Back to Wastewater Master Planning Committee Meeting Minutes
JUNE 14, 2006
A scheduled meeting of the Hingham Comprehensive Wastewater Master Planning Committee (Committee) was held on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 in the South Hearing Room, 210 Central St. Hingham, MA.
The meeting was called to order by Dr. Shilts at 7:11PM
MEMBERS PRESENT Kirk Shilts, Board of Health, Secretary
Gene Babin, Conservation Commission
John Brandt, Sewer Commission
Iris Daigle
Richard (Skip) Hull
John Riley, Board of Selectmen
Mark White
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
CAMP DRESSER & MCKEE INC. (CDM) David Polcari, Project manager
Allan Roscoe, Assistant project manager
AGENDA Dr. Shilts reviewed the draft agenda for the meeting.
Thereafter, the agenda was approved as presented.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Dr. Shilts updated the Committee on two changes to the Committee’s membership.
• John Riley will serve as the Board of Selectmen member.
• Tod McGrath has been appointed to the Committee and will serve as the Planning Board member.
MINUTES Dr. Shilts reviewed the draft minutes from the June 9, 2005 meeting with the Committee.
Thereafter, a MOTION was made by Mr. Babin and Seconded by Ms. Daigle and it was VOTED (unanimous);
To approve the minutes of June 9, 2005 as presented.
ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS Dr. Shilts opened the floor for nominations for Committee Chairman and for Secretary.
Thereafter, a MOTION was made by Mr. Riley and Seconded by Mr. Babin and it was VOTED (unanimously):
To nominate Dr. Shilts as Committee Chairman.
Thereafter, a MOTION was made by Dr. Shilts and Seconded by Mr. Babin and it was VOTED (unanimously);
To nominate Ms. Daigle as Committee Secretary.
Whereas no additional nominations were offered, Dr. Shilts and Ms. Daigle will serve as Chairman and Secretary respectively.
COMPREHENSIVE WASTEWATER
MASTER PLAN PROJECT
► PROJECT SCHEDULE: A revised projected schedule includes:
Phase I, Collection of data: Ongoing
Phase I, Public participation: April/06 & August/06
Phase II, Evaluation of alternatives: July-October/06
Phase II, Submission of EIR: Fall/06
Phase II, Public comment: Fall/06
Conclusion/ Final EIR submission: Winter/07
INITIAL PUBLIC MEETING Mr. Polcari reviewed with the Committee an overview of the April 19, 2006 informational public meeting. Public participation was described as sparse.
► PROJECT SCOPE:
STUDY NEEDS ANALYSIS DISCUSSION Mr. Roscoe reviewed with the Committee the following study parameters and concepts.
• Study Areas: Mr. Roscoe presented a map of Hingham subdivided into nineteen (19) regions based on housing density, notable environmental features, and general use zoning.
• Needs Analysis: Mr. Roscoe outlined the three main criteria that the study will investigate, (1). Lot size & density, (2). Subsurface soil conditions, and (3). Proximity to environmental resources.
• Scoring Process: Mr. Roscoe described the necessity to “weight” the above three criteria when developing an overall score relative to any study area.
Mr. Roscoe and Polcari further outlined the primary wastewater concerns relative to each needs analysis criterion.
(1). Lot size and Density: This parameter influences effluent nitrogen loading to the soil proportional to density.
(2). Subsurface Conditions: This parameter influences effluent percolation rates, depth to groundwater, and prevalence of on-site septic system repairs.
The Committee discussed the issue of on-site repair prevalence due to actual systems failure, and repairs that result from Title-5 mandated inspections due to property ownership changes.
Thereafter, the Committee instructed CDM to contact the Hingham Health Dept. regarding this issue.
(3). Proximity to Environmental receptors: This parameter is influences two principle concerns, environmental protection and public water supply protection.
Mr. Polcari pointed out that in addition to common water supply protection criteria, Hingham has an added concern relative to its “high” stressed watershed basin classification.
Thereafter, the Committee instructed CDM to contact the Aquarion Water Co. regarding this issue.
► PROJECT BUDGET: Mr. Polcari and Mr. Brandt reviewed current budget information with the Committee.
The following issues were discussed:
• The Sewer Commission is charged with reviewing request for funds and dispensing monies.
• To date, approximately 20% of total budget or $80,000 have been dispersed.
PUBLIC INPUT Public comment included a discussion about properties around the Weir River Sewer district, and a concern relative to the cost to homeowners if town sewers were to be introduced into their neighborhood.
Public comment included a suggestion that the Committee meeting schedule be more widely posted, that the Committee develop a specific list of objectives, and that the Committee compile a sheet of FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) from each town agency/department relative to improving wastewater management practices.
PUBLIC OUTREACH PROGRAM Mr. Polcari will develop a simplified list of the project’s primary objectives for public dissemination.
SCHEDULING The next Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 7PM.
ADJOURNMENT The June 14, 2006 meeting of the Hingham Comprehensive Wastewater Master Planning Committee adjourned at 9:05pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kirk J. Shilts, D.C.
Secretary,
Hingham Comprehensive Wastewater Master Planning Committee