Approved
Wellfleet Comprehensive Wastewater Planning Committee
Meeting Minutes – Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 7:00 pm
Wellfleet Sr. Center
Present - Alex Hay, Bob Larsen, Curt Felix, Ned Hitchcock
Absent - Lezli Rowell
Guests - Paul Millet and Paul Gabriel representing Environmental Partners
The guests introduced themselves and reviewed some of the services EP has provided the town. They discussed the State Revolving Fund (SRF) review and loan application processes that will be covered in the meeting with DEP representatives scheduled for Thursday, July 8 at 1 pm in Town Hall. Ongoing conversation focused on developing the needs analysis and the creation of a scope of work schedule.
Mr Hay reported that the committee wants to hire a project manager to coordinate these activities. Mr Hitchcock reminded the committee and the consultants of our concerns regarding the apparent stances of the Assoc for the Protection of Cape Cod (APCC) and the Cape Cod Commission regarding the proper direction for wastewater planning. Mr Felix expressed concern that the Mass Estuaries Project (MEP) evaluation may not adequately account for Wellfleet Harbor’s substantial tidal flushing, the presence of a major shellfish aquaculture and wild harvested shellfish industry, and the need to be extremely careful with the plans we develop. Mr Hay mentioned that our first charge is to protect the resource (i.e. the harbor), and that the new water system, the storm water remediation project, the Herring
River restoration project are all contributors to that goal.
Mr Felix asks Mr Gabriel about EP’s work in resource development work. Mr Gabriel listed some of the sources they had found over the years on similar projects. There was general discussion of various potential resources including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst, the Marine Biology Lab, US Dept of Agriculture, MA Division of Marine Fisheries, among others. In discussing strategies Mr Gabriel and Millet encouraged the committee to work toward “buy in” from the state and look for feedback from DEP. They renewed their offer to be of help while understanding that this would not lead to an assumption that EP would be favored candidate for any contracts in the future.
Mr Gabriel and Mr Millet left the meeting.
The committee reviewed the mail folder.
The committee discussed potential project managers in the abstract. Possible sources for managers might include WHOI, the Conservation Law Foundation, someone associated with John Todd, and others.
Mr Hitchcock agreed to talk with Rex Peterson about getting a copy of the SRF loan application before the meeting with DEP and circulating it to the committee.
Mr Felix moved and Mr Hitchcock seconded that the minutes of June 17, 2010 be accepted. Passed unanimously.
Mr Felix presented nearly final draft of the septic system best practices handout. There was discussion and general approval of the material and the layout. He has written a proposal for a grant from SPAT to fund the printing of the flyer. The committee approved this and it will be submitted at the next SPAT board meeting.
Mr Hay discussed the recently proposed shellfish shell recycling project. He reported that the DPW had purchased 20 suitable cans for containing the shells. There is a need for an additional 6 receptacles. The Shellfish Dept will paint them appropriately, install them, and haul them away from the 13 participating restaurants frequently. Mr Felix and Mr Hay will approach the Board of Health regarding the parameters regarding possible drains on the closed receptacles. Mr Felix showed some small posters which will be given to participating restaurants to identify them as part of the program.
Mr Larsen moved adjournment and Mr Felix seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:05.
Respectfully submitted,
Ned Hitchcock, acting secretary
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