RECEIVED: SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 @ 8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
3 pages
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COMMISSION
MEETING
September 16, 2009
Present: J. Shaban, D. Pattee, D. Robinson, P. Moisio, T. Flagg, R. Regan
Also present: A. Nosal, R. Gervais & F. Kiani(Veolia Water), Gibbons & Lynch(GLDC)
Mr. Shaban called the meeting to order at 7:34 pm/
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the minutes of the August 19, 2009 meeting be accepted as submitted. Pattee, Robinson. Approved. 5-0-1. Regan abstained.
REPORT FROM VEOLIA WATER
Mr. Gervais provided a written monthly report and reviewed the contents with the Commission.
- Average flow was 58,200 gal/day
- Phone system upgrade was completed
- August 10, white milky detergent noted at pump station.
- August 15, computer issue causing manual control of caustic/methanol feed; the problem has since been corrected. The cause of the problem is not known.
- Methanol delivery of 1077 gallons was received.
- ERA testing of PH and Turbidity was accomplished for QAQC
- Train two membrane was cleaned to resolve pressure problem.
- Blower B230, electrical failure
- Annual backflow preventer inspection failed; two check valves were defective, Aquarion replaced the defective valves.
- Pump station problem, both pumps failed and the alarm system; pump station was pumped by Danbury Septic; Traver (pump) was on site later in the evening to resolve the problem. Also problem with failure of battery back up.
- Rags in pump station: Mr. Gervais also noted a collection of rags coming into the pump station from the line that runs north up Route 107. The only sources on that inflow line are the homes at Redding Woods and the bank facility. The “rags” appear to be wipes/paper towels of some sort that are collecting and clogging the system. Mr. Shaban suggested that a letter be sent to all users north of the pump station indicating the problem and notification that cost of repair should be spread out pro rata among all of those users.
Motion: move that the WPCC authorize letters be sent to all users north of the pump station indicating that they will be assessed a pro rata share of the cost of the repairs for the pump station due to “rags” entering the pump station. Shaban, Pattee.
- Odor complaint by Mr. Lombardi of Lombardi’s Pizza; responded to the scene immediately but was told the odor was not present today, but he stated the odor was present at other times. Another complaint came in on September 14 from the Georgetown Fire Department that odors were very strong. Mr. Gervais received the complaint in the afternoon (odors were noted in the morning), he could not find any source of the odors in the service area and believes the odor may be coming from the Portland Avenue area.
- August 28, priming issues with train 1, pulled all modules and cleaned all, back on line at 2200 hours.
Mr. Kiani of Veolia Water NA was present. Mr. Shaban reported he had conversations with Veolia Water NA & Mr. Kiani regarding the probable failure of the GLDC project and consideration of adjustments to staffing/monthly billings for Veolia services at the plant. Mr. Shaban repeated the Commission’s standing position and emphasis that the plant must operate at half capacity and have cost for the foreseeable future, and asked Veolia for ideas to address the needed reduction in costs. Mr. Shaban repeated that, absent an immediate reduction in cost, the WPCC will likely become insolvent, which could require the Town of Redding to cover the excess costs (whether voluntarily or by DEP order.
Discussion of operations: Mr. Kiani reported on the conference call between representatives of Veolia and Mr. Shaban regarding the contractual expenses and the current financial situation of the WPCC. Mr. Kiani noted that the current contract is structured as a transparent pass-through of expenses. Charges reflect the actual expenses. The staffing of the plant is mandated by the CT DEP based on the class of the plant. The plant is currently a Class 4 plant, and should be operated by one Class 4 operator and one Class 3 operator. By agreement with the CT DEP, the plant is currently operating with a Class 4 operator and an operator in training. The current contract with Veolia specifies a Class 4 operator and one additional operator. Mr. Kiani had a discussion with CT DEP
(Craig) regarding a change in class. That DEP representative reviewed and visited the plant and indicated that at this time the CT DEP considers the plant a Class 4 plant and would not offer any relief to Redding (WPCC).
Discussion of options followed. Mr. Shaban stated that the WPCC cannot afford to continue to operate status quo. He questioned whether the current plant (Zenon) could be mothballed and converted back to the original smaller size SBR plant. He asked Mr. Pattee to explore those options.
Mr. Shaban suggested further discussions with CT DEP. Mr. Kiani will set up a meeting.
UPDATE ON GEORGETOWN PROJECT
Mr. Gibbons introduced Chris Lynch who is the on site person working for GLDC. Mr. Lynch noted that they are working to get funding in place to make payment to the GSTD and the WPCC. He anticipates more specific information new month. He questioned the increase in the delta payment for the monthly charges to GLDC. Mr. Shaban responded that following a review of operating costs, the delta payment was increased. The increase is due to an increase in operating costs.
Discussion of warranty/plant issues was also discussed. Mr. Lynch asked for a copy of the list of items that were considered warranty repair items. He will review these with the contractor.
DISCUSSION OF DISTRICT EXPANSION
No further information regarding the request from Bill Dexter and Colin Clark of Land-Tech Consultants regarding a parcel of land on Highland Avenue.
FINANCIAL STATUS
Ms. Nosal has been ill for the past several of weeks. Ms. Moisio will review the outstanding invoices and begin the payment process.
Motion: Move that the WPCC authorize Ms. Moisio to may outstanding invoices, pending approval by email vote of commission members. Shaban, Regan. Approved. Unanimous.
UPDATE ON WPCC REGULATIONS
This item was tabled.
ADJOURNMENT: The Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:30 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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