HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-09-22 Sewer Committee Minutes Sewer Committee
� Meeting Minutes
September 22, 1999
Cauncilors Attending: Gerry Palmer, Nichi Farnham
Staff Attending: Jim Ring, John Murphy, Ed Barrett
Others Attending: Alan I�ochis (School Department), Ed Russell
Meeting called to order at 2:30 p.m.
1. Sewer Abatement Request - 34-38 Main Street
Mr. Russell contacted the BWD regarding an unusually high bilE received. He
explained to the Committee that the property has been vacant since February
1999 and when they received the unusually high bill they contacted the V1later
District. Brad Moore spoke with the Water District and it was indicated that it
was an old style flush with an elevated tank and it appeared that the flush valve
stuck. The owner received the next bill which shawed normal consumption.
� Staff indicates that this meets abatement requirements. Approved.
2. Sewer Abatement Reques� - Bangor Schaal Department Acct. #099001
Alan Kochis from the School Department sent a letter to Brad Moore explaining
that due ta the extremely dry summer a significant amount of watering took
place at the athletic �eid, particularly Cameron Stadium Complex. It appears
that the watering program was 3 times the normal usage, which was not realized
unti( the meter was read. The estimated sewer cost for)une through August will
be approximately $5,50Q which exceeds the School Deparkment's budget figure
for the year. The Department is requesting an abatement of a portion of the biil
as the water used never reached the VVW1'P for treatment. They will apply for a
separate meter to avoid the issue in the future. StafF indicated that if the
abatement is granted, the adjusted sewer user fee could be based on the
previous faur years' average usage during that biliing quarter, which is
' $2,127.96. Another scenario is that the abatement could be based on average
usage consumption during quarters when the complex was not watered, which is
$6Q4,44. Jim Ring commented that the only cancern he has is if mare
individuals come forward requesting the same type of abatement especia(ly with
the dry summer. The Committee approved abatement request using the first
scenaria basing the amount on the previous four years' average.
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� 3. �date: CSO Projects
e David Braok Pro�ect: ]im explained that the test of this project came after the
significant rainfall on �eptember 10�' and llt", which showed that Davis
Broak is working the way it was intended to. John Murphy showed the
Committee a graph that shawed fEow rates with respect to the height of the
tank and illustrates what was captured and what wasn't. Staff will continue
to update the Committee.
♦ Union Street Project: This project is complete and went very well. John
commented that this was a sewer separatian project to create both a sanitary
sewer and a storm sewer. There was a stormwater treatment unit installed
just befare it dumps inta the river. The idea, although it is starmwater as
opposed to combined wastewater, is that there is ather debris and grit that is
dumped along the wate�front, The stormwater treatment unit captures this
material, ]ohn explained that they will be setting up a monitoring and testing
system on this and will keep the Cammittee informed. �
♦ Center Street Project: This project is underway. The blasting hasn't taken
plaee ye� and so far there haven't been any complaints. Notifications went
out to residents in the area explaining what would happen, who to contact,
etc.
♦ BMHI Sewer Project: Jim explained that a few years ago there were concerns
near BMHI because their complex gaes into a public sewer. There is an old
� city line that runs 1,000-1,200 feet near to Cascade Park and there is a
tremendous amount of infiltration and e�ctraneous water ge�ting into the
system. Staff is working on fixing this prablem. There are a few other
projects that will be included in this contract. Another issue being looked at
is the Daw Trunk System. Staff is looking at a way ta get rid of the pump
station, and will continue ta update the Committee on this issue.
4. Update - Staff Activities
♦ John Murphy explained that EPA has been required by Congress to address
wet weather water quality standards as they relate to CSO's. CSO's do not
meet water quality standards because �hey have sewage in them. There is a
choice of either eliminating the CSO's or changing the water quality
standards. 7ohn will attend an "Invited Experts" meeting with EPA in
Washin�ton, DC on September 24 to help EPA work through some of the
details on review and revision of water qua(ity standards.
Meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
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