11/13/2008 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

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was a poor solution for wastewater treatment because it is not properly circulated,causing deterioration. Mr. Marcelli also reported the success of the revitalization of Quashnet's courtyard, located near the library. Mr. Marcelli shared a"Volunteers Make it Happen" flyer that highlighted who worked on the project. Land Stewards Update Ms. Kane announced that her daughter resigned her role as an area coordinator, which leaves just one coordinator left. Ms. Kane indicated disappointment at the lack of communication with the Conservation Department noting a nonresponsiveness to volunteer's concerns. Mr. Baker added that Jim Leonard also resigned, and had requested that volunteers contact the Conservation Department directly. However,the volunteers continue to express their concerns to Mr. Leonard. A report of trash being found at the bog shared with Falmouth was reported and the DPW will be picking up the trash and installing a gate to close off the area. Mr. Baker has encouraged the Conservation Agent to maintain open communication with the volunteers as well as offering an occasional pat on the back. The Environmental Coalition would like to manage the program again, and the issue will be discussed further at a meeting in January. Ms. Kane added that state law requires conservation areas to be cared for. The Chair asked if the Committee wishes to draft a letter of deep concern to Agent McManus, copying the Town Manager,the Conservation Commission and the Board of Selectmen,regarding what will be done to remedy the program,with a request to have a prepared response for the newt Environmental Oversight Committee meeting. Motion made by Mr. Baker to draft a letter to the Conservation Agent addressing the Committee's deep concern about the program. Motion seconded by Mr. Marcelli. All voted unanimously. ENSR Mr. Baker liked the addition of wet weather monitoring at a cost of$4,250 but felt that the bog sampling would be a challenge since there would be no prior knowledge of a discharge. Mr. Baker also expressed interest in trying to fund the study so that it can be completed in one year and suggested seeking emergency funds from the Finance Committee since Santuit Pond is considered a health hazard by the Board of Health. Mr. Baker sent an email to the departments involved with the study, receiving a response from the Town Manager that suggested the scope of work had been changed by the Committee necessitating re-advertisement for the project. Mr. Baker responded that the Committee recommend to the Board of Selectmen to proceed with the original $51,500 proposal for the study, without including the extra tests. The Chair asked about the timing of the study to which Mr. Baker responded that his preference was to initiate the study in April, rather than wait a full year. If the study could not begin until May, Mr. Baker would recommend that necessary testing be completed the following April. The Chair asked if any members had concerns regarding the abilities or scope of the proposal. Committee members felt that Mr. Mitchell was highly qualified, with strong recommendations. Mr. Theis expressed concern about remediation and the need for funding. The Chair added that he was impressed that funding options for remediation were included in the proposal. Mr. Marcelli added that he liked ENSR's inclusion of what would be feasible and what would be cost effective for remediationplans. The Chair further inquired if the Committee believed that,through the evaluation process,the members felt that ENSR was the most qualified based on all three proposals. Members confirmed that the proposals were reviewed based on technical merits and feel strongly that, based on the meeting with ENSR,they demonstrated an understanding of the problem and presented a 3