HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - WC - 02/10/2016 , _13 Ccobasset Water
D E P A R T M E N T Commissioners
Leonora C. Jenkins
J� t�assE +�' � 0 �c23f i,{n�e7Jc t1 Rolf N. Gjesteby
--� John W. Steinmetz
Minutes of the Cohasset Board of Water Commissioners
339 King Street— Water Treatment Plant
February 10, 2016 @ 9:30 am
Members Present: Leonora Jenkins, Chairman
Rolf Gjesteby, Vice-Chairman
Recording Secretary: Brenda Douglas
Guests Present: Carl Hillstrom, Joe Geary, Leland Jenkins, Brian Joyce, Chris Senior,
Mass DEP represented by Becky Weidman, Duane LeVangie, Richard Friend, & Beth
McCann
Lee called the meeting to order at 9:40 all in favor. Duane stated that they are getting
ready for issue the new Water Withdrawal Permit which will be thru the year 2030. They
are hoping to issue a draft in mid-March. Then it will go out to public comment for 30
days. Then in mid-June the final would be issued. Richard Friend is the one writing the
permit. Beth said that they are here to answer any questions that anyone may have. Lee
asked when it goes out for public comment can the board run it in the public. They stated
than anyone can comment. Richard said that it does not necessarily mean that there
would be any change to the permit. The permits will be posted on their website as well
as MWWA website. They mentioned that North and South watershed will also get a
copy. The register of permits will also get a copy that will take care of the surrounding
towns.
Then Richard reviewed the chart he brought, information attached within. Lee asked if
they did an increase to the plant could the permit be adjusted. They said yes but there
would be multiple permitting, or a permanent amendment.
The new permit states that Aaron River Reservoir Dam and Bound Brook Control
Structure must maintain flow releases and operational plan, but may eliminate the
following stream gauge stations: Peppermint Brook, Brass Kettle Brook, Herring Brook,
Bound Brook, and Aaron River at Doane Street.
Currently the permit allows for 80 gallons per person per.day. The new permit will now
be reduced 65 gallons per person per day. Lee asked if this would include irrigation, they
stated yes. Lee informed them that there is a large section of town that has gardens not
just lawns. Richard stated that if you are not using more than is needed it will evaporate
not go back into the water table as Lee stated. Beth explained that this is a concern state
339 King Street, Cohasset, Massachusetts 02025
Tel: (781) 383-0057 Fax: (781) 383-2906 www.cohassetwater.org
wide. Outdoor water use restrictions will be new to Cohasset. They will offer
suggestions on how to police. Duane & Becky stated that there are no restrictions on
watering of gardens;they are simply trying to deter the use of irrigation systems.
Lee explained to the DEP members that there was a study done many years ago which
projected Cohasset's population to be at 20,000. This is when they decided to construct
the reservoir and Lily Pond. Currently we are only supplying water to 7,000 residents.
Lee wanted to know how she is supposed to explain the new restrictions to the customers
when we have so much water. Lee explained that the 2nd tank was put online for fire
suppression. Beth explained that all communities will have restrictions not just the
neighbors next door. Rolf stated that they are going to have to come up with steps for
conservation. But what will happen if Cohasset does not meet that. Beth stated that
Cohasset is very close to meeting the restrictions already. The DEP can deem that if you
are doing"best management practice"then they are not going to enforce. If you don't
make 65 then you need to reduce irrigation t y g o 2 days a week, and you would be allowed a
hand held. Carl asked if they could use a stream gauge to constitute when restrictions are
done. Carl asked if it would have to be prior to a season. The guy said other towns are
doing % & %this way then are not putting in restrictions. Lee asked if other towns are
complaining due to the fact that this not only affects water but sewer. They stated that
yes other towns have voiced that it will cause revenues to decrease.
Lee asked what if we get the unaccountable water down to 8 or 9%, will the DEP be
giving 2 years to get to the 10%. If the town is doing everything and can't meet the 10%
what would the DEP do? They would suggest a water audit. Then the town would be
given town time to fix. Beth says they have a program in place that they offer grants to
pay for the audits. Usually in September they become available. This would be a
proactive approach which will be funded. Brian asked if the grant program works for
Capital Projects. Beth said that they pay for meters or studies, but mainly studies. The
maximum grant would be $140,000. The water audits usually run$20,000 - $30,000.
Members of the DEP said that the notification will go out thru MWWA and is on their
website.
Richard said that based on the existing withdrawal permit there are 2 buildings that need
to be retrofitted with low flow devices by August 30`h. Then there was a discussion of
mitigation. The DEP said that Cohasset has not worries about mitigation we are already
meeting it. Existing permit .95 current use is .81, they stated if they wanted more than
they would only have to request a new permit. Mitigation is already in the bank. The
water resource commission is the one who set the rate at 65%.
Next meeting scheduled for 2/18 @ 9:30am. Lee will get subjects for agenda to me and I
will post with Clerks Office. Meeting adjourned at 11:40 am
Respectfully Submitted,
Brenda Douglas, Reco z cr
x
Approved By: 10 Date:
Jo Steinmetz, Clerk
C hasset Board of Water Commission
339 King Street, Cohasset, Massachusetts 02025
Tel: (781) 383-0057 Fax: (781) 383-2906 www.cohassetwater.org
Discussion of Cohasset Renewed WMA Permit Conditions,February 10,2016 with Cohasset
A. Sources:
Source Name PWS Source ID Approved Maximum
Daily Rate (MGD)
Ellms Meadow Wellfield 3065000-02G 0.17
Lily Pond 3065000-02S 3.0*
*DEP drinking water program limits the daily volume that can be pumped from Lily Pond to the treatment plant's
capacity of 3 MGD.
The firm yield of Cohasset's combined surface water sources is 4.06 million gallons per day. This firm yield takes
into account the flow releases for fish per Cohasset's "Aaron River Reservoir Dam and Bound Brook Control
Structure Flow Releases and Operational Plan."
B_ Seasonal Flow Releases,Drought Management Plan,Monitoring and Reporting
Fish Passage Flow Releases
Minimum Flow Target
Season Description Criteria cfs
The period(approximately 4
Spring Fish Run weeks)when ten or more River 6 Daylight Flow
(April,May or Herring are observed at the fish and
June) ladders. 2.2—Nightime Flow
The period following the spring
Summer Summer Low fish run, during which flows are
Flow Period naturally lowest,to maintain 2.2—Daily Flow in
suitable conditions for aquatic Bound Brook downstream
habitat. of the BBCS
The period(approximately 4
Fall Fish Run weeks)when ten or more River 6 Daylight Flow
(Sept., Oct. or Herring are observed at the fish and
Nov.) ladders. 2.2 Ni htime Flow
The period following the fall fish 2.2—Daily Flow in
Winter Winter Flow run to assist in maintaining Bound Brook downstream
Period suitable environmental conditions of the
- for aquatic habitat. BBCS
Cohasset shall continue to implement its"Aaron River Reservoir Dam and Bound Brook Control Structure
Flow Releases and Operational PIan", dated March 2004,but inay eliminate the following gauge stations
(requested in Permit Amendment application dated December 23,2013): Peppermint Brook; Brass Kettle
Brook; Herring Brook; Bound Brook and Aaron River at Doane Street.
Daily release monitoring and compliance with seasonal flow releases at Aaron River Reservoir and BBCS
fish ladders shall continue. Cohasset may return to annual reporting requirements, per its December 23, 2013
Permit Amendment request.
C. Performance Standard for Residential Gallons Per Capita Day Water Use
The Town of Cohasset's performance standard for residential gallons per capita day(RGPCD) is 65 gallons
or less. Cohasset shall be in compliance with this perfonnance standard by December 31, 201.S. Appendix A
provides functional equivalence requirements if the RGPCD Performance Standard is not met.
gb
Cohasset gets 2 years to meet 65 because their last permit had RGPCD.
2011,2012, 2013,2014 were 63, 61, 62, 68 respectively.
Town of Cohasset 2
D. Performance Standard for Unaccounted for Water
The Town of Cohasset's Performance Standard for Unaccounted for Water(UAW) is 10% or less of overall water
withdrawal for 2 of the most recent years 3 throughout the permit period. Cohasset shall be in compliance with
this performance standard by December 31,201 S.
Cohasset gets 2 years to meet 10% because their last permit had 15%.
2012, 2013, 2014 were 14%, 16%, 13%, respectively.
E. Seasonal Limits on Nonessential Outdoor Water Use
Mandatory restrictions from May I"through September 30t'as outlined in Table below.
Permittee shall be responsible for tracking streamflows and drought advisories and recording when restrictions are
implemented if streamflow triggered restrictions are implemented.
Permittee may implement more stringent water use restrictions than required by this permit.
Water Uses Restrictions
Nonessential outdoor water uses that are subject to mandatory restrictions include:
• irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems;
• washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety; and
• washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to
apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement_
The following uses may be allowed when mandatory restrictions are in place:
• irrigation to establish a new lawn and new plantings during the months of May and September;
• irrigation of public parks.and recreational fields by means of automatic sprinklers outside the hours of
9 am to 5 pm; and
• watering lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose.
Water uses NOT subject to mandatory restrictions are those required:
• for health or safety reasons;
• by regulation;
• for the production of food and fiber;
• for the maintenance of livestock; or
• to meet the core functions of a business (for example, irrigation by golf courses as necessary to
maintain tees, greens, and limited fairway watering, or irrigation by plant nurseries as necessary to
maintain stock).
To the extent feasible, all summer outdoor water use should take place before 9 am and after 5 pm
when evaporation and evapotranspiration rates are lower.
Town of Cohasset 3
_ Seasonal Limits on Nonessential Outdoor Water Use
, Fro',Permittees meeting the 65 RGPCD Standard:for the preceding year
RGPCD<65 as re orted'in the ASR and:acce ted bynMassDEP
Nonessential outdoor water use is allowed:
a) seven (7) days per week before 9 am and after 5 pm; and
Calendar b) one (1) day per week before 9 am and after 5 pm
Triggered when USGS stream gage 0 1105730--Indian Head River at Hanover,MA falls below
Restrictions 4.9 efs for three(3)consecutive days.
Once streamflow triggered restrictions are implemented, they shall remain in place until
streamflow at the gage meets or exceeds 4.9 cfs for seven(7)consecutive days.
Nonessential outdoor water use is allowed:
a) seven(7) days per week before 9 am and after 5 pm
when USGS stream gage 01105730—Indian Head River at Hanover,MA falls
below:
• May 1 June 30: 31 efs for three(3)consecutive days
streamflow Triggered • July 1 —September 30: 13 cfs for three(3) consecutive days
Restrictions b) one(1) day per week before 9 am and after 5 prn
when USGS stream gage 01105730—Indian Head River at Hanover,MA falls below
4.9 efs for three (3) consecutive days.
Once implemented,the restrictions shall remain in place until streamflow at the gage meets
or exceeds the trigger streamflow for seven(7)consecutive days.
For.Permittees NOT meeting the 65 RGPCD standard for the preceding year
RGPCD>65.as.re orted in.:the ASR.and.:acee tad by MassDEP
I
Calendar no
Triggered Nonessential outdoor water use is allowed ce day per week before 9 am and after 5 pm
Restrictions
Nonessential outdoor water use is allowed one(1) day per week before 9 am and after 5 pm
when USGS stream gage 01105730—Indian Head River at Hanover,MA falls below:
Streamflow • May 1 —June 30: 31 cfs for three (3) consecutive days
Triggered • July. 1 —September 30: 13 cfs for three (3) consecutive days
Restrictions
Once implemented,the restrictions shall remain in place until streamflow at the gage meets
or exceeds the trigger streamflow for seven(7) consecutive days.
Town of Cohasset 4
F. Water Conservation Requirements
At a minimum, Cohasset shall implement conservation measures listed below. The Department recognizes that
Cohasset is currently implementing a number of these requirements.
Leak Detection
1. At a minimum, conduct a Rill leak detection survey every three years. Compliance with Special Condition
Performance Standard for Unaccounted for Water may require more frequent leak detection surveys if
unaccounted-for-water exceeds 10%.
2. Conduct leak detection of the entire distribution system within one year whenever the percentage of
UAW increases by 5% or more(for example an increase from 3% to 8016) over the percentage reported
on the ASR for the prior calendar year. Within 60 days of completing the leak detection survey,submit
to the Department a report detailing the survey, any leaks uncovered as a result of the survey or
otherwise, dates of re air and the estimated water savings as a result o the repairs.
Residential and Public Sector Conservation
Cohasset must retrofit all municipally owned public buildings within the service area with water saving
devices by August 3 1, 2016,
G. Mitigation
Cohasset's baseline withdrawal rate is 0.79 mgd, based on the 2003-2005 actual use plus 5%. The mitigation
amount is 0.16 mgd, the existing and proposed authorized rate (0.95 mgd)minus baseline.
DCR projected a total use of 1.06 in 2030 including, selling water to Erikson retirement community in
Hingham and to North Cohasset. Cohasset must apply for a new permit if annual withdrawals exceed 0.95
mgd.
Cohasset Permit Renewal and Forecasted Rates
Forecasted
Permit Renewal Maximum Rate
Existing Existing Rate minus Assuming 65
Authorized Baseline— RGPCD and
Permit Period Baseline Rate Mitigation Amount 10% UAW
2015-2020 0.79 0.95 0.16 0.98
2020-2025 0.79 0.95 0.16 1.04
2025-2030 0.79 0.95 0.16 1.06
Cohasset's "Aaron River Reservoir Dam and Bound Brook Control Structure Flow Releases and Operational
Plan"provides sufficient mitigation. Minimum year-round releases from Bound Brook Control Structure of
2.2 cubic feet per second(cfs), which is equal to 1.42 mgd are significantly higher than the mitigation amount
of 0.16 mgd. Cohasset must continue to implement the Plan.
H. Minimization
Cohasset's only groundwater source, 3065000-02G, is located in subbasin 22131,which is less than 25%
August net groundwater depleted. Therefore, Cohasset is not required to prepare a Minimization Plan.
I. Coldwater Fishery Resource Protection
Cohasset is not required to evaluate C1~R impact because there are no CFRs identified that can be impacted by
Cohasset's water withdrawals.
Town of Cohasset 5
Appendix A—Residential Gallons Per Capita Day (RGPCD)
I. Compliance Plan Requirement
If Town of Cohasset fails to document compliance with the RGPCD Performance Standard in its 201�ASR, or in
any ASR thereafter,then Town of Cohasset must file with that ASR a Residential Gallons Per CapitA``Day
Compliance Plan(RGPCD Plan)which shall:
a. meet the requirement set forth below in Section II;
b. include measures to be implemented to meet the performance standard); and
c. include the schedule for implementing such measures.
The filing of an RGPCD Plan shall not constitute a return to compliance,nor shall it affect MassDEP's authority
to take action in response to the permittee's failure to meet the performance standard.
If an RGPCD Plan is required,the permittee must:
a. submit information and supporting documentation sufficient to demonstrate compliance with its
RGPCD Plan annually at the time it files its ASR; and
b. continue to implement the RGPCD Plan until it complies with the performance standard and such
compliance is documented in the permittee's ASR for the calendar year in which the standard is met.
H. Contents of an RGPCD Plan
A permittee that does not meet the 65 RGPCD performance standard within 2 years, has the choice to file an
RGPCD Plan containing measures that the permittee believes will be sufficient to bring the system into
compliance with the performance standard(Individual RGPCD Plan) or may adopt the MassDEP RGPCD
Functional Equivalence Plan that includes mandated Best Management Practices (BMPs).
A permittee that has been unable to meet the 65 RGPCD performance standard within 5 years must implement the
MassDEP RGPCD Functional Equivalence Plan to be considered functionally equivalent with the performance
standard.
At a minimum, all RGPCD Compliance Plans must include a detailed:
a. description of the actions taken during the prior calendar year to meet the performance standard;
b. analysis of the cause of the failure to meet the performance standard;
c. description and schedule of the actions that will be taken to meet the performance standard; and
d, analysis of how the actions described in c.will address the specific circumstances that resulted in the
failure to meet the performance standard.
RGPCD Plans may be amended to revise the actions that will be taken to meet the performance standard.
Individual RGPCD Plan
Individual RGPCD Plan will document a plan to adopt and implement measures tailored to the specific needs of
the water supply system that the permittee believes will be sufficient to bring the system into compliance with the
Performance standard within three years.
Town of Cohasset 6
At a minimum, all Individual RGPCD Plans for failure to meet the RGPCD performance standard must include
implementation of at least one of the following residential conservation programs:
a. a program that provides water saving devices such as faucet aerators and low flow shower heads at
cost;
b. a program that provides rebates or other incentives for the purchase of low water use appliances
(washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets); or
c. the adoption and enforcement of an ordinance, bylaw or regulation to require the installation of
moisture sensors or similar climate related control technology on ail automatic irrigation systems.
If the permittee is already implementing one or more of these programs, it must include in its Individual RGPCD
Plan the continued implementation of such program(s), as well as implementation of at least one additional
program. All programs must include a public information component designed to inform customers of the
program and to encourage participation in the program.
Without limitation,the Individual RGPCD Plan for failure to meet the RGPCD performance standard may include
any of the actions set forth in the MassDEP RGPCD Functional Equivalence Plan below.
Mi assDEP RGPCD Functional Equivalence Plan
In order to be considered functionally equivalent with the RGPCD performance standard,the permittee must
adopt and implement the MassDEP RGPCD Functional Equivalence Plan that requires all the following
residential conservation programs:
a. a program that provides water saving devices such as faucet aerators and low flow shower heads at
cost;
b, a program that provides rebates or other incentives for the purchase of low water use appliances
(washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets);
c. the adoption and enforcement of an ordinance, bylaw or regulation to require the installation of soil
moisture sensors or similar climate related control technology on all automatic irrigation systems;
d. the use of an increasing block water rate or a seasonal water rate structure as a tool to encourage
water conservation;
e. the adoption and enforcement of an ordinance,bylaw or regulation to require that all new
construction include water saving devices and low water use appliances; and
f. the implementation of monthly or quarterly billing.
Hardship
A permittee may present an analysis of the cost effectiveness of implementing certain conservation measures
,included in the MassDEP RGPCD Functional Equivalence Plan and offer alternative measures. Any analysis
must explicitly consider environmental impacts and must produce equal or greater environmental benefits.
Suppliers will be able to present:
a. Reasons why specific measures are not cost effective because the cost would exceed the costs of
alternative methods of achieving the appropriate standard;
b. Alternative specific conservation measures that would result in equal or greater system-wide water
savings or equal or greater environmental benefits than the conservation measures included in the
MassDEP RGPCD Functional Equivalence Plan; and
c. When applicable, an analysis demonstrating that implementation of specific measures will cause or
exacerbate significant economic hardship.
Town of Cohasset 7
Appendix B—Unaccounted for Water(CTAW)
Town of Cohasset 8
Appendix C—Cohasset Drought Phase Levels
Phase Precipitation Stream Flow Reservoir CWD Drought Phase Actions
NORMAL Two cumulative Minimum Reservoirs in 1. Collect and reviews drought condition data.
months above Seasonal the area at or 2.Monitor and record Lily Pond and Aaron
75% of normal Target Flow above normal River Reservoir water surface levels
for Cohasset Releases range weekly.
WTP readings Maintained. 3. Maintain ordinances related to water use
demands.
4.Review rate structure on an annual basis
with respect to seasonal and outdoor water
use.
5. Maintains standard operating procedures.
ADVISORY Two cumulative Minimum Less than 365 1. Develop press announcements and
months below Seasonal days of communicates with public and town
65% of normal Target Flow storage in the departments about dry conditions.
for Cohasset Releases not Aaron River 2. Recommend voluntary conservation
WTP readings consistently Reservoir and measures and request prudent use of water
Maintained. Lily Pond by all customers (such as limit outdoor
System at watering on an odd-even day basis)and
current annual begins public awareness campaign on water
ADF use conservation.
3. Offer assistance to enhance efficiency of
major users.
WATCH If one of the Seasonal Less than 330 1. Recommends and encourage continued
following Minimum days of water conservation and restrictions.
applies: release for storage in the 2. Enact outdoor water use restrictions (such as
• 3 cumulative Bound Brook Aaron River hand held watering only; discontinue use of
months less not achieved Reservoir and all other types of outdoor watering systems).
than 65% for Seven(7) Lily Pond 3. Offer assistance to town departments on
normal consecutive System at managing water use during dry conditions.
+ 6 cumulative days current annual 4. Implement reduction of releases from the
months less ADF use Lily Pond and Aaron River Reservoir.
than 70% See attached 5. Increase public information regarding
normal table to current conditions and water conservation
• 12 cumulative determine the measures.
months less Storage 6. Advise the Fire Department of dry
than 70% Capacity of conditions and review impact of potential
normal for Cohasset low supply sources.
Cohasset WTP Water System
readings
WARNING If one of the Seasonal Less than 300 1. Intensify media coverage and public
following Minimum days of education efforts.
applies; release for storage in the 2. Enact total outdoor water use restriction.
• 3 cumulative Bound Brook Aaron River 3. Assess fines for violation of water use
months less not achieved Reservoir and restrictions.
than 40% for 21 Lily Pond .4.Discontinue releases from the Lily Pond and
normal consecutive System at Aaron River Reservoir.
a 6 cumulative days current annual 5. Recommends that water users cease all non-
months less ADF use essential water uses.
�r�, Ci RPuiPzu n-nrlinacc anti availahility of
Town of Cohasset g
normal emergency interconnections and sources of
+12 cumulative water,
months less 7.Review dry conditions with the BQH-and
than 65% assess public health threats and acts as
normal for needed.
Cohasset WTP
readings
EMERGENCY Same criteria as Seasonal Less than.250 1.Declare an emergency drought phase.
Warning and Minimum days of 2. Require mandatory bans on all non-essential
previous 2 release for storage in the water use.
months was Bound Brook Aaron River 3. Seek assistance from MEMA.
Warning or not achieved Reservoir and
Emergency for 45 Lily Pond
consecutive System at
days current ADF
use
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