the five Lower Cape towns of Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham and Orleans; the whole operation requires 5 to 7 acres and a structure of about 70,000 feet or 1.7 acres. Putnam described the mechanical composting process in detail, ending his presentation by providing answers to some relevant questions. He noted that Barnstable County has contracted with the firm of Wright-Pierce to "determine if the proposal is economically viable, environmentally possible, within regulatory guidelines"; they will also conduct a site assessment.
The Chair invited the Board to question Mr. Putnam. David Wright asked about the volume of truck traffic the facility would necessitate; Putnam answered (based on SEMASS numbers) that the same type of 18-wheeler that SEMASS now uses would make about 16 trips per week: 3 a day for all 5 towns. These are summer numbers and will all be verified by Wright-Pierce.
Helen Wilson reminded the Board that 3 trucks per day equaled 6 trips per day. She asked Putnam about the comparative expense of the system of plasma dissociation mentioned in the presentation; describing it as a high temperature incineration process, he replied that it would cost ten times as much as the composting process. However, Putnam added, plasma dissociation for the entire Cape can be handled by a facility the size of the room in which the meeting was being held.
Wilson asked what the drawbacks would be if Wellfleet were to mine its landfill. Putnam stated that Nantucket, Marlboro, and Sevier, TN had pretty good results except for cars and that Wellfleet has never had the kind of industry which would generate a hazardous mass. Referring to Alfred Pickard's comment (see minutes of 7/3/02) that material from Camp Wellfleet at the Marconi Site had been dumped in the Wellfleet landfill, Wilson asked if the contents of such dumping were known. Putnam answered that this would be investigated, that the Wellfleet landfill could be mined to "get the mess out" and to allow the water to become reasonably clear. He added that mining depends upon the location of the unit.
Alfred Pickard asked what would be done with asbestos in the dump. Putnam answered that it is being found that asbestos was not as dangerous as previously thought; he added that in Sevier, TN the material is loaded on conveyor belts and dumped on the sorting floor to cull out the problems.
Lisa Brown asked about the state of the plume under the dump; Putnam responded that the last study (12 years ago) found it running toward Chequessett Neck and paralleling the Herring River.
Putnam stated that a positive reason for looking at the land next to the transfer station is that the town had bought it for a wastewater station, but there are other sites available that the Wright-Pierce study should show.
Mark Berry asked if Wellfleet could realize the 80% recovery rate other composting units have reported. Putnam answered it was probable and added that Dow Chemical is working on a process that recovers from plastic wrap the natural gas that is its basic feed stock; in addition, the process uses up the plastic so that it does not have to be baled or buried as inert matter. To Helen Wilson's question of how far along Dow was on this, Putnam answered that he has suggested Wellfleet as a Beta site to Dow engineers. He commented that if they were to use it, they would finance the whole project.
Gerry Parent inquired what dictated the truck traffic situation and was answered that the time schedules could be completely controlled by the digester and that the size of the facility makes the difference. Parent also wondered if it had been estimated how many trucks a day were necessary to take the compost out. Mark Berry asked about septic trucks coming to the facility, and Putnam stated that processed sewage would come from Orleans. To Helen Wilson's question about what would happen with cathode ray tubes, Putnam replied that neither cathode ray nor fluorescent tubes would knowingly be crushed at the site.
To Alfred Pickard's question on the cost of composting, Putnam replied that Nantucket pays a cost to the facility of $90 per ton; Sevier, TN pays $40 per ton. Whether the facility is privately or publicly run, the end result cost is about the same. Gerry Parent asked an estimate of cost per ton if Wellfleet continues to cart off its garbage. Putnam stated that a town signing up for SEMASS today would pay $103 per ton. He added that it is a complex picture, since SEMASS contracts with the state and the towns contract with it; the state has required new scrubbing techniques, which will mean more expense to the towns. Wellfleet has the best contract at $18.60 per ton; the town has just gone over the tipping limit, which raises the cost per ton, and its main
cost is shipping at more than $80 per ton. The original contract with SEMASS allowed 1800 tons per year before the rate raised; Wellfleet was allowed to increase this based on an increase in its housing stock and when it did so, the rate went to 2400 tons per year.
Wilson asked about the town's relationship with SEMASS; Putnam stated that he found SEMASS conferences unsatisfactory and that this would not change, since he felt that SEMASS would just as soon divest itself of the Cape towns, which it feels have "too good a deal."
Parent asked how many sites were currently under consideration for the composting facility by Wright-Pierce. Putnam stated that there were five, two from Wellfleet: the transfer station and the Marconi landing strip. Helen Wilson noted that the Marconi site was both near the highway and isolated from houses.
Chair O'Connell opened the meeting to question and comment from the audience.
Bob Granville noted that, according to the DEP, the Nantucket site is buffered on three sides by conservation and town-owned property.
Chuck Turley asked if construction of this project would have to go to Town Meeting for approval; Putnam answered affirmatively. Turley asked if it would trigger a Cape Cod Commission review, and Putnam replied that since a DRI for the wastewater plant exists, a review would perhaps not be necessary. He added, however, that an act of the legislature would be necessary since the authority must cross town boundaries, which takes an act of the legislature to empower.
Chair O'Connell asked if the DBO company would qualify for industrial development bonds; Putnam answered yes.
Nancy Bone wondered many additional septic trucks would come to Wellfleet with five towns participating; she also asked whether an eight-town group was a possibility. Putnam stated that if the number grew, the location would be in a different area--perhaps Brewster or Harwich. Bone asked what would happen if the DBO went "belly up" and Putnam replied that the towns would get the company to run; therefore, it was important to choose a financially sound company.
Ashley Foxover asked why Wright-Pierce was looking only at year-round residents and how they determined "year-roundedness." Putnam suggested that she contact them for these answers.
Mary Ellen Manning asked how one could justify a large industrial garbage complex for the scenic fishing village of Wellfleet; Putnam pointed out that 70,000 square feet and 7 acres are not large.
To Drew Brown's question on criteria for the selection of a site, Putnam replied that some questions to consider were "Would the process disturb, be noxious? Would the facility fold into the environment? How can we avoid disturbing the village of Wellfleet?"
Allison Marshak expressed herself confused regarding the type of facility in that she understood that the composting/recycling facility in Nantucket required several buildings. Putnam replied that the plan considered by the Selectmen of the Lower Cape called for each town to retain its own recycling station and to combine only their MSW refuse. To Marshak's question on the permitting process, he noted that local boards in the town where the facility was sited would have to approve, that the plans would go before Town Meetings in each of the five towns, and that EPA approval would be needed, a not-so-simple and long process which would take into account ground water problems.
David Wright asked how long the longest such facility had been running; Putnam stated that the Tracy, Quebec facility had been going for 20 years.
Helen Wilson asked what part MEPA played in the permitting process; Putnam answered that Massachusetts EPA was part of the EPA process for approval.
Gerry Parent asked if the National Seashore had expressed an opinion on the possibility of the Marconi Airstrip site. Putnam replied that Maria Burks was opposed to the plan and had taken the position that the Seashore was not set up to be a "trash recycler"; he stated, however, that she had agreed to look at the proposal. Parent asked which of the two sites Putnam felt would be better for all concerned; Putnam replied that he felt Wellfleet was the better place to be but it might be politically impossible to put the facility there. To Parent's question of whether this decision was based on that fact that the dump could be mined, Putnam replied partially; also, he added, the facility could be sited down so that in years to come it would not be evident.
Helen Wilson noted that the prevailing winds from the southwest would carry any odor from the Marconi site straight out to sea.
Chair O'Connell stated that the Board would have more discussion on the composting/recycling facility in the future. He added that Citizens for the Preservation of Wellfleet might perhaps want to come to the meeting of 9/4/02 with their presentation.
Local Comprehensive Plan Discussion: Assistant Town Administrator Rex Peterson, commenting of the "Implementation Program Progess Checklist" which had been distributed to Board members, asked David Wright to check to see if he remembered whether topics contained in it were ever brought up for discussion during the LCP process of 1995. Peterson is looking into the formulation of a survey to determine if the issues of '95 are the same as those of today. He informed the Board that Barnstable Human Services Department has two professional surveyors who would do a scientific sampling; it is also possible to conduct interviews rather than do a mass mailing.
Chair O'Connell initiated a discussion of the best way to conduct the update of the LCP. Helen Wilson wondered who would look at feedback from all the Boards and asked if the process would be to read the plan, complete the implementation program, and bring it back to the meeting. O'Connell commented that the Regional Policy Plan, to which Wellfleet's LCP must conform, is finished but not yet available. To Wilson's question of how the process had been worked in Eastham, Peterson replied that people on the LCP committee were drawn from other boards as well as Planning. David Wright urged members to look at the complete LCP from 1995. Peterson commented that the Board should decide whether it wanted to be solely responsible for the update or whether an
umbrella group should do it. Wilson felt that such as group would utilize a wider range of talent; Peterson added that the update should not be as monumental a task as the original.
Lisa Brown moved that the Planning Board recommend to the BOS through a memo from Peterson that a task force be assembled for updating the LCP; Helen Wilson seconded. Discussion ensued. David Wright asked if the Board would invite the original creators to work on the update; discussion turned to how the task could be done and who would comprise the task force. Gerry Parent posed the question of who would control the work, stating that basically the Planning Board is the logical possibility to be the overseeing entity because it has the planning charge for the town. Brown wondered if this group should be called a subcommittee rather than a task force; Parent stated that the original LCP was the product of a subcommittee of the Planning Board and
other boards. David Wright pointed out that the Board has the help of a Planner in Rex Peterson; O'Connell stated that the Cape Cod Commission has offered to provide assistance, which Peterson remarked that Provincetown had found helpful. To a question on the Board's exact responsibilities concerning the LCP, O'Connell read from the Wellfleet Town Charter the charge upon the Planning Board. Lisa Brown withdrew her motion.
Further discussion included the scope of the project, which would include things to be added, deleted and changed. David Wright suggested that Peterson should coordinate the project; Gerry Parent felt that the Board should be in control, since the update must be approved in Town Meeting. To Alfred Pickard's question of the time line involved, Peterson stated that the update is to be done every 5 years and that the Board has received an extension. It was decided that Chair O'Connell and Peterson would join in a discussion about the update and get a plan together before the next meeting.
Other Business
Gerald Parent informed the Board that he has filed a Form 19B notifying the Board of Selectmen that in his capacity as a Planning Board member he may at some time in the future benefit by decisions made in the best interests of the Town of Wellfleet at that time (in regard to subdivisions and Approvals Not Required). He added that his purpose was to go on notice to the BOS that when he has full knowledge of a connection with a subdivision proposal he will recuse himself from discussion and decision but that the possibility exists that for times when he has no connection he may have future involvement (i.e., when a house built in a subdivision goes into multiple listings or when he is later asked to build a house on a lot in a subdivision which has come before the Board). Helen Wilson read #268A from the Conflict of Interest Law; she expressed herself unsure that blanket permission from the Selectmen was allowable. Chair O'Connell, referring to his telephone conversation with a
member of the State Ethics Commission, reiterated that his contact noted that these rules were written for large cities as well as small towns and emphasized the reality of the fact that Wellfleet is a small town.
Minutes of 7//17/02--Alfred Pickard moved that the Board approve the minutes of July 17, 2002 as amended; Mark Berry seconded. The motion passed, 4-1-2.
Mail--The Chair reviewed the mail, which contained:
Notice from Town Administrator Tim Smith that Rex Peterson will cover for him during his August vacation; Helen Wilson noted that Rex Peterson had been with the Board for a year now
Notice of Appearance from Town counsel (8/2/02) in the case of Perez vs. Lisa Brown, et. al.
ACEC definition changes from MEPA
Zoning Bylaw Revision re: Outer Cape Health; Discussion of Dual-Use Zoning:
Gerry Parent and Alfred Pickard recused themselves from discussion. Pickard stated that he intended to file Form 19B with the BOS concerning his interest in dual use zoning. Some discussion followed.
Mark Berry inquired whether owning a cottage colony and home occupation comprised two uses; Peterson replied that home occupation is not a principal use. It was suggested that Berry should consider filing a 19B also.
Tommy Adams, from the audience, wondered how far the analysis of dual usage should go, stating that the Board might look at Helen Wilson as an artist who works out of her home and David Wright as a landscaper who does likewise.
Chair O'Connell suggested that further discussion be postponed until Pickard's 19B was filed.
Peterson explained the proposal for the bylaw revision, in which two principal uses are proposed: Outer Cape Health Center and the Senior Center. In subsequent discussion of the mixed-use bylaw, Helen Wilson commented that the Board needed to look at the proposal from a planning point of view and Mark Berry noted that the definition of lot needed to be improved.
Lisa Brown moved that the meeting be adjourned; Helen Wilson seconded. The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________ ______________________________
Frances J. Castillo, Assistant to the R. Dennis O'Connell, Chair
Committee Secretary _______________________ Date
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