Water & Sewer Commission

Town of Mount Airy Water and Sewer Commission Meeting Minutes – August 2, 2017 Commission members in attendance: Dick Swanson, Council Liaison Peter Helt, Ted Cisowski, Fred Goundry, Mark Moxley, and Ron Runkles. Fred Mason is an excused absences. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm. Karl Munder attended the meeting. Minutes: Peter Helt moved to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2017 meeting. Seconded by Mark Moxley and the motion passed unanimously. The Commission did not meet in July. Old Business: Water Tower #1 & Water Pipe Upgrade: The members discussed replacing versus refurbishing Water Tower #1. To address water issues raised after the 1010 S Main Street fire, Town Engineer Barney Quinn recently suggested replacing the 8” water pipe on the Center Street easement with a 12” line to help provide addition water to the area served by Water Tower #1. The larger pipe would help provide additional water during an emergency such as the fire. The Commission concluded that upgrading the water line and refurbishing Water Tower #1 is the most practical approach to addressing water pressure issues and water delivery to the southern section of Town. Merridale Gardens Stormwater Management Pond: Dick Swanson updated the W&S on the status of the project. Carroll County is obtaining a “Right-to-Discharge” from downstream neighbors and working to obtain State and Federal permits as well as forest conservation exemptions. Twin Ridge Stormwater Management Project: MDE has expressed concerns about dam safety issues at the existing pond. The Town will explore alternative approaches to stormwater mitigation ( possibly a regional facility downstream) and only perform necessary dam safety improvements at the current site. Water and Sewer Monitoring System: Dick Swanson will contact Director of Public Works Brian Johnson and, at the request of the members, ask him to attend the September meeting to give the W&S an update on water and sewer monitoring equipment upgrades. New Business: Carroll County Legal Challenge to MDE Implementation of Stormwater Mitigation Requirements: Dick Swanson stated that the Circuit Court for Carroll County found in favor of the county on most of the issues raised in the petition. Most relevant to Mt Airy is the rejection by the court of the requirement to include private impervious acres draining directly into streams in the computation of acreage requiring mitigation under the stormwater management permit. The State appealed the decision to the Court of Special Appeals. Conowingo Dam: Dick Swanson briefly updated the W&S on the status of on-going studies by the State of the sediment and nutrient buildup behind the dam and its potential impact on the Bay restoration initiatives. Clean Water Commerce Act: Karl Munder asked if the W&S is aware of the legislation allowing for the purchase of nutrient credits to meet requirements of MDE permits. The legislation directs MDE and DNR to develop implementation regulations. The W&S thanked Mr. Munder and stated that it is aware of the legislation and needs to wait for the implementation regulations before considering any action. Adjournment: Peter Helt moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mark Moxley and passed by unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 pm. W&S Meeting: The next W&S meeting is September 6, 2017 in Town Hall at 7:00 pm. Prepared by Dick Swanson, Secretary