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Town Of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, Massachusetts 02631-1898
(508) 896-3701 ext. 133
FAX (508) 896-8089
Date Approved with modifications: November 23, 2009; All Aye; Vote: 7-0-0
TOWN OF BREWSTER MINUTES OF
COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLANNING COMMITTEE
Review Committee
Monday, October 26, 2009 at 3:00 P.M.
Brewster Town Office Building
Comprehensive Water
Planning Committee
Dave Michniewicz convened the RFP review sub-committee meeting on behalf of the
Comprehensive Water Planning Committee meeting at 3:00 pm in the Brewster Town Office
Building with members Pat Hughes, Joanne Hughes, Dave Bennett and Elizabeth Taylor.
Also Present: Sue Leven, Ed Lewis and Chris Miller. Jim Gallagher arrived at 3:05 and Amy
Usowski arrived at 4:15. Ed Lewis left at 5pm.
1. Consultant Interviews for Integrated Water Resource Management Plan proposals
1. Stearns 8 Wheler -Present: Bill Hall, Nate Weeks, Alyson Watson
Hall: Presented their 'teas on how they would attack this project. Nate Weeks and Alyson
Watson would be the project managers for this plan. Provided and overview of their office
structure across the country. In 2009, they joined forces with GHD. They are larger now but
they are here on the cape and they are planning to stay on the cape.
Weeks: Identified the process: Step 1: Detailed GIS database is the foundation; Step 2 identify
the approach; Step 3 educate the public. Provided an overview of the whole process and
additional information on the GIS information they had uncovered to date. They plan for the
future based on the strong foundation (GIS database). Sited their local and national experience.
Watson: Holistic approach to water solutions: they address all 3 areas: drinking water, storm
water and wastewater. Provided an example of how they have been successful in tackling
projects in this manner in an elegant approach. Brewster is unique and Alyson highlighted
some of the unique characteristics. Innovative solutions might include land use controls and
stormwater management actions.
Weeks: Provided Public education important in order to be successful. S&W partners with
another firm in order to get the word out. One of the most cost effective ways to get the word
out is televised presentations with the Board of Selectmen. Newsletters are great and kiosks
are important to help. Of course the town website should be utilized. They know the issues, the
technology and the way to get it through the towns. They are excited about this and really want
the opportunity to work with the Town of Brewster.
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Questions:
1. Firm global: How do you think that will help you in this project?
They are a larger firm and will bring a lot of additional resources to the Hyannis offices. They
are all staffed by people who live on the cape and aren't moving anywhere. They have a great
skill set to offer to the town. GHD stands for Gutterich, Hayes and Davies.
2. What does your firm think are the best solutions to the water and wastewater issues on
Cape Cod?
One important thing is to find the right solution for each unique community. It is important to
look upfront to determine the individual issue and then determine the right system for that town.
3. Let's say you are at a public meeting. Explain the differences between a standard Title 5
system and a denitrification system to the audience.
Title 5 system is something the state requires - a tank at your home that allows solids to collect
and not plug up your leach field. To avoid the liquids from coming up to the surface.
A dentirification system is a treatment facility that provides air into this system and converts into
nitrogen gas. It is effective and moves the nitrogen into gas before it goes out.
4. For firms working on the Cape: What are the positives and negatives of also working with
nearby/neighboring towns?
They understand the local issues and have more experience with neighboring town. They have
relationships and know how the system works. Have repeat work with Cape Cod towns. There
could be conflict of interests when working with neighboring towns but they do not feel that is an
issue with them right now. S&W is working with Dennis, Eastham right now and assisting
Orleans.
5. Brewster is one of three towns that shares ownership of the Tri-town septage treatment
plant. To what degree should this arrangement play a part I our water management plans?
It is an important part of the town and an investment the town has made. It is a resource that
needs to be used carefully.
6. Does your proposed work include independent evaluation/peer review of nutrient
assimilation of the Namskaket River/Marsh currently and relative to the proposed expansion
of the Tri-Town Treatment Facility? Please explain why or why not.
They are not planning to go out and do a third party review. A document is being prepared now
and they are planning on using that information because it would be a rather extensive process
and very expensive.
7. Based on a previous project of similar scope please provide some detail on the public
outreach/participation element of the project -for example what forms of communication
engaged the most number of citizens and, did you change your approach base on initial
meetings/feedback with the public and/or the committee you work with?
They proposed several options but they would also rely on the committee to determine the best
approach. They have found that televised communications that are less formal have been
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effective. Think about the audience and find ways to engage them... workshops, flyers,
Internet. Need to go to the public early on and get them involved.
8. What do you see as to the similarities and differences in the CWMP development in
Brewster relative to that work already conducted in the abutting towns?
Question Not asked
9. Do you anticipate the need for re-evaluating nutrient source contributions to named
estuaries with TMDL's....
There is a need to retook at the Pleasant Bay numbers because the conditions have changed.
It is important to see how the DEP reacts.
10. Does your proposed work include groundwater modeling calibration and validation of
variables to current conditions? Explain...
There will be groundwater modeling and the output from USGS. Water quality evaluations will
also be done on the ponds. Some of that information/analysis needs to occur with Brewster's
help.
Open to the Board:
J. Hughes: Asked about the recycling the wastewater. Hayes shared an example of how the
recycle process works now in Florida. Suggested the golf courses are using recycled water
effectively.
2. Horsley Witten Group:
Present: Scott Horsley, Principal and Project Manager; Sue Guswa, Project Manager; Omar
Dumais Vice President of Tighe & Bond; Neil Price, Senior Hydrogeologist; Andrea xxx Public
Outreach (name not listed in proposal)
Horsley: Provided an overview of the company and highlighted an example of project they are
working on in Taunton.
Dumais: The relationship brings a synergy to the project. They do a lot of the hard engineering
and work with Horsley closely. He highlighted a lack of the Cape having success with moving
forward and they want to understand why it hasn't been successful. It is imperative to
understand the science and then you need to get the public involved.
Guswa: Highlighted the technical approach that would be brought to Brewster. Stormwater,
drinking water. A huge diversity in Brewster and the fact that water issues cross town
boundaries and these resources with pond. Their intent is to use GIS in order to prioritize and
move forward long-term.
Price, the hydrogeolgist: Spoke about the existing water types in Brewster and about the
challenges that the town faces. The town's concern is groundwater issues and stormwater
issues. When we measure the water issues now they are a result of what has occurred 50
years ago. Things are going to get worse and we need to protect for the future. Nitrogen travels
at the same speed as water. Phosphorus travels 5 times slower. It is more than just nutrients -
it is developing a contaminant candidate list. They have included an optional task that looks at
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the overall climate change and how that impacts the town. He highlighted an example they
played out in Yarmouth and showed what would happen when sea level rose by 4 feet -and the
need to accommodate systems that may fall into the recharge area.
Andrea XXX, public outreach personnel- There are a lot of great plans that don't make it off the
shelf -The plan may hit town meeting and people vote it down due to the cost and the fact that
they feel they haven't been involved in the process. Andrea provided samples of what they are
doing in Keene, NH. The importance of holding meetings/workshops that are compelling and
get people informed upfront.
Horsley: Highlighted some of the compelling parts of the plan. Also, noted that they included
other options that weren't included in the RFP: climate changes, extensive public outreach and
the need for comprehensive planning and smart growth.
Questions:
1. How many projects have you worked with Tighe & Bond?
They have not started on a joint project yet.
2. Firm global: How do you think that will help you in this project?
3.
Local and familiar with the issues. They have worked in other parts of the country and will apply
that knowledge.
3. What does your firm think are the best solutions to the water and wastewater issues on
Cape Cod?
It is the right mix of engineering and planning -the right combination can be very powerful!
4. Let's say you are at a public meeting. Explain the differences between a standard Title 5
system and a denitrification system to the audience.
They would explain it in terms of function and cost. They have found pictures/graphics gets the
message across.
5. For firms working on the Cape: What are the positives and negatives of also working with
nearby/neighboring towns?
N/a
6. Brewster is one of three towns that shares ownership of the Tri-town septage treatment
plant. To what degree should this arrangement play a part our water management plans?
There are going to be septic systems in Brewster for a very long time. The septage issue will be
there and needs to be an important part of the solution.
7. Does your proposed work include independent evaluation/peer review of nutrient
assimilation of the Namskaket River/Marsh currently and relative to the proposed expansion
of the Tri-Town Treatment Facility? Please explain why or why not.
It is not in there. They have a strong knowledge base in the areas. They look at the MEP
studies and add their professional opinions to tweak if necessary and will be part of the planning
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process. The Federal government has asked for Horsley Witten to testify as the professional
on an existing case.
8. Based on a previous project of similar scope please provide some detail on the public
outreach/participation element of the project -for example what forms of communication
engaged the most number of citizens and, did you change your approach base on initial
meetings/feedback with the public and/or the committee you work with?
The most effective has been through email campaigning... building on the database and to be
continuing the communications with the citizens. Hold informative meetings that may be more
interesting to citizens but where they can gain information on wastewater challenges.
9. What do you see as to the similarities and differences in the CWMP development in
Brewster relative to that work already conducted in the abutting towns?
Some already have the centralized info structure and others don't. Brewster is more on the
sending end than the receiving end -the resources that may impacted are in other towns.
Brewster is at the top and your drinking water/pond recharge areas are together but all going in
different directions. The ultimate plan is going to work only for Brewster because every area
has different challenges.
10. Do you anticipate the need for re-evaluating nutrient source contributions to named
estuaries with TMDL's....
Adaptive management is the plan. Zoning will absolutely change.
11. Does your proposed work include groundwater modeling calibration and validation of
variables to current conditions? Explain...
They included a nutrient modeling tool that uses GIS specifically for Brewster.
P. Hughes: Public Outreach -the swat analysis -how will the committee be utilized? Horsley,
they intend to work very closely with the committee and who ever else they felt was important.
H&W would be facilitating the meetings.
3. CDM
Present: Rob Musci, Project Engineer; David Young Project Manager, Mary Barry, Public
Participation Coordinator and Gary Mercer Nutrient Loading Assessment
Young: Provided and overview of the presentation. Highlighted the water resource planning
challenges for Brewster. Showed the growth in Brewster in 1951 and 1999.
Musci: Discussed ways to characterize the town and maximize what data already exists to
define the existing conditions. Showed an example from Harwich of existing data and what
information you could overlay on top of this in order to derive more information.
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Mercer: Discussed ways to evaluate the water quality; groundwater, drinking water, freshwater,
coastal water. Showed some preliminary pond assessment data they had reviewed for 6 of the
local ponds and their approach to handling the issues.
Barry: Highlighted the 4 critical factors to the success. The best way to handle is to educate.
Showed a communication plan they utilized in Harwich. It is important for them to work with the
Town of Brewster in order to get the message out. Community Meetings have been a great way
to reach people. They encourage the town to be involved. CDM supports the initiative.
Young: Defined the water management needs process. Showed an example of the outcome
for Yarmouth and the prioritization of Yarmouth's watersheds for off-site solutions. They like to
think outside the box. Highlighted the benefits of working with CDM: Experienced team;
collaborative approach; maximize the data/planning; develop innovative programs; record of
implementable program.
Questions:
1. Firm global: How do you think that will help you in this project?
Not asked
2. What does your firm think are the best solutions to the water and wastewater issues on
Cape Cod?
It is the solution for your community. They do the homework and work with the Town in order to
come up with the best customized solution.
3. Let's say you are at a public meeting. Explain the differences between a standard Title 5
system and a denitrification system to the audience.
Standard Title 5 is to handle solids and bacteria -- Dentrinification... is able to remove nitrogen
and nutrients - a positive for the environment.
4. For firms working on the Cape: What are the positives and negatives of also working with
nearby/neighboring towns?
CDM is currently working with Harwich and Mr. Young is the project manager. They believe it is
a positive. They discussed with Harwich and they agreed that it is a positive because a lot of
the same issues will be coming up across town boundaries. The plan is determined by the
Town CDM works with the Town to assist in the process. They are up to speed and already
attending some of the meetings this is a benefit to the Town.
How do you handle competing resource issues? Sited a current situation in Mansfield/Foxboro.
They have become the regional resource to help facilitate the process. The communities are
making the decisions.
5. Brewster is one of three towns that shares ownership of the Tri-town septage treatment
plant. To what degree should this arrangement play a part I our water management plans?
Mr. Young has reviewed the regional plans and the Town needs to look at the results. Brewster
needs to look at this area and how to best utilize it. Mr. Young works with towns on determining
where the affluent sites are and you don't want to give away your capacity. This is imperative to
the Town and is your asset.
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6. Does your proposed work include independent evaluation/peer review of nutrient
assimilation of the Namskaket River/Marsh currently and relative to the proposed expansion
of the Tri-Town Treatment Facility? Please explain why or why not.
They do peer review -they agree on some points and disagree on other points and would be
included with their work. Working with the Town is crucial to the success.
7. Based on a previous project of similar scope please provide some detail on the public
outreach/participation element of the project -for example what forms of communication
engaged the most number of citizens and, did you change your approach base on initial
meetings/feedback with the public and/or the committee you work with?
They worked with Harwich to determine the base plan. The community meetings worked best -
Thursday at 7pm was the best time. They also video taped the presentation and had that
available on the website and on the local cable. The press was extremely helpful. On the
website they had a F&Q section. Ran a series at local community events.
8. What do you see as to the similarities and differences in the CWMP development in
Brewster relative to that work already conducted in the abutting towns?
Chatham is leading the curve in surrounding towns. Orleans has been through the permitting
process. Harwich has been in a holding process because they have been awaiting reports they
hope to have a plan together within a year. Brewster is starting at a good time and can learn
from the other communities. Fresh water pond study is now available and it is a good time.
Brewster hasn't lost anything but can catch up given the information that is available.
9. Do you anticipate the need for re-evaluating nutrient source contributions to named
estuaries with TMDL's....
Would look at the loading factors and try to evaluate and come up with the best
recommendation. Believes that DEP is not going to change the TMDL's that have been
established.
10. Does your proposed work include groundwater modeling calibration and validation of
variables to current conditions? Explain...
At this level not including any modeling, because it is usually handled in the resource areas.
They use the existing modeling data and work off of that as part of their data analysis.
Additional Questions:
Bennett: Identify the linkage funding avenues out there. Mr. Young said they have people
always out there looking for ways to fund projects. For example, maybe CPC funds are
available and the town needs a ball field -perhaps government funding is available if the town
put in a leaching field under the ball field. They would know these funds were available and let
the town know.
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Other Business:
General Comments:
Pat Hughes liked one person from each company: Project manager -Nate Weeks; Public
outreach Barry;
D. Michniewicz; Liked the notion from CDM that they work with the town and it is the town's
plan.
Leven: Voiced some concern over Horsley Witten and Tighe and having 2 bosses.
Taylor: liked CDM bringing up the funding.
Bennett: liked CDM dynamic and presentation
Leven: Stearns and Wheler brought a map of Brewster; CDM brought a map of Harwich; has
been impressed with Mary Barry -enthusiastic; not as impressed with Horsley public outreach
personal -Would have like to have the rep. from Stearns &Wheler present.
J. Hughes: felt CDM's presentation was somewhat generic.
Bennett: Scott is the project manager for Horsley Witten and would be available for the Town?
No, Neil Price is the project manager
Bennett: How important does the committee think the climate changes are? Overall, the group
thought it would be difficult to sell to the community upfront. That may be a second phase.
Taylor: Motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Bennett. All Aye.
Re tfully mitted,
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Sci Administrative Clerk
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