HomeMy Public PortalAboutWMSC Minutes 2008-04-24 Date Approved: May 1,2008
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For Official Use Only
WASTEWATERAIANAGEMENT STEERPiG COMMITTEE
Minutes of April 24,2008
A meeting of the Wastewater Management Steering Committee was called to order at 9:00 a.m. in the
Skaket Meeting Room at the Orleans Town Hall. Members Present: Augusta McKusick(Board of
Health); Ann Hodgkinson(Board of Water Commissioners);Judith Bruce(Conservation Commission);
John Hinckley(Board of Selectmen);Walter Bennett(Finance Committee);George Meservey(Planning.
Director);Lou Briganti(Water Superintendent). Also Present: Michael Giggey,Heather Merriman;and
members of the Citizen's Advisory Committee. Absent: Sims McGrath(Planning Board).
PHASING OPTIONS& CAPITAL COSTS
Giggey discussed the following letters with the Wastewater Management Steering Committee:
• Wright-Pierce letter.entitled, "Orleans Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan:
Comparison of Energy Requirements of Three Plans", dated April 22,2008
• Wright-Pierce letter entitled, "Orleans Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan: Capital
Cost Estimates for Three Plans",dated April 23,2008.
The committee discussed phasing options and noted that in Plan 1,Tonset Woods should be connected.
Wright-Pierce will provide locations of lift stations,force mains,and gravity collection pipes.
Wright-Pierce presented the overall capital costs from the April 23,2008 letter as follows:
Plan 1 $189 million
Plan 2 $133 million
Plan 3 $154 million
The.letter broke down the cost differences between the plans in terms of the various components:
collection,transport,treatment,transport to disposal,disposal, sludge handling,and land acquisition
costs. Giggey invited committee members to challenge the cost differences and how they might be
addressed to lower the overall costs of any of the plans.
A series of cost projections for 2012 were provided. It is expected that the earliest that construction could
begin would be that year. Committee members discussed,but were not able to reach consensus on which
inflation rate is the most likely to occur between now and 2012.
It was noted that hook-up costs are not included and will be provided by Wright-Pierce. Bennett stated
the need to know the phasing of costs to compare with debt ratios and the ability to pay. Septic sludge
Wastewater Management Steering Committee Minutes—April 24, 2008 Page 1 of 2
.costs-were detailed by Giggey, as they are very different. It was noted that Plan.2.could.allow the
existing septage facility to remain,but the costs were based upon removing the existing plant and
incorporating the septage/sludge function into a new sewer plant. Giggey showed the committee
projected future costs based on inflation and the start of construction in the year 2012.
Other discussion items included:
• A phosphorus plant for Baker's Pond. -the plan does not address the.potential need to develop a
phosphorus treatment plant for the homes in close proximity to Baker's Pond.
• Disposal needs if Site#241 is not sufficient. —W-P recommended including cost items for
potential need to purchase.other land for disposal if poor percolation rates are discovered
anywhere in the vicinity of the rapid infiltration beds.
• Regional Options—Wright-Pierce thinks there is merit to pursuing possible regional cooperation.
The.CCWMC study should be completed by end of summer and will provide better information
on potential costs savings for all towns involved.
• Giggey requested further input on the capital costs.
• Whether there is a need to demolish the compost shed. (Wright=Pierce will provide additional
information on this issue).
• Giggey outlined chapter details on the Phase 5 report. Draft due to the committee May 2.
• A.review of the April 22, 2008 letter on energy use.and a note that Plan 2 is the least energy
consumptive.
• Groundwater modeling—DEP and CCC have approved the approach, and the modeling is
favorable to effluent disposal at the Tri=town facility. A final report will be included as part of
the Phase 5 report.
• Finance Committee's recommendation for a project manager—this is an item for future
discussion.
• Mr.Hinckley stated that the cost memorandum may be a catalyst for developing a financing
policy.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
I C,
Karen C. Sharpless
Recording Secretary
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