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Date Approved:6/11/12
Vote: 9-0
TOWN OF BREWSTER MINUTES OF
COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLANNING COMMITTEE (CWPC)
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, May 14, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Brewster Town Office Building
Chairman Lem Skidmore convened the CWPC meeting at 4:35 pm in the Brewster Town Office Building with members, Elizabeth
Taylor,Joanne Hughes, Dan Ryan, Russell Schell, Pat Hughes,John O'Reilly, Bruce Evans,and Dave Bennett present.
Also Present: Sue Leven,Jim Gallagher, Ed Lewis
Recording or Taping Notification
The Chair read"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:
051412_A Project Budget AGENDA
IWRMP 1.Citizen Forum
2.Status of Phase II&Build out
051412_B HWG Proposed Work Plan Discuss the change of scope of work for Phase II
051412_C Data Synthesis/GIS Training Buildout 3.Status of Data Synthesis&GIS
• Progress Report—HWG 4.Discussion with Ed Eichner from SMAST re:Pond Project Status&bird counts
051412_D Letter from HWG,5/9 5.Discuss planning a future meeting with CCC and HWG re:sub-watershed N
loads by town for Pleasant Bay(analysis and approach)
• 6.Discuss publicity of CWPC events and the date of the next meeting
7.Review minutes from 3/26/12,Review Action Items
8.Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate
1. Citizen Forum
Gallagher went to a wastewater event at the Dennis Golf Course. The group discussed CWMP's that cross town lines,
and funding, etc. They discussed sewage treatment plants being voted down in several towns. They talked about plans
and options. The meeting will be replayed on local access TV. They are thinking outside of the box since watersheds
don't have town boundaries. The committee discussed the topic further.
Ed Lewis reported on the Cape Cod BOS and Councilors Meeting in Nantucket. The group toured the dump. An outside
company does the composting. They send out recycling and C&D. Their budget is$8m. People don't pay at the dump.
They have 90% recycling. They don't allow black trash bags. Recycling was discussed further. Lewis explained their
process. He added you can't buy Styrofoam on the island. The committee discussed Nantucket's process further.
2.Status of Phase II &Build out, 2A. Discuss the change of scope of work for Phase II
Leven has GIS protocol and training manual in electronic format. (PDF or Word)ARC 10 manual.
Re: Build out—Leven stated that everyone has copies of the assumptions HWG is using. Leven has not received
comments from everyone. Hughes P asked about a deadline for comments. Leven said 5/21/12.
2A. Discuss the change of scope of work for Phase II
Leven explained that HWG is looking to delete five tasks under storm water and to alter nitrogen concentrations piece.
There is a new paragraph on page#2. It is looking at two scenarios for nitrogen reduction loading.
CWPC 05-14-12.docx Page 1 of 6
Leven and HWG met with Brian Dudley. They were interested in seeing the next set of data. Leven explained the HWG
process further.
The committee was asked to submit comments to Leven by Thursday 5/17/12. Re: build out Leven is sending an email.
She received comments from Taylor and Schell. Hughes, P asked if they are holding HWG up. Leven confirmed yes.
Schell asked Leven about the highlighted areas in the document. What was the feedback from HWG and DEP.?
Leven explained they presented the information and they agreed they would review an alternative scenario. They were
interested in how it would impact the surrounding towns with respect to the shared water sheds. HWG would take the
money from the SEA work and apply to the project.
Hughes, P made a Motion to accept the proposed HWG change in Scope of work/budget reallocation for HWG/Phase II
with the knowledge there will be research done by HWG to include some of the public education, Taylor Second, All Aye,
Vote 9-0.
Hughes, J made a Motion to table the previous Motion for*further discussion/move ahead with the agenda, Bennett
Second, All Aye, Vote 9-0. (Postponing the vote)
The motion was untabled. Hughes,J/Hughes, P Second, All Aye,Vote 9-0.They voted, above.
`Further discussion:
Bennett summarized and clarified the'request brought to DEP—Leven confirmed the request.
Hughes, J—Is SEA going to pick up public education? She is concerned about the old scope. She noted the public
education piece is very important.
Leven stated they may make suggestions. Public Education will have to be picked up somewhere else. She explained
further. Leven explained Nelson will review the scope and try to keep a portion of the public education in the contract.
Lewis stated CWPC should do the public education.
Taylor explained all the issues need to be presented together in one brochure.
O'Reilly asked why can't we continue the motion and work with Bersin's consultant to take care of it Either this committee
pays for it or DPW's consultant pays for it
Hughes, P—convey to Bob Bersin, active public education re: storm water.
Leven has discussed video opportunities with James Paul. They discussed going out in the rain and explaining storm
water.
Hughes P reviewed 4E. Workshops. She read the last sentence.
Skidmore is concerned that public education is being removed from the contract and where is it going?
Bennett was concerned about narrowing of storm water considerations and particularly a review of existing storm water
systems with direct outfalls to prioritize and supply pre-engineering plans for four"worst case" systems for grant
applications. D)4E—Skidmore confirmed that will remain.
Leven explained Nelson understands that the committee is concerned about the public education piece. (She called
Nelson) He agreed to the change in scope with some portion of public education. The committee discussed options. The
motion was amended.
3.Status of Data Synthesis&GIS
See#2.
CWPC 05-14-12.docx Page 2 of 6
4. Discussion with Ed Eichner from SMAST re: Pond Project Status& bird counts
Eichner addressed the committee.
1. Sediment cores, water quality sampling —done
2. Currently doing between pond sampling —every month
3. Storm water sampling at six locations. Two more samplings to go.
Selection coordinated with Town and SEA.
There was an amendment to do more sampling sites. The funding will go to putting in sondes to measure dissolved
oxygen at the bottom of Walker's and Upper Mill Pond.
Bird Counts: The original scope called for the setup of a bird monitoring program. The recruitment of volunteers never
happened. There is $2,000 available to re-direct. Any ideas from the committee?
One idea—quick bathymetry map?
AUV set out in Pond, takes many readings, refined map of ponds (Lower Mill) suggested
(autonomous underwater vehicle)
Usually$3,500 to do this type of work but Eichner will work on the price. He asked for ideas from committee
Hughes P asked what to do in place of no bird data. Should they make assumptions?Should we hire someone?
Eichner acknowledged the timeframe is a challenge.
Eichner explained this phase is all about data gathering. The committee could rollover the money into the next phase to
do bird counts in winter.
Eichner and Hughes P discussed Scargo Lake data results.
Taylor doesn't think Scargo Lake would compare with the Mill Ponds. They talked about starting in the fall. Taylor
suggested the Carr's can do counts. Taylor has asked the Bird Club.
Schell asked about the storm water sampling sites. Eichner can get him a list. He is interested in the values.
Schell asked about sampling for pond algae. How many and at what intervals?
Eichner explained sampling frequency. They discussed topic further.
Eichner explained data should be available in September.
Hughes J asked about Step#2 on this Pond Study. Eichner confirmed it has been discussed.
Leven stated it has not been determined yet.
Ryan asked for clarification of bird counts. Eichner stated species, location of birds (quadrants), close to shore, further
out (Based on Scargo Lake example)
Bennett expressed concern about statement that consultant was gathering data but providing limited interpretation of such
data relevance to water quality concerns.
Eichner explained they will give data from project. He provided examples. Sediment samples, anaerobic and aerobic.
Bennett and Eichner discussed further.
Hughes J asked about phosphorus contributions to a Pond. Eichner explained further. Waste water is the other big
contributor. He explained they look at development around the pond. It is difficult to determine and expensive.
Phosphorus is retained in the sand.
Schell asked about Walker's Pond with few septic tanks within 300 feet of the pond. Schell's question - How will the
phosphorus content of storm water flowing under Cranview Road to Walker's Pond be quantified'?
Eichner explained there is a connection from bog to Walker's. They are measuring the flow and doing sampling. Schell
asked for further information. Eicher explained the flow is inconsistent. Eichner and Schell discussed further.
CWPC 05-14-12.docx Page 3 of 6
Hughes, P asked if the committee should consider how to spend the $2k today. Eichner and Leven will be looking into it.
Eichner will make recommendations to Leven. Hughes P encouraged any additional interpretation as options. Taylor
asked about pictures of ponds with current and historical development so we have a good picture of each pond.
Eichner explained this is probably part of the next phase. Taylor asked about consideration of the Mills area. Former
uses, etc.
Leven added that CDM gave us information on the Mill Ponds. Leven looked to the Historical Society to gather further
input about the past use. Some use included tanneries. It is hard to say. Many places burned down. We have not been
able to put together a full map of the complete use. It has been more difficult to find information than expected. We can do
history on septic systems, parcels, mapping, etc.
Schell commented on sediment data—He asked for criteria for defining anaerobic conditions?
Eichner explained criteria to the committee. There was further discussion. Schell/Eichner.
Lewis commented about gathering data to help mitigate the next steps.
Eichner explained they are trying to get a functional model on how the systems operate. Water quality problems are
caused by phosphorus. How do we reduce the phosphorus?
Taylor asked about human activity contributing to the phosphorus. What are we looking at?
Eichner explained Wetlands and Ponds collect nutrients and hold on to them for a long time. In a lot of cases it comes
down to the sediments. They need % of the contributors.
Eicher summarized they will come up with a recommended list for the $2k. They can talk about next steps and timing.
5.Discuss planning a future meeting with CCC and HWG re: sub-watershed N loads by town for Pleasant Bay
(analysis and approach)
(Eicher stayed for discussion) Leven, Hughes, P and Skidmore discussed agenda item#5.
Leven commented that the committee has been presented with an alternative way for calculating the Nitrogen loads. It is
different than work done in some of the surrounding towns. How does this information impact work that has already been
completed? Does it put Brewster in a position to be able to negotiate with the other towns?There could be some issues
with sharing this information too soon. The information needs to be well vetted first.
Hughes, P commented on a 2007 Eichner memo regarding town contributions in the sub water sheds. More refined
calculations based on the sub water sheds should be considered.
Leven explained HWG possibly changing scope and SEA/MS4 work.
Hughes, P stated they are not ready to discuss now.
Eichner encouraged discussion with the Pleasant Bay Alliance.
Leven suggested it is too early to schedule a meeting. They should give HWG the opportunity to develop further.
Taylor mentioned the CCC wastewater meetings. She sent a schedule to the committee. Brewster meeting in June.
They are offering software that allows you to see nitrogen production by different development area.
Leven added it gives you the opportunity to look at a specific area near a pond and get nitrogen totals. Costs, too.
Hughes, P stated it is a good opportunity to work with Harwich regarding analysis (#5 agenda item. Herring River).
She encouraged the committee to be proactive with this.
6. Discuss publicity of CWPC events and the date of the next meeting
Skidmore is concerned that last two meetings(cranberry and HWG) were not well attended.
Leven will look into radio announcements. Leven reviewed current activity for publicity of meetings.
Committee members could hand out flyers to people they know.
Other suggestions:
CWPC 05-14-12.dooc Page 4 of 6
Evans agrees with Leven that people won't come until you tell them how much it will cost.
O'Reilly agreed and suggested asking or polling people to see who watches local channel#18. (from email list)
The committee discussed public service announcements on channel#18. Leven explained further.
*The Cranberry meeting will be seen by more people, in Harwich too. Local cable channel.
7. Review minutes from 3/26/12, Review Action Items
Hughes, P made a Motion,to accept the minutes of 3/26/12 as amended, Taylor Second, All Aye, Vote 7-0. Skidmore and
O'Reilly abstain. They did not review the action items.
8. Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate
Skidmore received a call from Peter Johnson of the BCT. They are hosting an event 8/6/12 Annual Meeting @ Brewster
Ladies Library. Johnson asked for support for Mark Nelson from HWG who will be presenting. He is asking for CWPC
support.
Leven will check to see if HWG can attend and speak at the meeting. The CWPC supports it.
Leven will talk to Nelson. Hughes J stated that this could be one of the community outreach meetings. The CWPC
supports this initiative.
Gallagher stated that the Conservation Commission and the BCT are trust is co-sponsoring a Brewster Conservation Day.
7/14/12. Drummer Boy Park will be the main location and the CWPC can provide information. (Table of info.)
Schell asked Leven two questions.
1) Nitrogen mitigation to Pleasant Bay—when do you anticipate the next milestone. Town/HWG/DEP. Next milestone?
Leven stated HWG getting to the next milestone and sharing the info. Leven—more than a month or so
2) SMAST—Do you see a possible mismatch with work in September. Will they request more funding? How will the
decision be made?
Leven—use small sum of money for the bird counts to be used—AUV? Reduced price?
Leven explained she will provide info to committee and the group can decide. Eichner will get back to Leven. Options will
be shared with the committee. The CWPC can decide at next meeting.
The meeting ended at 6:30 pm.
Hughes, P Made a Motion to adjourn, Hughes, J Second, All Aye, Vote 9-0.
Next Meeting: 5/29/12
Respectfully submitted,
03X- , /4/ aLetipu__,.
Da', -, Clerk Kel y oore, 3. Dept. Assistant Planning
CWPC 05-14-12.docx Page 5 of 6
CWPC Action Items ,Post 5-14-12 Meeting
Updated 5-16-12
ACTION ITEMS MEETING COMMENTS ESTIMATED STATUS
DATE COMPLETION
DATE
Status of Bridge Projects: Data Synthesis-
GIS/Build-out, Ponds, Storm water Geo-
location
Bird Counts will not be done. 5-14-12 Taylor has some Pending
Eichner to make recommendation for$2k volunteers for the
next time period
Horsley Witten (HWG) Phase II
—
Scope of work being amended 5-14-12 Comments to Pending
Leven Ay 5/21
Questions to include in tax bills about water 1-09-12 TBD Pending
usage. Ask HWG for ideas, online form? Etc. Discuss with
Mark Nelson
Cranberry Growers Association
Contact CGA and ask if they might talk to the Fall 2011 Leven No answer yet Pending
bog owners and find out when discharging
into the ponds—to take samples.
Misc:
Education —discuss with HWG 10-24-11 General public, Ongoing
Town committees
and boards
MS4 Compliance Update 11-14-11 SEA/HWG Ongoing
Bennett asked for reports done by Peter 2-27-12 Leven to request 4-9-12 Pending
Weiskel regarding tri town treatment plant link from Orleans
Web site, Peter
Weiskel reports
CWPC 05-14-12.docx Page 6 of 6
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