WRAB-WWMPC
MINUTES MEETING OF 6/12/07
Present were Chair Weiss, Co-Chair Whitmore, members Sandler, Nugent, Sullivan, Lightfoot, Olthof and Bayne, Health Agent Crowley and Americorp volunteer Usowski.
Minutes of 5/8 were approved as written.
Articles re MBTE spill in Long Island and pesticide removal technique in India were distributed. (file).
10 year well study
Usowski presented her initial analysis of the data collected for the 7th year of the 10 year 59 well study. She was able to acquire samples from 58 wells. Her final report will be completed in July. Her preliminary analysis shows a fairly constant result re nitrogen (N). She also compared the N level to ground water table levels. Board members asked for clarification of the data on ground water levels which was taken from a report by Cape Cod Commission hydrologist Belfit:
Is the location of the Wellfleet test well “above” sea level or “above” water table?
Where is the well exactly?
Municipal water: discussion of Town Meeting events
Olthof reported on his written review of the Town Meeting (T.M.) tapes. He found the quality to be rather poor, but was able to transcribe many of the comments made by citizens. (file.)
The board would like to invite these citizens to a meeting to discuss their opinions with us.
Also distributed were Martin MacDonald’s and Russ French’s comments re the T.M. discussion about water.
Whitmore reported on his talk with waste water consultant Nate Weeks who had attended T. M. Weeks commented:
The discussion should be led by a professional.
Public relations work is needed before the next T.M.
Presenters need to be able to respond to questions!
Weiss reported on his talk with municipal water consultants Paul Gabriel and Mark White, who had attended T.M..
Gabriel commented:
If the motion had been for phase one only (exploration of water sources) it would have passed.
The elements of the proposal were not understood and there was no way to explain these.
Use a map showing tested wells rather than charts; people are more able to respond to maps.
White commented:
Costs are an educated guess at this point.
To the description of the overall project, a description of each phase should be added, with the cost per phase.
Crowley, Weiss and Whitmore met with Vanderhoef who asked that the board meet with the Selectmen to discuss the future of the project. It was agreed the Selectmen need to assume a role of advocacy, and that another public meeting needs to be held.
Major issues were defined as:
1.Why water first rather than waste water?
2. Effectiveness of alternative approaches to municipal water.
3. Impact of water on development.
4. Mandatory hook up vs. voluntary.
5. All costs of both distribution and long term management.
Crowley has fielded many questions from the public, among them:
If we have contaminated private wells, why won’t a municipal well be contaminated too?
Why not waste water first?
Cost related questions such as: cost of a water department? Hook up costs?
Bayne commented that she has heard the concerns:
My water is good; why do I need public water?
Will we abandon concern for surface waters (ponds, estuaries, bay, ocean) if we have municipal water?
Whitmore added: We need quantitative answers re fire insurance ratings and fire hazard. Get the fire chief involved.
Next meeting 7/10/07 at Town Hall meeting room.
Submitted by Sandy Bayne, clerk
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