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'13 JUL12 3:03Pt
Date Approved:5-28-13
Vote:5-0-1, Ryan abstains
TOWN OF BREWSTER MINUTES OF
COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLANNING COMMITTEE (CWPC)
Regular Meeting
Monday, May 13, 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, John O'Reilly, Dave Bennett, Joanne Hughes, Bruce Evans, and Pat
{ Hughes present. 8-0
Absent: Dan Ryan
Also PreSent: Sue Leven, Ben DeRuyter, Paula Miller, Peter Johnson, Nancy Ellis-Ice, Chris Miller
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."
Supporting Documents: AGENDA
051313_ `A HWG Handout"Brewster Integrated 1. Citizen Forum
Water Management Plan Wastewater 2."Kick off" Phase III Mark Nelson from Horsley Whitten Group
Alternatives"5-13-13 3. Discuss committee participation at the Brewster Conservation Day
7-13-13 and the Brewster Conservation Trust Annual Meeting 8-1-13
4. Discuss communications with the Cranberry Growers Association
5. SMAST proposal -follow up discussion
6. Review minutes of 4-22-13
7.Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate
1. Ctlizaf Forum
None
12."K1cl .;off" Phase III Mark Nelson from Horsley Whitten Group
Mark Nelson was present and distributed a handout, "Brewster Integrated Water Management Plan
Wastewater Alternatives"
Subjects to be covered:
1. Pleasant Bay
2. Schoolhouse Pond,
3. Email examples to send out to lists from the CWPC
1. Nelson reviewed the handout with the committee and took questions. He reviewed Table I, Planning
Unit Nitrogen Analysis by Town.
Committee Comments
CWPC 5-13-13.dooc Page 1 of 5
Taylor asked about eco-toilet use in other places besides Falmouth. Nelson stated Falmouth is putting
them in houses and commercial facilities.
Hughes, P asked about how DEP will be looking at what the other towns are doing. (Earning credits
towards '',nitrogen reduction) Nelson explained this was not discussed a lot at a recent meeting.
Wellfleet is using shellfish management in Oyster Pond. They are seeding harbor with sea clam shells for
oysters to grow off of. They are seeing noticeable change. Hughes, P noted it has only been one season
of monitoring. There are long term questions. Hughes, P and Nelson discussed further. Nelson believes
there may be regional options.
Bennett asked what the principal is behind permeable reactive barriers (bullet #5). Nelson explained to
the committee. They also discussed injection wells. It has not yet been tried on the Cape.
Bennett asked about nitrogen capacity in Namskaket. He asked if there is any consideration of using
assimilative capacity of already eutrified wetlands for phytoremediation of nitrogen. Nelson thinks it might
be worth putting on the list perhaps for areas of poor soils.
Nelson will send URI data to Leven to share with the committee regarding (95%) nitrogen removal
Taylor asked about fresh water mussels for pond issues. Nelson is not aware of it but will look into it.
Hughes, 3 asked about permeable reactive barrier odor? None. She asked if the order of bullets have
significance. No.
Nelson stated they will vet each alternative on its own and in combinations. How to reduce 4200 units of
nitrogen by watershed. The Golf Course has done a lot of good work already. You could consider additional
changes to operations at the golf course.
Schell was surprised that sharing of the proposed 137,000 gals/day waste water treatment facility
(WWTF) adjacent to Namskaket Marsh was not included as a Phase III alternate. Based on the Phase II
report, Pleasant Bay TMDL nitrogen removal requirements for Brewster may be met by intercepting and
removing 12,500 gals/day currently and 30,000 gals/day at build out. The Cape Cod Commission
estimates that wastewater unit treatment cost (the sum of construction, operating and maintenance
costs) is $40/year-gals/day for a $137,000 gals/day WWTF and $83/year-gals/day for a 12,500 gals/day
WWTF. To be a cost effective alternate, the additional transport cost associated with sharing 9% of the
larger WWTF capacity must be offset by a decrease in unit treatment cost and leaching field cost.
Nelson suggested looking at clusters and neighborhoods and compare costs vs. sending to Orleans.
Hughes, P encouraged possibilities with Orleans. We could look at the cost and consider their plans.
Leven reminded years ago they talked about putting a treatment plan in Brewster for Orleans.
Bennett asked for clarification regarding nitrogen load numbers if including treatment provided at the
Pleasant Bay Nursing Facility. Nelson replied yes. Bennett and Nelson discussed further.
Nelson will include Orleans alternatives.
Taylor asked when he meets with golf course to review the Town Meeting video and chat with Charlie.
Taylor asked about effluent to replace fertilizer. Nelson noted it would be a challenge with the state.
Miller, P acknowledged the Orleans plan has huge science issues. She asked if HWG should review it.
She commented on Pleasant Bay and how it is changing. Miller, C thinks some people want to delay any
progress in Orleans. They don't plan to change TMDL's. Miller, P and Miller, C discussed further.
Skidmore asked Schell for a report to be submitted to Leven. (Numbers discussed earlier in the meeting)
Nelson explained the next steps, set of criteria, judging alternatives, and a ranking system. He will work
on a schedule with Leven. They will decide on a couple of meetings to discuss issues. He will address not
CWPC 5-13.13.docx Page 2 of 5
who pays for what, but what is the best alternative for long term viability. (Working with Health Dept. and
DEP)
2. Schoolhouse Pond was the first pond chosen for a rapid assessment.
Nelson provided an explanation of the map on page #2. Good test case.
Hughes, asked about septic systems in between the blue and yellow lines.
The committee discussed location of houses and septic systems and their impact on the ponds.
Nelson stated that field work is next.
Skidmore mentioned that people have an interest in Blueberry Pond. Skidmore has talked to several
residents. Skidmore reviewed the process for selecting a pond for rapid assessment.
Leven stated that ponds with public access have priority. She suggested the committee could offer a
package',to private pond owners that would include costs and options. Leven has discussed this topic with
Chris Miller. It is a committee priority.
Miller has been approached by groups. He explained that Canoe Pond, Cobbs Pond, and Blueberry Pond
have been studied by the town.
Nelson stated Schoolhouse Pond would be done by the end of June.
Schell suggested a metric. He explained his metric further to Nelson. Nelson explained that it is reflected
in the water quality data collected. They discussed further.
3. Email examples
Nelson explained the newsletter email blast that would be sent out to Leven's CWPC email list.
Nelson is in favor of getting regular information out there. (Small pieces of information at a time)
He explained that the "Water Words That Work" web site helped him while writing the content of the
newsletter.
He recommended using a free email program called Mail Chimp and offered some help with setting it up in
the Planking Department. Leven had some edits that she will send to Nelson.
Hughes, P likes the idea and suggested the email be sent to Town Committees and Boards too. The
Committee discussed the header visual. (Pond vs. bay beach) The committee would like the first email
sent out next week.
}
Skidmore asked Nelson for a status report and a Gantt chart.
Bennett asked about Orleans and Brewster numbers from the page #1 of the handout. Nelson and
Bennett discussed further. Bennett wants to see clusters of houses.
Johnson was in favor of the email blasts to all Town committees. Flats Group? BCT has 300 email
members. Johnson recommended sending emails direct to everyone. He suggested sending one every
eight weeks and to be brief and focus on good quality content. Hughes, P believes there is value in
sending',the email from the CWPC. They discussed using a group email name instead of one name.
3. Disciss committee participation at the Brewster Conservation Day 7-13-13 and the Brewster
Conserlralon Trust Annual Meeting 8-1-13
Brewster Conservation Day 7-13-13 (Hal Minis and Ryan Burch are the contacts)
They discussed handouts and Nelson's involvement. "Ask the Expert" session.
They discussed handouts for kids, door hangers printed by the Cape Cod Tech School and handouts for the
schools.'Johnson was in favor of discussing the handouts for the schools as a future agenda item. Door
hanger, we design, they print. CC Tech. Johnson in favor of handout for kids/adults. Leven suggested
tracking the types of questions that are asked at the event.
CWPC 5-13.13.docx Page 3 of 5
BCT Annual Meeting 8-1-13
The timeframe will be worked out. Share the date with James Paul for taping.
14. Dii cUSs'communications with the Cranberry Growers Association
Leven stated there is nothing new to report. She knows a certified organic cranberry grower who is willing
to talk to the Committee. The Committee stated they are in favor of talking to him. Leven suggested
inviting Steven Tupper from Old Owl Pond Road to a meeting.
( '5. sMAir.Proposal, follow-up discussion I
Town Meeting funds were approved last week. Leven will look at budget for available money for Ed
Eichner. Eichner will break down costs for the committee.
Schell suggested that any SMAST recommendations to reduce phosphorus input to Lower Mill, Upper Mill
and Walkers Ponds be reviewed for compliance with Clean Water Act anti-degradation requirements for
essential habitat and existing aquatic life uses of river herring species.
Leven will send concerns to Eichner and Nelson. Hughes, P requested a preliminary report from Eichner
before fall Town Meeting.
6. Revi+ 4w minutes of 4-22-13
Hughes p, made a Motion to approve the minutes of 4-22-12 as written, Taylor Second, All Aye,
Vote 8-0.
7. Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate I
Hughes, J asked for a representative from the CWPC to be added to the Water Quality Review Committee
(WQRC) BOS needs to change the by-law. WQRC was formed before there was a Town Planner. WQRC is
meeting',Thursday to discuss changes to the makeup of the committee. Any changes then go to Town
Meeting',since they change a general by-law and a zoning by-law.
Hughes, J made a Motion to draft a letter to the Board of Selectmen and the Water Quality Review
Committee recommending the Town Planner as a formal member of the WQRC. Hughes, P Second All Aye,
Vote 8-0. The Town Planner would represent the CWPC at WQRC.
Taylor made a Motion to adjourn, Bennett Second, All Aye, Vote 8-0.
The meeting ended at 6:30 pm.
Next Meeting: Tuesday 5-28-13 0 4:30 pm
Respectfully submitted,
ii"aA' %gib
At9i
Dave 1+" n- , Clerk Kelly Moore, Senigtept. Assistant, Planning
CWPC 5-13-13.docx Page 4 of 5
t
CWPC Action Items, Post 5-13-13 Meeting
Updated 5-15-13
Consultant Action Items Meeting Comments Due Date Status
/Member/Stuff Date (estimate)
HWG Phase II—10%design on storm 4-22-13 Nelson Looking at 319 grant Ongoing
water retro fit projects,Walker's to fund construction of Town
Pond, Breakwater Beach,Town Hall Hall Rain Garden
Rain Garden
Phase III Kickoff Meeting 5-13-13 Nelson presented to the Done
1 committee
Phase III,Joint meeting with the 4-8-13 The committee decided to Ongoing
Planning Board to discuss Phase Ill bring this topic back for
discussion after Town
Meeting. (5-6-13)
CWPC Email—Newsletter from 5-13-13 Follow up required to send Ongoing
HWG out newsletter-Leven
Phase Ill, Meeting with HWG and 3-25-13 Nelson gave committee Ongoing
CCC update 3-25-13,waiting for
CCC contact
SMAST Mill Ponds Complex Project 5-13-13 Leven to follow up with Ongoing
(Pond Study) Eichner re:funds
Ed Eichner Technical Memo 1-16
Miscellaneous
CWPC CWPC Briefing Paper for 4-8-13 Hughes, P and Leven
Committees and Boards working on paper
BCT Discuss participation in Brewster 5-13-13 The committee will Ongoing
Conservation Day 7-13-13 participate and discuss
further. Handouts tbd
BCT/CWPC BCT Annual Meeting 8-1-13 5-13-13 Committee is interested in a Ongoing
7:00 pm, Brewster Ladies Library joint meeting.
CGA Communications with CGA 5-13-13 Leven to contact local Called&
cranberry growers and invite left
to a meeting message
5-16
Kleinfelder MS 4 Compliance Update 4-22-13 Direct discharges to Ponds? Ongoing
HWG 3 on Schoolhouse Pond
Bennett Reports by Peter Weiskel for the Tri 2-27-12 early 2013
Town Treatment Plant
Hughes, J Ponds testing process,final report 4-22-13 Hughes,J will send an email 12-31-12
from the State
CWPC 5-13.13.dooc Page 5 of 5