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Home My Public Portal AboutComprehensive Water Planning -- 2012-01-23 Minutes 000 a�� n o,�i oR si,. Comprehensive Water Planning �� = Town of Brewster Committee ~ ▪ A• s. !Zig I 1 i _ 2198 Main Street : uljtl�ni_ rn r s Brewster, Massachusetts 02631-1898 . j. (508) 896-3701 x1233 D�ioi�u��ninma„a��°�o�`�°� FAX (508) 896-8089 Date Approved:2/27/12 Vote: 7-0 TOWN OF BREWSTER MINUTES OF COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLANNING COMMITTEE (CWPC) REGULAR MEETING Monday, January 23, 2012 at 4:30 pm Brewster Town Office Building Chairman Lem Skidmore convened the CWPC meeting at 4:30 pm in the Brewster Town Office Building with members, Joanne Hughes, Russell Schell, Dave Bennett, Bruce Evans, and Elizabeth Taylor present. Absent: Pat Hughes, Dan Ryan Also Present: Sue Leven, Peter Johnson, Jim Gallagher, Chris Miller Recording or Taping Notification "As required by the Open Meeting Law we are informing you that the Town will be audio taping this public meeting. In addition, if anyone else intends to audio tape this meeting they are required to inform the chair." Supporting Documents: AGENDA 012312_A HWG invoice 1/2/12 1.Citizen Forum 012312_B HWG Progress Report 2.Status of Phase II IWRMP 11/28/11 -•1/1/12 3.Status of Bridge Projects: Data Synthesis—GIS/Build-out, Ponds,Storm water Geo- location 4. Review minutes from 12/12/11 and Action Items 5.Topics the chair did not reasonably anticipate. 1.Citizen Forum None 2. Status of Phase II IWRMP Leven provided an update and distributed two documents. (HWG Invoice and progress report 11/28/12-1/1/12) The committee reviewed the documents. Committee Comments: Leven explained there is a recognized problem with getting data from a variety of sources. (CDM, local information, etc.) Different sources were explained and discussed. Evans asked about the web site project, listed under early outreach. Leven will follow up. Schell expressed an opinion regarding existing TMDL's and new TMDL's. He thinks it is important if the committee gets an opportunity to comment on studies before they become TMDL's. It may be helpful to have HWG to look at it. Suggested HWG actions and MEP approach was discussed (Leven, Schell, Skidmore) Schell has specific questions about the use of single variable, nitrogen concentration for acceptable habitat for eel grass. (besides Nitrogen) He is interested in an opinion from HWG. CWPC 01-23-12.doc Page 1 of 4 Bennett, Hughes, J, and Schell discussed nitrogen concentrations and eel grass. (Clarification of the HWG opinion/question) Taylor asked about DEP clean water decisions (SMAST data). She asked about how to proceed and use information. There was further discussion regarding this topic. Schell stated if the water sheds have a TMDL, it is too late. If not at that stage he feels it is a good inquiry. Schell provided EPA background information. Miller provided an opinion. He explained monitoring nitrogen and effects to the eel grass to the committee. He thinks these questions have been answered. He indicated there could be delays. Bennett suggested that Schell ask the consultants when they come in. Bennett stated that our consultant is working and questioning other contributors besides nitrogen. He explained further. Skidmore asked the committee for input from the committee and clarification of questions. Schell summarized he wished to ask HWG about criteria, other than nitrogen, for acceptable eel grass habitat in any estuarine embayments for which TMDL's have not yet been issued. Skidmore is concerned about what the committee does with the answer. Miller does not think the committee will get an answer. He referenced the Herring River. He explained that a peer review said the approach is effective. Our consultants • will not come up with any changes. Leven explained that HWG can look at calculations (% to remove from the water shed, for example) Leven agrees with Miller regarding changing the methodology. Miller explained further. (Pleasant Bay example) Skidmore commented that this is a useful discussion. Taylor asked about nitrogen credits for Orleans and Namskaket Marsh. Leven confirmed the consultant is reviewing. Skidmore summarized the discussion and clarified Schell's opinion and others. Leven reminded the committee that we have already committed money to a particular scope of work with HWG. Bennett believes the consultant will question the appropriate issues. He believes what Schell is asking has already been considered. Miller added we could ask the consultant if this is worth pursuing. Skidmore asked Schell to put the question in a motion. Schell did not make a motion. The committee will not take any action at this time. 3. Status of Bridge Projects: Data Synthesis-GIS/Build-out, Ponds, Storm water Geo-location Leven gave an update. A Data Synthesis update was sent via email. Leven has requested a status update from Ed Eichner at SMAST. Storm water Geo Location— is done. It can come off future agendas. Miller suggested contacting Harwich to discuss concerns and comments, Schell. (Previous discussion) There is a web site. Heinz Kroft, Harwich staff member—contact. Review minutes from 12/12/12, Review Action Items Schell submitted edits to his comments on page#1 and#2 via email. Moore read edits. Hughes, J made a Motion to accept the 12/12/12 minutes as corrected, Bennett Second, All Aye, Vote 6-0. The committee reviewed current action items. Leven reviewed and provided an update. Action Items Update: GIS—SEA data edited in GIS, waiting for update. CWPC 01-23-12.doc Page 2 of 4 HWG public meeting FYI for the committee -Gallagher has received request to review bogs from a concerned group near ponds. Hughes, J and Leven discussed meeting with the CGA. Hughes, J suggested inviting people who live near ponds/bogs to come to the meeting. Audio taping preferred. The committee discussed further. Several topics were discussed. Hughes, J is excited for them to come and give a presentation. Bennett asked about water quality data regarding floods back into the ponds. Any bridge projects? He wants to understand sources. Are the growers applying best management practices? Surface water samples at time of discharge? Miller explained each bog pumps at different times. All located on private property. Surface water sampling is done twice a year. There was further discussion regarding bogs location, use, limitations, etc. Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate None. Bennett made a Motion to adjourn, Hughes, J Second, All Aye, Vote, 6-0 The meeting ended at 5:36 pm. Next Meeting: 2/13/12 Respectfully submitted, INA!" tint& �rr�L=� lerk Kelly Moore, Sr. pt. Assistant Planning CWPC 01-23-12.doc Page 3 of 4 CWPC Action Items , Post 1-23-12 Meeting Updated 1-24-12 ACTION ITEMS MEETING COMMENTS ESTIMATED STATUS DATE COMPLETION DATE Status of Bridge Projects: Data Synthesis- GIS/Build-out, Ponds, Storm water Geo- location SEA 01-09-12 Leven to find out 02-13-12 Pending about editing the GIS data as catch basins are found Horsley Witten (HWG) Phase II Schedule the first public meeting with Mark 12-12-11 Leven 02-13-12 Pending Nelson Location, Town Hall, tbd Web site project, outreach 01-23-12 Leven 02-13-12 Questions to include in tax bills about water 01-09-12 Leven No response Pending usage. Ask HWG for ideas, online form? Etc. yet Cranberry Growers Association Check on the availability of PowerPoint Fall 2011 Offer made to give Pending presentations from the meeting Taylor and PowerPoint Leven attended in 2010 with the CGA. presentation in Brewster/Harwich Contact CGA and ask if they might talk to the Pending bog owners and find out when discharging into the ponds—to take samples. Misc: 2011 CWPC Town Report 01-09-12 Leven has 02-13-12 Pending updated draft _ Orleans CWMP 01-09-12 Leven will ask 02-13-12 George Meservey for an update re: Brewster's involvement Education 10-24-11 General public, Pending Town committees and boards MS4 Compliance Update 11-14-11 Ongoing CCC 150K state budget, regional wastewater 11-28-11 Leven will find out Pending planning Question from P. Hughes. more information. Review bogs near ponds, available data 12-12-11 Bennett, Hughes, Pending P and Schell comments CWPC 01-23-12.doc Page 4 of 4