Old Saybrook (Draft) Wastewater Management District Facilities Plan Public Information Session Presented by the Old Saybrook Water Pollution Authority April 2009 Presented by the Old Saybrook Water Pollution Authority April 2009

AgendaAgenda  30 Minute Video Presentation  Introduction by WPCA Chairman Pavel Wilson  History and Legal Aspects by Attorney John Wertam  Facilities Plan and Technical by Peter Grose, PE  Finance Plan by 1st Selectman Michael Pace  15 Minute Slide Presentation: Detail Review of Maps  Types and Costs of Upgrades Expected  Implementation Schedule  Property Owner and Town Responsibilities  Questions  30 Minute Video Presentation  Introduction by WPCA Chairman Pavel Wilson  History and Legal Aspects by Attorney John Wertam  Facilities Plan and Technical by Peter Grose, PE  Finance Plan by 1st Selectman Michael Pace  15 Minute Slide Presentation: Detail Review of Maps  Types and Costs of Upgrades Expected  Implementation Schedule  Property Owner and Town Responsibilities  Questions

 Based on what we know now: Require Further Investigation - 33Require Further Investigation - 33 Replace Septic tanks - 46Replace Septic tanks - 46 New Tank and/or Leaching - 24New Tank and/or Leaching - 24 Upgrade Compliant - 13Upgrade Compliant - 13 Alternative Treatment - 0Alternative Treatment - 0 Vacant - 0Vacant - 0 What will happen in Fenwood? (116 Properties)

 Based on what we know now Require Further Investigation - 4Require Further Investigation - 4 Replace septic tanks – 3Replace septic tanks – 3 New Tank and/or Leaching – 8New Tank and/or Leaching – 8 Upgrade Compliant - 1Upgrade Compliant - 1 Alternative Treatment Systems – 1Alternative Treatment Systems – 1 What will happen in Ingham Hill? Lower Ingham Hill Road (17 Properties)

 Based on what we know now: Require Further Investigation - 16Require Further Investigation - 16 Replace Septic tanks - 39Replace Septic tanks - 39 New Tank and/or Leaching - 116New Tank and/or Leaching Upgrade Compliant - 27Upgrade Compliant - 27 Alternative Treatment - 1Alternative Treatment - 1 Vacant - 13Vacant - 13 What will happen in Maple Avenue N.? (212 Properties)

 Based on what we know now: Require Further Investigation - 13Require Further Investigation - 13 Replace Septic tanks – 8Replace Septic tanks – 8 New Tank and/or Leaching - 42New Tank and/or Leaching - 42 Upgrade Compliant - 4Upgrade Compliant - 4 Alternative Treatment - 3Alternative Treatment - 3 Vacant - 3Vacant - 3 What will happen in Meadowood? (73 Properties)

 Based on what we know now: Require Further Investigation - 9Require Further Investigation - 9 Replace Septic tanks – 8Replace Septic tanks – 8 New Tank and/or Leaching - 47New Tank and/or Leaching - 47 Upgrade Compliant - 2Upgrade Compliant - 2 Alternative Treatment - 14Alternative Treatment - 14 Vacant - 6Vacant - 6 What will happen in Oyster River East? (86 Properties)

 Based on what we know now: Require Further Investigation - 22Require Further Investigation - 22 Replace Septic tanks – 10Replace Septic tanks – 10 New Tank and/or Leaching - 62New Tank and/or Leaching - 62 Upgrade Compliant - 8Upgrade Compliant - 8 Alternative Treatment - 2Alternative Treatment - 2 Vacant - 1Vacant - 1 What will happen in Saybrook Acres? (104 Properties)

 Based on what we know now: Require Further Investigation - 4Require Further Investigation - 4 Replace Septic tanks – 6Replace Septic tanks – 6 New Tank and/or Leaching - 32New Tank and/or Leaching - 32 Upgrade Compliant - 7Upgrade Compliant - 7 Alternative Treatment - 0Alternative Treatment - 0 What will happen in Thompson? (51 Properties)

Conventional Upgrade  Cesspools removed and replaced  Larger septic tanks, add effluent filters  Increase area of leaching systems, raise elevation  Approximate Costs:  Upgrade: Less than $1,000 to $7,000  Operation and Maintenance: $250 every 5 years  Cesspools removed and replaced  Larger septic tanks, add effluent filters  Increase area of leaching systems, raise elevation  Approximate Costs:  Upgrade: Less than $1,000 to $7,000  Operation and Maintenance: $250 every 5 years Ground Water Basement Septic Tank Leaching Trenches Septic System Effluent 24 Inches Minimum Vertical Separation Distance Required

Advanced Treatment Systems  Waterfront lots require systems that reduce nitrogen concentration by at least 50%  Lots with less than 2/3 required leaching area  Shallow Groundwater  Approximate Costs:  Upgrade: $12, ,000  Operation and Maintenance: $ per year  Waterfront lots require systems that reduce nitrogen concentration by at least 50%  Lots with less than 2/3 required leaching area  Shallow Groundwater  Approximate Costs:  Upgrade: $12, ,000  Operation and Maintenance: $ per year

EXAMPLES OF UPGRADE INSTALLATION COSTS TO THE HOMEOWNER  Some lots will be OK as is - $0  Replace septic tank - $2,000 – 3,000  Add more leaching area - $1,000 – 7,000  Advanced treatment system with new leaching system - $12,000 – 28,000  Some lots will be OK as is - $0  Replace septic tank - $2,000 – 3,000  Add more leaching area - $1,000 – 7,000  Advanced treatment system with new leaching system - $12,000 – 28,000

Examples of Annual Loan Payments (with the 2% interest rate)  An ATS costing $28,000 (less 50% grants and services) leaves a principal amount of $14,000. Annual loan payments are $ *  A system at $20,000 (less 50%) leaves a principal amount of $10,000. Annual loan payments are $ **  A system at $12,000 (less 50%) leaves a principal amount of $6000. Annual loan payments are $ *** *$70 a month **$50 a month ***$30 a month  An ATS costing $28,000 (less 50% grants and services) leaves a principal amount of $14,000. Annual loan payments are $ *  A system at $20,000 (less 50%) leaves a principal amount of $10,000. Annual loan payments are $ **  A system at $12,000 (less 50%) leaves a principal amount of $6000. Annual loan payments are $ *** *$70 a month **$50 a month ***$30 a month

Implementation: Homeowner Sequence  Lot-by-lot analysis performed by Town  Test-hole evaluation and exploration  Develop Plan for property: Identify upgrades by Town  Homeowner applies for construction permit  Installation of septic system components = combination Homeowner and Town  Construction phase, inspection, and permit to discharge issued  Lot-by-lot analysis performed by Town  Test-hole evaluation and exploration  Develop Plan for property: Identify upgrades by Town  Homeowner applies for construction permit  Installation of septic system components = combination Homeowner and Town  Construction phase, inspection, and permit to discharge issued After August 2009 Referendum:

Implementation Schedule  Group 1 Saybrook Acres  Saybrook Acres  Group 2 Saybrook Point  Saybrook Point  Oyster River East  Thompson  Group 3 Plum Bank  Plum Bank  Great Hammock Beach  Indiantown  Note: The entire project is estimated to take about 8-years, beginning at the end of 2009 and finishing in  Group 1 Saybrook Acres  Saybrook Acres  Group 2 Saybrook Point  Saybrook Point  Oyster River East  Thompson  Group 3 Plum Bank  Plum Bank  Great Hammock Beach  Indiantown  Note: The entire project is estimated to take about 8-years, beginning at the end of 2009 and finishing in  Group 4 Chalker Beach  Chalker Beach  Meadowood  Group 5 Cornfield Point  Cornfield Point  Group 6 Saybrook Manor  Saybrook Manor  Cornfield Park  Ingham Hill  Group 7 Maple Avenue North  Maple Avenue North  Fenwood

Public Education Schedule  Thompson & Ingham Hill……………………………………………………..….January 28  Saybrook Acres………………………………………………… February 23  Oyster River East…………………………………………………………………….February 26  Meadowood……………………………………………………………………………March 4  Maple Avenue North……………………………………………………………….March 18  Fenwood…………………………………………………………………………………April 1  Cornfield Point………………………………………………………………………..May 13  Saybrook Point and Cornfield Park……………………………………….….May 20  Non-Focus Areas…………………………………………………………………....June 10  Indiantown………………………………………………………………………….....June 24  Chalker Beach………………………………………………… June 27  Saybrook Manor……………………………………………………………………..July 8  Plum Bank and Great Hammock……………………… July 22  Public Hearing in June  Town Meeting in July  Referendum Tuesday August 11th  Thompson & Ingham Hill……………………………………………………..….January 28  Saybrook Acres………………………………………………… February 23  Oyster River East…………………………………………………………………….February 26  Meadowood……………………………………………………………………………March 4  Maple Avenue North……………………………………………………………….March 18  Fenwood…………………………………………………………………………………April 1  Cornfield Point………………………………………………………………………..May 13  Saybrook Point and Cornfield Park……………………………………….….May 20  Non-Focus Areas…………………………………………………………………....June 10  Indiantown………………………………………………………………………….....June 24  Chalker Beach………………………………………………… June 27  Saybrook Manor……………………………………………………………………..July 8  Plum Bank and Great Hammock……………………… July 22  Public Hearing in June  Town Meeting in July  Referendum Tuesday August 11th

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Wastewater Management District (WWMD) Each property's wastewater is currently handled onsite. Each property's wastewater is currently handled onsite. 15 Focus Areas with potential expansion in the future15 Focus Areas with potential expansion in the future

Evaluation of Criteria favors selection of the Decentralized Program $50 conventional or $ AT per year $500 per unit/yearOperation and Maintenance Costs $35-45 million$71 millionCapital Costs Consistent with Town Plan of Development Controlled Growth May allow larger developments Potential for a multi-town wastewater district Administrative Issues Good Economic Viability New to CT but proven elsewhere GoodTechnical Feasibility LowModerateEnvironmental Impacts Decentralized Program Central Treatment Plant and Sewers Evaluation Criteria

 Property Owners would pay for their property upgrades IF upgrades are needed.  Represents 50% of Estimated Program costs Upgrade Program Finance Plan

 DEP Clean Water Fund Grants expected to cover 25%  Loans to property owners administered by Town  Town expects to pay 100% of costs for:  Research Phase (property evaluations)  Selecting approved AT designs and installers  Construction management  Administration of financing and permitting  Remote monitoring of AT systems  Homeowner will pay for:  Upgrade installation (approx. 50%)  2% loans from Clean Water Fund and administered by Town  Grants for eligible residents administered by Social Services  Maintenance of system  DEP Clean Water Fund Grants expected to cover 25%  Loans to property owners administered by Town  Town expects to pay 100% of costs for:  Research Phase (property evaluations)  Selecting approved AT designs and installers  Construction management  Administration of financing and permitting  Remote monitoring of AT systems  Homeowner will pay for:  Upgrade installation (approx. 50%)  2% loans from Clean Water Fund and administered by Town  Grants for eligible residents administered by Social Services  Maintenance of system

Small Cities Grant Loan Program for Septic Repair/Replacement  Old Saybrook awarded $300,000 grant to help homeowners with septic repair or upgrades  Program available Town-wide and consistent with Sewer Avoidance initiative.  For owner occupied non-commercial properties  Not subject to interest or repayment schedule  Repayable upon sale of the property, transfer of title or if property is no longer the primary residence. This constitutes a lien on the property.  Old Saybrook awarded $300,000 grant to help homeowners with septic repair or upgrades  Program available Town-wide and consistent with Sewer Avoidance initiative.  For owner occupied non-commercial properties  Not subject to interest or repayment schedule  Repayable upon sale of the property, transfer of title or if property is no longer the primary residence. This constitutes a lien on the property.

Small Cities Grant Loan Program for Septic Repair/Replacement  Confidential applications will be accepted by Social Services beginning March 18, 2009  Income limits:  $ 43, for an individual  $ 49, for a 2 person household  $ 55, for a 3 person household  $ 61, for a 4 person household  $ 66, for a 5 person household  $ 71, for a 6 person household  Confidential applications will be accepted by Social Services beginning March 18, 2009  Income limits:  $ 43, for an individual  $ 49, for a 2 person household  $ 55, for a 3 person household  $ 61, for a 4 person household  $ 66, for a 5 person household  $ 71, for a 6 person household

Community Pollution Problem Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 22a-427. No person or municipality shall cause pollution of any of the waters of the state. Sec. 22a-428. If the commissioner finds a municipality is causing pollution of the waters of the state, or that a *community pollution problem exists, or that pollution by a municipality can reasonably be anticipated in the future, he may issue to the municipality an order to abate pollution. *The existence of pollution which, in the sole discretion of the commissioner, can best be abated by the action of a municipality. Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 22a-427. No person or municipality shall cause pollution of any of the waters of the state. Sec. 22a-428. If the commissioner finds a municipality is causing pollution of the waters of the state, or that a *community pollution problem exists, or that pollution by a municipality can reasonably be anticipated in the future, he may issue to the municipality an order to abate pollution. *The existence of pollution which, in the sole discretion of the commissioner, can best be abated by the action of a municipality.

According to the EPA:  Onsite and clustered wastewater treatment systems serve approx. 25% of U.S. households (25 million.)  Approximately 33% of new development uses onsite treatment.  More than ½ the onsite systems are over 30 years old  Surveys indicate that at least 10% of systems back up onto the surface or into the home each year.  Data has shown that at least 20% of systems are malfunctioning to some degree.  The second most frequently cited contamination source of ground water is septic systems.

Important Issues If a Central Plant and Sewers is enforced:  Sewers and Plant costs are borne by the 1900 properties in the WWMD, plus some 600 additional properties along the sewer line, regardless of upgrade status.  Only households hooked up to the treatment plant pay for Operation & Maintenance.  Timing may not coincide with Clean Water Fund availability, thus jeopardizing State funding.  There is no guarantee or control over when construction would take place.  Sewers and Plant costs are borne by the 1900 properties in the WWMD, plus some 600 additional properties along the sewer line, regardless of upgrade status.  Only households hooked up to the treatment plant pay for Operation & Maintenance.  Timing may not coincide with Clean Water Fund availability, thus jeopardizing State funding.  There is no guarantee or control over when construction would take place.

Important Issues If a Central Plant and Sewers is enforced:  Although effective in the WWMD, effluent will discharge into the CT River at sensitive areas.  It will not be consistent with Sewer Avoidance Policy and Plan of Conservation and Development  There is a potential for secondary growth along the sewer routes.  There will be moderate to severe disruption to streets,  And the noise, dust and air pollution associated with installation of sewer pipes.  Although effective in the WWMD, effluent will discharge into the CT River at sensitive areas.  It will not be consistent with Sewer Avoidance Policy and Plan of Conservation and Development  There is a potential for secondary growth along the sewer routes.  There will be moderate to severe disruption to streets,  And the noise, dust and air pollution associated with installation of sewer pipes.

Installation of Sewer Lines

DWMP Activities (Aug Aug 2009)  Update the Maps for the 15 Focus Areas  Conduct Public Education/Participation Sessions  Finalize Upgrade Program Standards  Complete Wastewater Management District Ordinance  Finalize the financing plan for the Town  Update the Maps for the 15 Focus Areas  Conduct Public Education/Participation Sessions  Finalize Upgrade Program Standards  Complete Wastewater Management District Ordinance  Finalize the financing plan for the Town

DWMP Activities Continued  Reach consensus on responsibilities and jurisdictions of local and state entities  Develop DEP/WPCA delegation process for ATS approvals  Pre-select specific ATS models  Develop training and qualification requirements for engineers, installers and contract operators  Hold Public Hearing on Facilities Plan and Town Meeting on WWMD Ordinance & financial plan  Vote to adopt WWMD Ordinance and funding authorization  Reach consensus on responsibilities and jurisdictions of local and state entities  Develop DEP/WPCA delegation process for ATS approvals  Pre-select specific ATS models  Develop training and qualification requirements for engineers, installers and contract operators  Hold Public Hearing on Facilities Plan and Town Meeting on WWMD Ordinance & financial plan  Vote to adopt WWMD Ordinance and funding authorization

Why?  High Density Development 4 to 8 homes per acre 4 to 8 homes per acre  Older systems (50+ years old) built to outdated Public Health Code  Marginal land developed because of proximity to shore  High Groundwater table Unsuitable Soils for Septic Systems Unsuitable Soils for Septic Systems

Key Historical Events  1989 – OS residents disapproved plan to build a wastewater treatment plant and sewers.  DEP sued the Town for failure to address a community pollution problem  Judge issued final determination requiring Old Saybrook to address their wastewater problems, but allowed time to develop an alternative that addressed local issues without regionalization.  – Town evaluated numerous alternatives with DEP: “Do nothing” (not an option), Off-site, Community, On-site  Mediation and conceptual agreement with DEP  1989 – OS residents disapproved plan to build a wastewater treatment plant and sewers.  DEP sued the Town for failure to address a community pollution problem  Judge issued final determination requiring Old Saybrook to address their wastewater problems, but allowed time to develop an alternative that addressed local issues without regionalization.  – Town evaluated numerous alternatives with DEP: “Do nothing” (not an option), Off-site, Community, On-site  Mediation and conceptual agreement with DEP

Stipulated Judgment  Issued in February 1997  Old Saybrook ordered to“abate the pollution”  Perform engineering studies  Evaluate structural alternatives both onsite and offsite  Obtain DEP approval of alternatives  Construct alternatives  Provides remedies and penalty provisions for non-compliance  Court retains jurisdiction and monitors compliance with the order  Imposed Civil Penalty  Issued in February 1997  Old Saybrook ordered to“abate the pollution”  Perform engineering studies  Evaluate structural alternatives both onsite and offsite  Obtain DEP approval of alternatives  Construct alternatives  Provides remedies and penalty provisions for non-compliance  Court retains jurisdiction and monitors compliance with the order  Imposed Civil Penalty

Mediated Settlement  Resulted from an impasse with DEP over the details of the alternatives  “Resolution of Issues Associated with the Development, Approval and Implementation of Wastewater Treatment Alternatives for the Town of Old Saybrook” Issued in December 2005  Resulted from an impasse with DEP over the details of the alternatives  “Resolution of Issues Associated with the Development, Approval and Implementation of Wastewater Treatment Alternatives for the Town of Old Saybrook” Issued in December 2005