WPCA Meeting Minutes 04/14/2022
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 14, 2022
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Jay Sheehan called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:05 p.m. via a virtual Zoom meeting. The following members were present: Michael Park, Lucian Dragulski and Jacques Brignac. Also present were Anthony Piazza, Superintendent and Alison Sturgeon, Clerk.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Piazza stated to be aware that tick season has started.
3. SEWER USE FEES FOR FY 2022/23 – CONTINUED DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLY SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE
Mr. Piazza stated he is not recommending that sewer user rates or the facility connection charge be increased for the upcoming fiscal year. It is Town staff’s recommendation to increase the construction permit fee from $100 to $150, which has not been increased since 2004. They are also recommending an increase to the labor rate from $40/hour to $50/hour.
Mr. Sheehan questioned how many permits the WPC typically gets each year. Mr. Piazza stated that he would estimate that number to be 70 permits.
Regarding the Fats, Oils and Grease registration, Mr. Piazza stated that the FOG registration would be for any Class 3 or 4 restaurant in the Town of Simsbury. The Town is required to check the maintenance logs for cleaning of their grease traps. To cover processing and inspection costs, staff is recommending a $50 biannual fee. Mr. Sheehan questioned if this would be every two years. Mr. Piazza stated that this is correct.
Regarding the Industrial Permit registration, Mr. Piazza stated that back in 2020, the Sate turned over enforcement of these permits to the Town. The State charged $6,250 for discharge of anything less than 25,000 gpd; for non-process discharges, the fee was $3,125. He reviewed what the surrounding Towns are currently or will soon be charging. Mr. Piazza stated that staff is recommending charging a $100 registration fee for all industrial users. For flows between 1,000-5,000 gpd a permit fee of $500 plus the $100 registration fee could be charged. For anything over 5,000 gpd, a permit fee of $1,000 plus the $100 registration fee could be charged. There are approximately 60 industrial users in the Town of Simsbury. There are only 6 companies that would be over the 5,000 gpd. He reviewed the types of industrial companies that would be included. The Town of Simsbury does not have the right to charge an Avon or Granby customer. He would suggest charging each Town instead of the customer, which is the same way that sewer use fees in those Towns are collected by Simsbury. A public hearing will be needed to put these fees into place.
Dr. Park made a motion to set the public hearing for determining the Industrial Permit Registration and the Fats, Oil and Grease Registration fees. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Dragulski made a motion to amend Dr. Park’s motion to set the public hearing for their May 12, 2022 meeting to set the Industrial Permit Registration and the Fats, Oil and Grease Registration fees. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. 44 SAND HILL ROAD, WEATOGUE – DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE SEWER EXTENSION
Mr. Piazza showed the Authority members an aerial map of the current sewers on Knoll Lane, Tallwood Lane, Deer Park and Croft Lane. There is a section of Sand Hill Road that is not currently sewered. He stated that if the Authority wanted to move forward, Town staff would hold an informational meeting with the approximately 14 homeowners in this area.
Dr. Park questioned how many of the neighbors were already interested. Mr. Piazza stated that two neighbors have expressed interest.
There was consensus among the Authority members to move forward with the informational meeting.
5. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Piazza stated that the Pine Hill Homeowner’s Association will be having a vote on May 6th to see if they want to proceed with the sewer replacement/upgrade project. Also, the contractor for the Woodland Street upgrade continues to wait on the State permit for crossing the abandoned railroad. He stated that they will be starting the landscaping restoration tomorrow.
6. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for the month of March. He stated that staff is continuing their work with AECOM for the update of the Water Pollution Control Plan, the Water Pollution Control Facilities Plan, analysis of the protective berm with the updated flood plain mapping, and an update on the phosphorous removal plan. Corrections are being made to the draft copy of the plan and will be provided to the Board for the next meeting.
Mr. Piazza stated that the UV disinfection system has been placed in service for the season. They have had several minor issues with equipment failures; staff has responded well to ensure no effluent violations have occurred. Regarding sewer lining, staff has compiled a list of lines remaining in the Tariffville section of Town as well as several lines along Hopmeadow St. The Tunxis Pump Station force main will be part of this project. This year’s work will complete the three-year bid with Granite Inliner.
Regarding staffing, Mr. Piazza stated that interviews have been completed for the open operator positions; background checks are being completed. Both applicants are expected to start in the coming weeks.
7. CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority members reviewed correspondence regarding the Nitrogen Credit Exchange Program. Simsbury will be receiving $5,413 from this program.
8. MARCH MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Dragulski made a motion to approve the March 10, 2022 meeting minutes as written. Mr. Brignac seconded the motion, which was approved. Dr. Park abstained.
9. ADJOURN
Dr. Park made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 p.m. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Jay Sheehan, Vice-Chairman