HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-06-28 Water and Sewer Advisory Committee MinutesWater Supply Advisory Committee Meeting
June 28, 1999
The meeting was convened at 7:35 p.m. at the Berger Room, Town Hall, Reading, MA. Present were Vice-chair
Mary Grimmer, Robert Salter, Will Finch, Richard Moore, William Freeman, Stephen ihn,.PUb c VVo s )s it t r
Ted McIntire, and Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean.
Gail Wood entered the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
The following persons were present for an interview with Camp Dresser McKee: Bob Cutone, John Gall, Liz
Beardsley, Brian Buckley.
Russell Dean stated that the interviews would be 20 minutes presentation, 25 minutes question and answer, and 15
minutes changeover for the next interview.
Bob Cutone gave a brief overview of the CDM team and John Gall made a presentation on the Camp Dresser
McKee proposal. John Gall said the demand forecasting would be key. Water withdrawal permits are scheduled to
renew next year. Camp Dresser McKee will use web technology plus three public meetings to get the message out.
CDM will do demand forecast by type as required by new state regulations. CDM will look at conservation as a
source of supply. There is an issue of quality compelling treatment. CDM cited their experience with Bedford, MA.
CDM emphasized that customer complaints are an issue and things like color complaints existed during a
Cambridge project. CDM said bedrock wells have a high variable yield with good general quality. Regional
solutions are lengthy and complex. CDM has directly related experience and are currently doing work on consumer
confidence. Bedrock well experience in North Reading and Middleton. Woburn water plan.
Gail Wood asked about the timing of the study. Would recommendations be changed based upon changes in
regulations?
CDM said demand is key. If for some reason the Town goes to MWRA they would have to maintain the facility as
long as it is economically viable. Economic viability does not include cost of buy-in charge.
William Freeman asked if CDMs displayed cost estimates included the water treatment plant. CDM answered yes.
Gail Wood asked how things like demand management, forecasting, and conservation will be handled. How do
private wells affect our ability to withdraw water from the basin. CDM said we are at 60 gpd on average, which is
good for surburban town. The Water Management Act impacts decisions surrounding the Ipswich River.
Bob Salter asked if bedrock well are a panacea as an additional or alternate source of supply. CDM reported the
results have been mixed depending upon where you are.
Richard Moore asked how much water use would change if the restrictions were lifted? CDM answered not much,
that irrigation would be the biggest issue.
Russ Dean asked Bob Cutone to give his impressions of Reading's water issues from a resident perspective. Bob
said he has lived in Town a long time and his kids have gone through the school system. He knows how important
this issue is for the community.
Russ Dean asked Bob Cutone and John Gall to talk about their regional expertise. CDM said they have every town
around Reading except Peabody.
The committee recessed for 10 minutes.
The following people from Weston & Sampson were present for an interview: Patrick Connelly, Jim Finegan, Paul
Williams, Barbara Cook, and a representative from HydroSource, Associates.
Russ Dean introducted Pat Connelly and said the format is 20 minutes presentation, 25 question and answer.
Pat Connelly introducted Weston & Sampson team and gave an overview of the related experience in Reading, the
needs of the committee, and provided a 2-dimensional chart detailing the committee criteria. Regional water
supplies will be looked at. Andover is currently supplying North Reading. Trying to remove chemicals from water
will be the bullk of the feasibility study. There will be a water quality analysis done. Hydrosource will be on board
to measure fractures to put the probability of bedrock wells in perspective. The product will be a graphical report to
the public and a public education campaign.
Gail Wood asked if we built a treatment plant on the same site would we pay the, same connection fee? If we buy
water from other communities would we pay the same connection fee? Pat Connelly said yes generally, but the
connection fee is negotiable under certain circumstances.
William Freeman asked how distorted could final cost estimates be due to the complexity of the water? Barbara
Cook said if the costs of alternatives come out close, the firm can determine if pilot testing is necessary.
Richard Moore asked for an explanation of the chart.
Stephen Oston noted the scheduled is aggressive. Weston & Sampson agreed, but tried to fit their schedule to the
Town's needs. Pat Connelly said data could be gathered in 3-4 months. Paul Williams said there are other things
going on in the basin. Pat Connelly said it's the Town's investment and Weston & Sampson is familiar with the
system - it will save time and money.
Richard Moore asked about the timing of the study. Paul Williams said yes, they should pay attention to other
studies.
Motion made by Wood and seconded by Moore to adjourn at 9:35 p.m.. Motion carried 5-1-0.
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