HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02-18 Sewer Committee MinutesSewn Committee
Meeting Minutes
February 18, 1998
Councilors Attending: Nichi Fambam, John Rohmev
Staff Madding: Ji Ring, Brad Moore, Edward Barren
Others Attending: Tim Boone(Uni6rst), Tom Delay (New Franklin Laundry)
1. Sewer Abatement Request- Peal Newman
64-66 Sanford Street
Brad pointed out that in looking the consumption records for the above property, there had
notbeeoatryconstmptonthelast2quanasprehoustot slastbJledquarter. Theproperty
was rent occupied hen a pipe from renafi% in an unusually high water bill and sewer big. The
abatement, if approved, would be for $813.82. Abatement approved.
2. Legislation Update
fun Ring updated the Committee on two issues in particWar that have been discussed in the
pat. The that is the delegation bill that is still pending. Ifapproved, this would mean higher
licensing fees for the City; however, it is felt that with the Stommwater R issue, there may be
some benefits in dealing withthe este ifthe EPA's authority is delegated to the DEP. The
current proposal is approximately $/300. Tlriswas carried war from the last session. The
Maine Municipal Aaweletiov's Legislative's Popery Commits dinussed this on two different
occasions and initially took the position of being opposed. More recently they we and
reconsidered and are now taking no position. Lm again want to the Natural Resources
Commence because this was supposed to be discussed. It was not. fun will attend again on
the 25th. He is not sure where this will go, but his feeling is that after listening to the
discussion and talking to several committee members, is that it will probably be passed by a
narrow margin. lien will coreame to update the Committee.
The other issue thin is panting is the Stormwato B regulations. Jim handed outiummustion
from the Federal Register which mention those communities which are regulated. The City
of Bangor, being in an urhaniud area, will come under Stomrwater H as proposed. for
explained that the Cityhas a outlined system and there is mention of only the portion of the
community that has a separate worm system as regulated, which means the newer
subdivisions, the Airport, and approximately 3/4 tithe area line outside of the interstate. The
other two references are about possible exemptions, which as presently proposed, there are
no exemptions for the City. Also, the permitting authority is mentioned and how they may
deal with considered exemptions. The CSO plan that was built represents a significant
investment and burden on the City of Bangor. One of the things that Jim would Wee to
propose is that thou wmmurides that are already subject to CSO control programs be
sustained from the Stommvater B regulations until those programs are completed. One of
the reasons Tim brings this up now is because there is a 90 -day comment period. EPA is
holding public hearings a 6 locations over the near month. There is one in Boston that John
Murphy, will be amindung The H A is also actively involved in this. The Water
itinerating Federation will be adopting a position as a national organization as well as the
Urban Wet Weather Advisory Committee ofthe CSO Partnership.
Councilor Rolunm asked if there is anything the Sewer Committee should he doing to
demonstrate their support with the full Comcil? Ed Barrett suggested passing a Resolve in
support Tm explained that this has been discussed but the Water Environment Federation
has taken a very strong position on this issue and J felt a common voice would be more
effective. lm stated that he would like Joico when he mends the headng un Boston, to be
able to state that this has the support of the Sewer Committee.
I Staff Activities
Brad Moore updated the Committee on actrutiss that indirectly affect the treatment program.
The EPA is coming art with proposals that deal with commercial laundries that will put them
into a categorical standard, meaning they an longer fell into the local Hunts, which the City
has calculated. This will put these laundries in a more stringers federal program. Brad
explained that it has been demonstrated through the years that Unlfimt has already made a
sizable investment to come into compliance with the local limits. The local limits have
protected the treatment plant and the amount of flow that the treatment plant receives from
either of these commercial laundries is.6%ofthe Bow coming into the treatment plant so it
is very neglisible. Andy RuanAa,apre-treatmart coordimtor m the plant, through the Maine
wastewater Control Association, is formung a formal response to this proposal.
Mr. BaUeyfeels that the BPA is underestimating the impact this will have on lmundries. The
costs associated with this will be much higher than the EPA figures.
Brad will cominue to update the Committee on this issue.
Another issue brought m Brad's aftemion is how much water is used by laundries. Some of
the wafer remains in the clothes and same evaporates through the drying process. An
employee at our of the laundries asked about putting in a metering device on the discharge
ofthefaciity, The industry figures for loss range from 5%40%,which is a wide range.A
section ofthe sewer ordinance states "a ratepayer who uses water in its end on manufactured
product which is shipped from the ratepayers facility, or in the process of manufacturing a
product or providing a service, and where such water does not enter into the sewer system,
either un whole or in part, may apply for an abatement of the sewer use fee equal to that
portion ofthewaterwhich does not reach the City sewer system. TheappBcantshallbearthe
burda of providing the necessary proof and documentation as to the amours of water used
which does not ata unto the sewer system. Adequate documentation must accompany a
mmiest for abatement and most clearly demonstrate the quantity of water used which does
not eater into the sewer system. -
Brad explained [bat from an engineering standpoint, there are devices mat can measure the
Flow leaving facilities. What the laundries are asking is if tlds primary measuring device
would suffice in providing the eidenoe. ]int feels it would because it is subject to cslibmtion
and is quality aluipmem.
Tee suggestion was made that once the laundry mvaem have a good idea of exactly they are
going to do, an application be made to Bmd p xwidini; him with the information he needs.
Brad can then make a recommendation to the Committee.
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