02/03/2024 BOARD OF HEALTH Minutes (2)

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Mr. Harrington: It always comes down to money to answer your first question. Yes, it has to be an economical system to install. I don't know if they're looking at the operation and maintenance. Certainly they would have to because that is a long-term kind of cost that is going to run with the property. I'm sure the existing owner would have to take some of a hit for a new buyer to take the property. So, yes, it definitely comes down to money. As far as funding, I don't now where this is using public funds on a private property unless it's through some other legislative program like the Barnstable Septic Loan Program,which has been approved. Certainly the owner can do that and Barnstable County said they would support the larger residential properties which this is. It does have some commercial on it. I don't know if there are any other town funds we could put forward on a private property. There is Cape Cod Commission Mitigation Funds that the town has received that has to be used specifically for denitrification. Could that apply? it may apply. Ms. Patel: I'm wondering if there were funds to be approved, but I lack knowledge on this and I would do my own research to understand everything on how it works, etc. Knowledge, and expertise. Mr. Harrington: Federally, I don't know if there are any programs, because they are specifically for single family homes. The USDA 504 Program is for single family homes and the new infrastructure bill that was just passed was $15,000 for each household so could that apply? it may, but that program has yet to be brought and put together by the EPA. It may be many years down the road before we see that money. Chair Baumgaertel: The other real possibility of this is that they're seeking an approval for what they're hoping for and then they're planning on redeveloping the property utilizing the approval they have. So there are no plans actually installed prior to selling the property. They want it to go with approved plans for something. I can't imagine somebody would want to buy that property knowing that there could potentially be developers involved and utilizing it the way it is. There's not a lot of value in what's there. It's a pretty rundown facility. If the town is not willing to pursue it any farther, and just try to remedlate it here and there's a willingness by the owner to look at technologies that are of a non-proprietary nature,then my suggestion would be that they look at one or the other of the designs and putting them in contact with George to discuss as to what technology would be best in this scenario. I would rather not have that conversation myself as I want to separate myself on that end a little bit. He could contact George as to get a sense as to what technology might be more appropriate. In my opinion,the one that was proposed is not the best possible scenario. I would hesitate to say that it has much value beyond feeling good about it. Can that be the recommendation this evening? The engineer take a look at the designs that are available that are not proprietary in nature if that is what they really want to do? See what better options there are if they're willing to mediate? If not,then the simple layer cake design is the best we can get out of this. And, if this proxy isn't key to our success to nitrogen mitigation overall in thus own, we'll take the best we can get. We won't get a second crack at the apple. Once it gets approved then we say OK and that's it. The sewer goes by and the system fails nothing else will occur at this property. Is that sufficient?