WPCA Minutes 11/09/2017
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 9, 2017
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Paul Gilmore called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Simsbury Water Pollution Control Facility Conference Room, 36 Drake Hill Road, Simsbury. The following members were present: Lucian Dragulski, Michael Park, Ed Kelly, Jay Sheehan, Thomas Hickey and Jacques Brignac. Also present were Anthony Piazza, Superintendent, Alison Sturgeon, Clerk, as well as other interested parties.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore gave a safety brief regarding wearing the correct eye, hand and ear protection while snow blowing this winter.
3. RELEASE OF RETAINER FOR FARMINGTON RIVERBANK STABILIZATION PROJECT – BLACK & WARNER CONSTRUCTION CO.
Mr. Piazza stated that Black & Warner Construction is requesting the release of their retainer for the Farmington Riverbank stabilization project. The retainage is $8,949. There was a related mussel survey done; reports have been filed with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to release the retainage in the amount of $8,949 for the Farmington Riverbank stabilization project. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Piazza stated that the Bushy Hill Road sewer extension project estimate came in higher than expected. He is hopeful that this project will go back out to bid in the spring. The Maple Court area upgrade is currently underway. The connection has already been made to 17 Firetown Road and Simscroft is currently working on Maple Court.
Mr. Piazza stated that the design for Massaco Street has been completed. This project will go out to bid in March 2018. The final paving for the Hopmeadow Street project will be done within the next few weeks. Regarding the possible Flintlock Ridge area sewer extension project, 19 interest cards have been sent back; all but one response are in favor of getting more information about a sewer extension in this area.
Mr. Piazza stated that a letter has been sent to Sunlight Construction regarding the work at Cambridge Court. Work that was being done was not in accordance with the approved plans. The developer was told that revised plans would need to be submitted. When the WPC Inspector went out to the site, he discovered that 5 manholes and approximately 750 feet of sanitary sewer and several lateral connections had been installed without the proper inspections as well as Town staff not having the revised set of plans. Since then, the developer has had to dig up around several manholes to provide proof of correct installation techniques. Mr. Piazza stated that this development continues to be on hold until he receives a new set of plans.
5. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for October. He stated that the replacement of the plant boiler has started and is anticipated to be completed within two weeks. The UV disinfection system and the phosphorous analyzer have been taken off line for the winter months. Also, the VFD inlet filter for pump # 1 at the South pump station has failed. This is the second time that this unit has failed. Staff is currently looking at eliminating the filter or replacing it with an updated unit.
Mr. Piazza stated that the sludge tank mixer blower VFD failed, which has been replaced. This has been accounted for in the budget. He stated that the Wolcott pump station radio / PLC are showing signs of failure; the PLC and radio are not communicating consistently. Staff is working with the integrator to try and determine the cause of the issue. In conjunction with this, quotes are being obtained to replace the SCADA system at the station. As a safety measure, a high level alarm off of the separate radio system at the station has been installed.
Regarding the Hayes pump station upgrade, Mr. Piazza stated that NORCOM has completed the installation of the new SCADA system. The station has been fully operational with no issues to date. He stated that staff has contacted the Town attorney to ask for clarification and guidance on the proposed options for allocation. They are currently waiting for a response. Mr. Piazza stated that staff continues with video inspection and cleaning of the system.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority members reviewed a letter to the Town of Granby regarding payment of their portion of the Wolcott Road pump station rehabilitation project.
7. OCTOBER 12, 2017 MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to approve the October 12, 2017 minutes as written. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Hickey and Mr. Kelly abstained.
Mr. Sheehan stated that the State Water Policy has come out. This is a draft plan; comments can be made up until a certain date in October. He stated that the document is 600 pages. This plan will affect waste water utilities. After a short discussion, the Authority members agreed to have Mr. Sheehan review the policy and to articulate his concerns and to make a timely submission to the State.
Mr. Hickey made a motion to appoint Mr. Sheehan to review, comment and submit those comments with respect to the proposed State Water Policy. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Piazza stated that he has been working with the Town Attorneys to get the contract finalized with respect to the permit renewal, which expires in the fall of 2018.
Mr. Piazza stated that the State is putting the responsibility of industrial permits on Towns. The State will no longer be issuing industrial permits; the onus will be on each Town. He is unsure of exactly how many industrial permits there are. He stated there are 5 in Simsbury and approximately 10 in Avon. He will have more to report regarding this issue once he gets more information from the State.
8. ADJOURN
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Paul Gilmore, Chairman