[Marker]
REGULAR MEETING
June 7, 2006
Present: D. Pattee, R. Regan, P. Moisio, J. Campbell, D. Stroetzel, J. Shaban,
Also present: Bozza (Veolia), four representatives of GLDC, and Muccino of Meadow Ridge Health Care
Acting Chair Regan called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 pm
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: That the Water Pollution Control Commission accept the minutes of the May 3, 2006 meeting as submitted. Pattee, Moisio. Approved. Unanimous.
VEOLIA REPORT
Mr. Bozza presented his written report. He reported the plant is functioning very well, with an average flow rate of 47,164 gpd. He represented the Commission in a meeting with the DEP regarding the recent incidents and influent exceeding the permit level. He explained what occurred and how it was handled. DEP did not request any reports and there were no fines.
Mr. Bozza reported that the Redding First Selectman asked him about expansion capability of the plant. He could only state that current capacity is 75,000 gpd, and the plant is currently at 47,164 gpd. The State requires that when the plant reaches 80% of capacity, there must be a plan for expansion.
Mr. Stroetzel noted that the Planning Commission needs to have answers to the plant capacity to plan for the potential expansion of the Georgetown area. The Town of Redding has received $1,000,000 in grant money for the development of Main Street and the Planning Commission is working on a plan that involves a change in lot line, and potential development of the parcels on Main Street. The Planning Commission would like to know if and when the plant could be expanded to handle potential development.
Mr. Pattee noted that the current plant capacity is 75,000, with 45,000 for Meadow Ridge and the remaining 30,000 for the Georgetown area. The new plant will have capacity for the proposed GLDC project, plus the 75,000 that currently exists. The new plant is not designed to increase the capacity available to the Georgetown district. Mr. Pattee added that the DEP license sets the limit on the plant and that relates to what the Norwalk River can handle. The Planning Commission should be aware of this information or should have contacted the WPCC for that information. In addition, the Planning Commission should have a copy of the Hayes report of July 2007 that included an analysis of potential build-out of Main Street.
Mr. Stroetzel suggested that a professional opinion is needed and suggested that should come from Veolia, Tighe & Bond, or Milone & MacBroom. Mr. Bozza responded that he cannot provide that information, but could ask a different department within Veolia to address the issue and respond to the questions.
Discussion continued. Commission members felt that the current capacity (75,000) could handle expansion within the district. If the sewer use boundaries are changed, other changes would be needed. The WPCC is not considering any change in the boundaries. Mr. Stroetzel added that the Planning Commission does not plan to change the district boundaries.
The Hayes Report on Georgetown of August 2005 was discussed. Most present felt that Mr. Hayes overestimated the amount of build-out that would actually take place on Main Street.
Commission members discussed what could be done to provide answers for the Planning Commission.
Motion: move that the Water Pollution Control Commission recommend that the First Selectman retain a consultant to address issues related to the projection of sewage flow within the current Georgetown Sewer District in gpd(gallons per day) as a result of full build-out under the proposed zoning changes, at Town expense, and that copies of the report be sent to all member of the Water Pollution Control Commission, Zoning Commission, Planning Commission, Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance. Shaban, Stroetzel. Approved. Unanimous.
Mr. Bozza reported that construction of the new plant has impacted the current plant operations. The specifications state that the Veolia is to receive 1-week notice in writing prior to anything occurring that will impact the current plant operation or facility. He has not received such notifications. Mr. Penn of GLDC responded that job meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 11:00 pm and Mr. Bozza (or his representative) and members of the WPCC were welcome and encouraged to attend. Mr. Pattee suggested the Town’s Building Inspector be invited to those meetings as well.
Mr. Bozza also reported that there has been no report from DEP authorizing relief from permit parameters during the transition period and this will be needed.
Mr. Penn provided copies of Nickerson’s payment requisition #1 for 4/1/06 to 4/15/06 and #2 for 4/15/06to 05/15/06.
Sampler for Meadow Ridge inflow: Mr. Bozza provided an estimate of $2,500(plus installation) for a sampler to be used to sample the flow on the Meadow Ridge dedicated line. Commission members discussed the purchase of the equipment versus the rental, and concluded it would be better to purchase the equipment and get in installed quickly.
Motion: move that the Water Pollution Control Commission authorized Veolia to purchase the automatic wastewater sampler for the purpose of sampling discharge from the Meadow Ridge facility as recommended, with the sampling protocol to be worked out with the chairman. Regan, Pattee. Approved. Unanimous.
REPORT ON MEADOW RIDGE ISSUES
Mr. Muccino reported the generator for the grinder has been installed, and has powered on during recent power outages.
A screen device for the grinder will be installed as recommended by Milone & MacBroom. The screen will prevent materials that by-pass the grinder from entering the sewer line.
Mr. Pattee expressed a concern that materials that are being disposed of through the sewer system, specifically medications. He asked that the Health Facility be instructed to dispose of materials and medications as they should.
Mr. Muccino provided a copy of the contract work being done to correct the manhole covers along the collection line. Hay bales are being used to prevent excess ground water from entering the system.
Meter reading: these are being submitted to the tax collector as requested.
UPDATE ON GEORGETOWN LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Construction Agreement: further review of the Construction Agreement followed. Some minor changes were made. The primary discussion was regarding the guarantee bond for the completion of the plant. Following the discussion the following motion was made.
Motion: move that the Water Pollution Control Commission approve the Construction Agreement as modified, with a $150,000 completion guarantee, and authorize Acting Chair Regan to sing the document. Shaban, Moisio. Approved. 5-0-1. Mr. Campbell abstained.
Mr. Penn invited commission members to the job meetings, third Thursday of the month at 11:00. Mr. Bozza will represent the WPCC at the meetings.
SBR#2 FAILURE FOLLOW-UP, COSTS & FUNDING
Mr. Shaban reported the insurance company has formally rejected the claim for damage. Mr. Shaban reviewed the insurance policy and since no vandalism was involved, no criminal act was involved, and no cause for the SBR#2 could be proved, the insurance company was correct in denying the claim.
Mr. Pattee noted that the chemical being used by Meadow Ridge in the pond is one of the “listed chemicals” and if there was a case of misuse or error in use, and Meadow Ridge should have reported the incident to the Health Officer.
Health Officer, Doug Hartline, and Police Chief, Doug Fuchs, investigated the incident. A copy of the report was available for review.
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL STATUS
The financial report for May was available for review.
A proposal was made to move the WPCC usage account & assessment account from People’s Bank to Union Savings Bank. The current practice is for all interest earned on the Town’s accounts at People’s Bank to be swept into the Towns General Fund Account. The interest earned on the WPCC usage & assessment accounts is considerable and should remain with the associated accounts. Mrs. Moisio has requested that the interest earned on the two accounts over the past year be calculated and returned to the WPCC accounts. The First Selectman and Town Treasurer have been consulted on the matter of moving the accounts and returning the past earned interest.
Motion: move that the Redding Water Pollution Control Commission move the Georgetown Sewer Usage Account and the Georgetown Sewer Usage Account from People’s Bank to Union Savings Bank. Regan, Campbell. Approved. Unanimous.
OTHER BUSINESS
1. Mr. Pattee reported Mr. Giordano, a Ridgefield resident, continues to pursue a change in permit levels. DEP has turned down his request, but Mr. Giordano has filed a claim in Superior Court against the DEP.
2. Mr. Campbell recommended the purchase of some equipment for the operating staff to make the office quarters more comfortable in emergency situations where he/they are required to remain on site for extended periods of time. He recommended a small refrigerator, microwave and some kind of portable cot. Commission members were in agreement with the purchase of a refrigerator and microwave.
Motion: move that the Redding Water Pollution Control Commission authorize Tony Bozza of Veolia to expend up to $200 for the purchase of a microwave and refrigerator to be used in office area of the plant. Campbell, Moisio. Approved. Unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT
The chair adjourned the meeting at 11:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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