HomeMy Public PortalAboutComprehensive Water Planning -- 2013-03-25 Minutes o� o�A 9F�
� Town of Brewster Comprehensive Water
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2198 Main Street Planning Committee
f,l Brewster, Massachusetts
y 02631-1898 BREWSTER T YN CLERK
o (508) 896-3701 x1233
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'13 APR2511:4641
Date Approved: 4-22-13
Vote:7-0
TOWN OF BREWSTER MINUTES OF
COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLANNING COMMITTEE (CWPC)
Regular Meeting
Monday, March 25, 2013 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, Russell Schell, Elizabeth Taylor, Dave Bennett, Dan Ryan, John O'Reilly, Pat Hughes, Bruce Evans,
and Joanne Hughes present.
Also Present: Mark Nelson, Sue Leven, Ryan Burch, Hal Minis, Jim Gallagher, Chris Miller, Ben DeRuyter,
Nancy Ellis Ice, Paula Miller, and Peter Johnson
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 record this meeting they are required to inform the chair."
AGENDA
Supporting Documents: 1. Citizen Forum
032513_A Brewster Conservation Day Flyer 7-13-13 2. Phase III discussion with Mark Nelson from HWG
032513BI HWG Memo Phase III Scope of Work, IWRMP Report on CCC meeting with HWG &Sue Leven
dated 3-_18-13 3. Discuss future meeting with the Planning Board
032513_C Comment of Section D: pond/surface water 4. Review Minutes of 2-7-13 and 2-11-13
Component of the Phase III Scope of Work, P. Hughes 5. Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate
I 1. Cltia in Forum
Hal Minis from Brewster Conservation Trust and Ryan Burch from Natural Resources were present. They
talked to the Committee about Brewster Conservation Day which will be 7-13-13. It will be a celebration
of all Brewster has done to preserve its resources. They are changing the format and will be emphasizing
activities at Drummer Boy. There will be thirty five exhibitors. They will be clustering the exhibitors by
topic. Some exhibitors include - APCC, Landscape Architects, CWPC, etc. They will have food and kid's
exhibits, They are expecting 500+ people. The hours will be 10am - 2pm. They asked the committee how
they would like to be represented.
Burch stated he would like kid's involvement, an interactive experience, and to promote locals (energy,
water, land, recycling, composting). There will be a speakers' tent. There will be four keynote speakers at
specific times. "an environmental affair" Re: CWPC - interactive exhibit? He suggested showing how
Brewster has been proactive.
The committee discussed the event.
Leven and Hughes, J stated last year was a fun event. What does this committee want to do?
Leven suggested Mark Nelson from HWG as a possible speaker.
Hughes, J suggested pay as you throw and composting examples. She encouraged all to come.
The corrlmittee will discuss further at a future meeting. Minis added this is an excellent opportunity to get
out their message to the public.
CWPC 3-25.13.docx Page 1 of 6
2. Phas III Scope discussion with Mark Nelson from HWG
Report On CCC meeting with HWG and Sue Leven
Mark Nelson from HWG was present and provided a summary of the meeting with the Cape Cod
Commission (CCC). Leven attended the meeting with Nelson.
In summary:
• The meeting was to discuss the Commission's update of the County's 208 plan
• The meeting was intended to alert consultants (in this case HWG) on the Commission's activities
concerning the 208 plan update
• The meeting included good conversation. Mike Dimenica from CCC is the new project engineer.
• CCC still finalizing scope of the work with the EPA and the State.
• Most of the work is to be done in a year
o Not trying to change what towns are doing, but to add value and play a coordinating role.
Coordinate big picture issues. Nitrogen reduction. Hoping towns won't make a regulatory
decision while process is going on.
Leven explained there was a Pleasant Bay focus and focus on Brewster. (Credit and acknowledgment)
The following CCC staff participated. Patty Daley, Erin Jackson, Jon Idman, Tom Cambareri, Mike
Dimenica. The CCC wants to help facilitate what Brewster wants to do. (Regional planning with Orleans,
Chatham, Harwich, and ideas and concepts from other areas on the Cape). Coordinate meetings, etc.
Leven felt there was a positive response to the Brewster projects and willingness of Brewster to talk to the
neighboring towns.
Hughes,' commented on the CCC focus groups meetings. (Prior to this recent meeting). Individual town
meetings were recommended. Nelson explained there will be CCC meetings with each town. They will
discuss focus with committees. He noted that Brewster is high on the list for early meetings. The CCC was
complimentary of Brewster's efforts. They discussed wastewater, ponds, and storm water.
Schell asked about a sense of Brewster's decision point regarding nitrogen and Pleasant Bay. Is there a
sense of credit for non structural methods of controlling fertilizer, I/A, post septic tank STE's?
Nelson explained the CCC is open to those ideas. He referenced a significant nitrogen credit for the
Captain's Course. Onsite treatment was discussed. There was a lot of discussion at the CCC meeting.
Financing, long term management, CCC open to suggestions.
Hughes, P asked about the nitrogen credits. State DEP? Nelson stated yes, CCC will work with DEP.
They have experience with inter municipal agreements and may help with Pleasant Bay.
Hughes, J asked about relief of financial issues from CCC. Nelson confirmed that there will be mo
monetary awards from the CCC.
Bennett asked about communications with the other towns. Leven stated she has talked to both Orleans
and Harwich. Orleans has asked that the Committee wait until after Orleans' Town Meeting. Harwich is
ready to meet. CDM is their consultant. When is the CCC public hearing date for the Harwich plan? April
3.
Bennett expressed concern about focusing on water shed concentrations. He asked about other towns'
ideas for Brewster. He suggested early discussions with DEP. Nelson stated the CCC can play the role of
TMDL bean counter for a watershed. Bennett and Nelson discussed further. What Brewster does with
Orleans is high on the list. Hughes, P stated Orleans and Brewster have an opportunity to look at the
Pleasant Bay watershed. There could be a lot of flexibility by working together.
CWPC 3-25-13.docx Page 2 of 6
The committee discussed the idea of a plan for Orleans which is coming soon to their Town Meeting.
Bennett stated discussions with Orleans should be sooner than later.
Skidmore asked for Phase III Scope comments from the committee.
Taylor asked about working with Orleans. What are the requirements for 40B developments? She was
concerned for large parcels in the Pleasant Bay watershed that could be developed. Nelson explained
some are assumed in the build out. He shared an affordable housing project in Bourne as an example. A
State permit can't contravene the TMDL. (Involves Board of Health)
Hughes, P D: Pond/Surface Waters. She asked if it would make sense to do a quick assessment of a
number pf ponds. What are the next steps for pond management? (Mill Pond complex report) She
suggested a trend analysis of the historic data. Will SMAST partner with the consultant?
Schell asked about other towns being further ahead in the process. He asked about a DEP framework for
valuing and quantifying soft solutions to nitrogen removal. Have not found any, have you? Nelson stated
there is nothing prescriptive yet. Schell asked if the Brewster report is pioneering. Nelson - from a policy,
probably.
Nelson summarized the pond work so far. He suggested the idea of a more rapid water assessment.
Options for sources are all the same for the ponds. Rankings priorities
Management Planning:
Re: trend analysis of historic data. Look at water quality data, sediment samples to understand historical
nature, quantify with SMAST (have diver), water shed assessment, develop management strategies,
Elbow Pgnd example shared. GIS data and basic modeling plus water quality sampling get status of ponds.
Hughes, P asked about finishing with the Mills Pond Complex. Ed Eichner is providing separate scope. She
asked Miller about the pond study and evaluative information from CDM in Phase I. Nelson stated they
can move forward with data. (Pilot process, second half in spring, future sampling for ponds in question)
Hughes, P likes the idea of getting people who live near the ponds more involved.
O'Reilly asked about the $12,380 rapid watershed, depending on the pond, can the town pick up with
mediatidn? Nelson, Yes. They discussed further.
Miller referenced the ponds report of 2009. They looked at 29 ponds and some had issues. They are
looking at one of the 29 or a pond not yet looked at. Nelson suggested a good water quality pond and
welcomes input from Miller. Select a pond that features issues. Miller asked if he would choose a pond
near a cranberry bog. Hughes, P suggested investing in ponds which have public access and use.
Schell stated the model would have potential benefits of being able to come up with a more uniform less
costly approach. (For ponds with public access, existing data) It would not be applicable to some ponds.
(Ponds impacted by adjacent bogs, ponds that have category 5 listed, ponds that impact category 5
ponds. Schell thinks the approach has merit.
Leven stated last week she went to a workshop at the Wareham Cranberry Station. They are looking at
impacts of water into and out of bogs and the amount of fertilizer put back into the water body. She
suggested having them down for a meeting to get more information on the impact of cranberry bogs on
the ponds. Skidmore referenced a recent article in the Cape Cod Times. The committee discussed further.
Taylor suggested inviting one or both of the groups to the Brewster Conservation Day.
Hughes suggested adding how to establish communications with the cranberry growers as a future agenda
item.
Hughes, J asked if treatment assessments from several ponds could be referred to other ponds.
CWPC 3-25-13.docx Page 3 of 6
Nelson explained they need enough information from each pond to understand contributions. You have to
look at the land use around each pond. 10k per each pond? Economy of scale is important. Miller agrees
with Nelson. Pond treatment involves permitting with local and state groups.
Peter Johnson shared an example of people working with ponds. The Canoe Pond Association set money
aside to take action with the pond. They have an aeration system. The neighborhood came together and
took action. Blueberry Pond maybe an excellent candidate.
Miller explained in 2009 the assessment focused on six ponds. Canoe Pond and Blueberry Pond were
included They have data for them to start with.
Schell thinks a generalized approach could be successful with ponds that have a deep area and seasonal
stratification. Some ponds are shallow and are probably have historical concentration of phosphorus in the
sediments. Generalized approach is not good for all the ponds.
Paula Miller asked about septage treatment included in Phase III. Ice explained that most goes to
Orleans. The committee discussed further. Nelson stated it is not a task in Section A in the scope. The
next round of Phase III -- talks to Orleans and learn more.
Hughes, P asked about the public outreach task. Is there enough flexibility in the tasks? Action specific
materials - Door hangers, septic information. Nelson explained the tasks are as flexible as possible.
Taylor asked about rain gardens and vegetative buffer examples for the public.
Committee will discuss further. Will the landscapers bring certain plants? (Brewster Conservation Day)
Bennett asked about the wastewater task. Will there be a meeting with MA DEP? Nelson confirmed yes.
Bennett',asked about a schedule. Leven mentioned an earlier Gantt chart. Nelson will update and
distribute.
Bennett asked about task C1. The amount of information available to the Planning Board? Subdivision
Rules and Regulations? Nelson explained they would take recommendations in Phase II and suggest
adding to zoning by-law, and Rules and Regulations. A general ordinance is possible. I. E. Site design
practices, drains, minimize lawn area, etc... Recommending best management practices. Taylor
suggested getting with the Planning Board sooner than later. It takes a long time to get ready for Town
Meetingi The committee wants to meet with Planning Board and Board of Health.
The committee discussed the money budgeted in the articles. $130k fall, $125k for spring Town Meeting.
Committee asked about SMAST costs. Leven stated that grants may factor in.
Bennett',asked about the rain garden plans and construction. Grants are possible.
They discussed DPW's involvement. (SEA, MS4)
Hughes, P made a Motion to approve the first half of HWG Phase III Scope beginning with Phase III A.,
with the remaining scope contingent on Town Meeting approval of the article, Taylor Second, All Aye,
Vote 9-0.
Hughes, 3 made a Motion to direct Mark Nelson of HWG to begin the first half of Phase III Scope, subject
to contracts, ($128,375), Hughes, P Second, All Aye, Vote 9-0.
Skidmore asked about the project timeframe.
Bennett stated the county already has a program that operators pay into. (I/A Systems) There has been
a battle of information not being available to public and the operators. Skidmore noted the county is
redesigning the system.
CWPC 3-25-13.docx Page 4 of 6
Nelson explained the 319 grant program is open. It might be an opportunity for one of the retrofits. HWG
can support the writing. They will need a conceptual plan. Walker's Pond might be good candidate or
Breakwater Landing. Breakwater Landing needs to be reevaluated. Leven will discuss further with Miller.
Bennett made a Motion to select Walkers Pond or Breakwater Beach for a 319 grant, instead of the
proposed rain garden behind Town Hall, Hughes, J Second, All Aye Vote 9-0.
3. Discus future meeting with the Planning Board
Skidmore spoke to the Planning Board Chair about a meeting with both groups. The topic would be the
role the Planning Board may have in the work the CWPC is doing. Miller agreed.
Hughes, J suggested the Committee send a brief document summarizing the build out, Phase II, Phase III
and implementation items. The document should highlight issues for the Planning Board to address. The
committee discussed further.
Mark Nelson and the CWPC will meet with the Planning Board.
Hughes, P stated the Planning Board has a critical role in water management for the Town. Bennett noted
40B's would be exempt. Subdivisions would be discussed. Bennett is more interested in talking to the
Board of Health and Conservation.
Topics t4 be discussed include: road design, storm water, lawn limitations, etc... The committee thought it
might be a good time to send an overview to Finance Committee and other groups. The committee
decided there would be two meetings. One meeting with Mark Nelson and one with the CWPC. This topic
will be added to a future agenda.
5, Reviw Minutes of 2-7-13 and 2-11-13
Hughes,, P made a Motion to approve the minutes of 2-7-13 as amended, Taylor Second, All Aye,
Vote 9-0. Ryan made a Motion to approve the minutes of 2-11-13 as written, O'Reilly Second, All Aye,
Vote 9-0.
6. Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate
Hughes, P comments on Section D: pond/surface water component of the Phase III SOW
Copies of the comments were distributed to the committee. Schell asked about Nantucket limiting
fertilizer, via the Board of Health. Is the Brewster Board of Health doing the same? Skidmore stated not
currently but this committee can recommend to the Board of Health. Bennett stated HWG has a current
fertilizers recommendation.
The committee asked about the Orleans article regarding the wastewater treatment plant. Leven will get
copy and find out the date for the Orleans Town Meeting.
Leven will ask Kleinfelder regarding a list of direct discharges. Miller and Leven are not sure regarding
DPW funding upgrades. Leven will ask Kleinfelder. She is meeting with them soon.
Miller suggested making the Board of Selectmen understand that this is a priority vs. paving the roads.
Hughes, P made a Motion, to adjourn, Hughes, J Second, All Aye, Vote 9-0.
The meeting ended at 6:30 pm.
Next Meeting: 4-8-13 @ 4:30 pm
Re•pectf II -, mitted,
\944'41 • l
►�.JC- _ -
•;ve Be' Clerk Kelly Moore, Se r epartment Assistant Planning
5-13.docx Page 5 of 6
CWPC Action Items, Post 3-25-13 Meeting
Updated 3-26-13, action items were not reviewed at the 3-25-13 meeting.
Consultant Action Items Meeting Comments Due Date Status
/Member/Staff Date (estimate)
HWG Phase II—10%design on storm 2-11-13 Royal Bank of Canada tbd Ongoing
water retro fit projects,Walker's denied grant request for
Pond, Breakwater Beach,Town Hall Town Hall rain garden.
rain garden Committee considering
removing from Phase III and
creating RFP for local firms.
Phase II—Final Report 2-11-13 Final copies distributed to Done
the committee.
Bridge Project, Data Synthesis 1-28-13 Waiting for installation of Ongoing
and GIS—maps accessible from People GIS(K. Lambert)
Web site
Bridge Project, Build out Report 2-11-13 Committee gave comments Owe Ongoing
to Leven 2-11-13 committee
set of GIS
maps
Phase III Scope 3-25-13 Committee discussed
comments with Mark Nelson
and approved the first half of
the scope.
Phase III,Joint meeting with the 3-25-13 Committee discussed and tbd
Planning Board to discuss Phase III will discuss further 4-8-13
Phase III, Meeting with HWG and 3-25-13 Nelson gave committee Done
CCC update 3-25-13
SMAST Mill Ponds Complex Project 2-11-13 Leven to investigate the Ongoing
(Pond Study) grant writing of the 604(b)
Ed Eichner Technical Memo 1-16 with either SMAST or CCC
for the management strategy
of the Mill Ponds Complex
Miscellaneous
BCT Discuss participation in Brewster 3-25-13 4-8-13 Ongoing
Conservation Day 7-13-13
Kleinfelder MS 4 Compliance Update 1-28-13 Ongoing
HWG
Bennett Reports by Peter Weiskel for the Tri 2-27-12 early 2013 Pending
Town Treatment Plant
Hughes, J Ponds testing process,final report 9-10-12 12-31-12 Pending
from the State
CWPC 3-25-13.docx Page 6 of 6