4/26/2011 SEWER COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Falmouth Com --% rehensive Wastewater Project SouthManagement Planning for the to ittlPond, Great Pond, Greed Pond, Bournes Pond, Eel Pond & Waqtjoitd Project Background watersheds to Little, Great, Green, Bournes and Eel Individual septic systems in Falmouth are discharging Ponds and Waquoit Bay. When water quality limits have nitrogen into coastal ponds, severely affecting pond been established by the state for other watersheds, water quality. Ecological impacts include algal blooms, additional phases of wastewater planning will be initiated harm to harvestable shellfish and finfish habitat, and loss to cover those areas. of eel grass beds. Excess nitrogen discharges also affect The nine member Comprehensive Wastewater Manage- Falmouth's quality of life;with algal blooms come visibly ment Plan Review Committee, appointed by the Board of poor water quality and odor, and the impacts threaten Selectmen, is reviewingthe draft CWMP.The Committee the natural beauty of the coastal landscape, a key feature has conducted regular public meetings and research of the Town and its tourism-based economy. Currently, throughout the process on issues including innovative about 94%of Falmouth utilizes individual septic systems, technologies, plant siting, collection systems,and The Town is undertaking the Comprehensive Wastewater financing. During the summer of 2010,the Committee Management Plan (CWMP).for the South Coast Water- is working to determine an affordable,technically sound, sheds, as required by law, to identify solutions to protect long-term approach to the Town's wastewater challenges and restore our estuaries. The current planning area and will hold a series of public meetings to involve and covers a substantial portion of town, including the educate the residents about wastewater solutions. Project Update: Financing Options Financing Principles and Assumptions Cost is a key consideration for the"Town :md its residents. In order to project costs and determine financing The Committee is examining options to pay for solutions, mechanisms, project-related factors were researched as regardless of which technical approach is selected. `This they pertain to the Town, homeowners in the project area, scrutiny is essential to help residents understand the and residents across Falmouth. financing choices so that all parties can work together to Total Project Costs find it sustainable solution. Key questions: The Town's project consultants estimate that Phases 1 c3C 2 •What are the full costs the Town and residents will (connecting 8,100 homes to a new sewer system, design, have to bear? construction, treatment, and recharge) will cost$400 • How will the Town approach financing? million.While this number may change, it is useful for •What is the impact on individual homeowners? exploring financing options.