HomeMy Public PortalAboutComprehensive Water Planning -- 2013-11-25 Minutes .5 I
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Date Approved: 12-9-13
Vote: 6-0
TOWN OF BREWSTER MINUTES OF
COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLANNING COMMITTEE (CWPC)
Regular Meeting
Monday, November 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, Dan Ryan, Bruce Evans, Elizabeth Taylor, Paula Miller, John O'Reilly, Adam Curtis,
and Dave Bennett present.
Also Present: Sue Leven, Jim Gallagher, Pat Hughes, Nancy Ellis Ice, HWG - Mark Nelson, Geraldine Camilli
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 he or she is required to inform the chair."
• Supporting Documents: AGENDA
112513_A Ho
A Integrated Water Resources 2. Citizen Forum
2. Horsley Witten Group, Mark Nelson
Managenlent Plan, Phase III 9-30-11-3-2013 Review the progress report and Phase III status for October
• HWG(including spreadsheet) Discuss results of the ranking analysis for the Pleasant Bay watershed
112513_0 Alternative/Ranking table 3. Approval of minutes from 11-12-13
112513_0 HWG PowerPoint Presentation 4. Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate
11. Citizen Forum
None
2. Horsley Witten Group, Mark Nelson
Review the progress report and Phase III status for October
Discuss results of the ranking analysis for the Pleasant Bay watershed
Review the progress report and Phase III status for October.
Nelson Oave an overview. They discussed moving the 12-14-13 Pond Owners Meeting to early January.
• The committee was in favor of 1-11-13. Possible time, 10:30 to 12:00 pm. Nelson is working with Leven
to setup a live stream of the meeting.
Miller-Plasked about how they would contact pond property owners.
Leven explained there would be an abutter mailing and possibly a postcard.
Discuss results of the ranking analysis for the Pleasant Bay watershed
Nelson will update the report. He distributed a spreadsheet (See 112513_B) Alternative/Ranking.
Nelson explained the rankings of the alternatives. He reviewed each ranking, beginning with #1 Fertilizer
reduction at the golf courses. Please reference presentation (112513_C)
CWPC 11-25-13.docx Page 1 of 4
Alternative/Ranking RANKING
1) Fertilizer reduction at golf courses 1
Nelson and Miller-P discussed the monitoring timeframe. Schell asked if it was premature to ask how
many records for TMDL nitrogen removal.
Nelson Stated no, not at all.
Bennett,asked if this was groundwater monitoring or fertilizers.
Nelson explained this was reporting not monitoring. What they are buying. They discussed further with
Camilli.
Schell asked why the fertilizer by-law was withdrawn from town meeting.
Leven explained it was put in at the last minute and the state has extended the deadline for a year.
They will continue to work on it.
Skidmore noted that the CCC and others are working on the by-law. There will be a better outcome and it
has BO$ support. 1-1-2015 is the new deadline.
2) Fertilizer reduction by residents: a by-law 1
3) Advanced N treatment systems (onsite IA systems) 8
This would be expensive. Camilli and Schell discussed numbers. 6.5 lbs N/System
Skidmore stated that management staff would be required or a management firm.
Camilli noted that these are phased costs and are conservative. DEP requires a management entity.
and!,Skidmore explained that the Board of Health (BOH) is working on Innovative Alternatives (IA)
requirerhents. There are few IA's in town.
O'Reilly and Bennett discussed Title V criteria and BOH recommendations.
Nelson Is working on the BOH regulations.
4) Alternative toilets 7
High coSt. A demonstration project at the right time and right place might be appropriate.
Ryan suggested the Eddy School.
Camilli explained they could implement a few projects as examples but might get much credit for them.
Schell, asked about Falmouth numbers.
Nelson stated there are five homes but it is too early for data.
5) Connection to Orleans' proposed WWTF 6
(Waste water treatment facility)
Costly. It is a proven alternative. It helps with build-out. No timeframe.
Curtis asked why the report did not mention incoming revenue.
Nelson explained the revenue covers the cost. A bare minimum of a sewer.
Schell asked if the cost included estimated transport of the main.
Nelson stated yes, pay to run line, plant, and pay OEM.
Miller-P noted this is a wide range of costs.
Nelson stated it is an average. *He will send the committee an updated cost summary.
6) Purchasing connections of homes in Orleans 4
Expensive. HWG did not talk to Orleans. It is proven but Orleans is not ready. Their Phase I is the
downtown area. *Nelson will provide an updated summary.
7) Cluster/neighborhood treatment systems 9
It is the second most expensive alternative. It is proven but the lowest ranked alternative.
Schell asked about large vs. small pipe collection.
Nelson explained it is an estimate and the numbers are from a Barnstable County 2010 report.
O'Reilly asked who would be responsible to pay for clusters, upgrades. Homeowners? Capital investment
through',the town? It would be up to town meeting to decide.
Nelson noted this is part of the next step. Different options exist.
8) Irrigation well(s) to capture N and return it to beneficial use 3
This is already occurring at the Captains Golf Course. The town needs to discuss this with the Cape Cod
National Golf Course.
CWPC 11-25-13.docx Page 2 of 4
Ryan and Bennett discussed testing wells near the golf course. The testing is done during normal golf
course operations.
Schell asked about the timeframe.
Evans asked if they have received credit yet, and also for #1. They have not received credit yet.
Camilli explained that the golf course reduced fertilizers years ago.
Miller-P asked about baseline monitoring into Pleasant Bay.
Nelson explained that the Pleasant Bay Alliance has done work and the nitrogen loading estimates are
based on their reports.
Miller-P noted these estimates are based on assumptions.
Nelson noted there is research to back it up and good data.
Bennett questioned the flow averages and acknowledged a degree of assumption. He added there is an eel
grass problem in Pleasant Bay.
9) Permeable Reactive Barriers to treat ground water 5
Further cost research is needed. Depth to water is a big factor since it affects drilling costs. It is not a
proven technology application. Falmouth has a pilot project.
Miller-P'questioned the costs. HWG will continue to look into costs.
Camilli addressed the $180 to $250 (used $215 for ranking) She explained they need a ground water
model and that the cost is based on the drilling.
Bennett asked about the well fence idea, pumping instead of injection. They discussed this topic further.
Schell asked if private wells down gradient would be a problem.
Nelson noted it was a factor. It was done at Waquoit. There are unknowns. It doesn't fit for Brewster but
there may be a Cape wide benefit.
Taylor asked if there have been discussions with Cape Cod National.
Nelson stated that HWG has not, only in 2011 for the Pleasant Bay Alliance. They were receptive to
talking. Nelson will work with Leven to decide next steps.
10) Shellfish propagation 2
Inexpensive. This would include oysters, 3-5 acres. Permission would be needed from the other towns.
Falmouth and Wellfleet have experienced good results. More discussion is needed. It is an opportunity for
regionalization. Leven will talk to the Pleasant Bay Alliance Work Group at the next meeting. The
committee agreed it is a good idea for Leven to address the group.
Miller-P questioned growing oysters vs, bad water quality.
Nelson referred to Wellfleet. It has been effective. Harbor area, restored eel grass.
Taylor asked about water rights on Pleasant Bay. Camilli thought 40 feet of frontage.
Nelson explained there would be a permit requirement for an aqua grant in another town. It is an idea and
possible could be contracted out. It could be a partnership and needs to be discussed with the Pleasant
Bay Alliance. He did not know who owns the rights.
Bennett asked if harvesting is essential. Camilli - Yes. Noncommercial use is possible. Access might be an
issue. More information is needed. Camilli explained the oyster harvesting process. If shells are put back
than it promotes habitat.
Taylor stated there is more benefit is shells are removed.
Schell asked if done in annual stages. First two in sheltered area. Three year cycles.
Camilli explained further. She discussed further with Schell. The DEP may want oyster counts.
Nelson explained they could combine alternatives.
Golf course fertilizer, fertilizer by-law, fertigation Captains course and oysters.
Taylor asked if DEP has been included in the shellfish discussion. Nelson - Yes, they agree, not sure about
the fertigation.
Leven stated that DEP has been at the table during the water planning collaborative discussions.
Nelson explained that DEP would have to come to an agreement regarding numbers. *Wellfleet puts the
shells back into the water.
Curtis asked if other towns would possibly not want Brewster to get involved.
Nelson stated it was possible.
Miller-P'asked about driving the oyster cost down.
CWPC 11-Z5-13.docx Page 3 of 4
Camilli etated there was not a return on the cost.
Ryan a ked what devastates oysters fast.
Nelson explained they may not put all of them in one spot since there could be disease. Everyone is
looking into this.
Schell questioned the acres. Camilli stated it depends on the DEP credit.
Curtis alnd Nelson discussed that the town could manage grants or contract out.
Evans stated that Pleasant Bay is not in Brewster and sees this as a serious problem. Other towns would
need to cooperate. More information is needed.
Schell, i■lelson and Bennett discussed the oyster habitat further and the necessary environment for
success6
Bennett suggested discussing with Orleans, Harwich, and the Pleasant Bay Alliance. (The oysters,
purchasing connections to Orleans and connecting to Orleans)
Skidmore asked Nelson what was required from the committee.
Nelson acknowledged there is more information to gather. He will talk to the alliance and come back for
another meeting. He will be looking for a recommendation to vote and then an implementation plan.
Nelson added the first two alternatives are a given. They are supported by the committee.
1) Fertilizer reduction at golf courses, 2) Fertilizer reduction by residents: a by-law
Skidmore asked if (4) alternatives were enough.
Nelson will confirm credit for fertigation, vet shellfish idea and see what happens.
Skidmore thought the (4) made sense. (Fertigation, connections to Orleans, IA's, and shellfish)
Bennett made a Motion that the following alternatives for Pleasant Bay made sense to the committee.
HWG will move forward with additional information for shellfish propagation #10, fertigation #8,
connecilons (see #5 and #6), and IA's (innovative alternatives), O'Reilly Second, All Aye, Vote 9-0.
Hughes',stated that the Board of Selectmen voted to extend the management agreement for Tri-Town. The
Board Of Selectmen is looking into how to invest in the future.
Sumner' is coming to the 12-9-13 meeting to talk about the Tri Town Plant.
3. App ay of minutes from 11-12-13
O'Reilly)made a Motion to approve the minutes from 11-12-13 as written, Ryan Second, All Aye,
Vote 9-10.
I 4. Topls the Chair did not reasonably anticipate
Skidmore asked for the Farber emails to be sent to the committee. The next one will be forwarded to the
group.
Bennett was in favor of discussion the subject further.
Schell asked Nelson about additional requirements for build-out. (Nitrogen removal)
Nelson etated they need to look into it further and compare with DEP.
Miller-P asked about the build-out report vs. a 20 year plan. Part of the costs? (Yes)
Leven explained the build-out covers what is likely to happen now. They discussed further.
Hughes suggested that the committee provide a full picture and show estimates. This will be needed when
it comea time to vote.
Taylor rhade a Motion to adjourn, O'Reilly Second, All Aye, Vote 9-0.
The meeting ended at 6:20 pm.
N xt e • • : Monday 12-9-13 0 4:30 pm
R-•pec�rbm ed,
ivoir Chair & Clerk Kelly Moore, Senior Dept. Assistant, Planning
CW•' 1 cx Page 4 of 4