MINUTES

Henniker Conservation Commission

Water Resources Subcommittee Meeting

May 19, 2008

7:00 PM Henniker Grange Hall

PRESENT:    Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Ron Taylor, Megan Mulcahy, Spencer

Bennett, Dana Myskowski

1) Mission Statement:

The Subcommittee reviewed the statement (as prepared by the Henniker Conservation Commission) –

“The purpose of the Water Resources Management Subcommittee is to:

• research current legal and physical inventory of Henniker’s water supply;
• identify current governances, policies and regulations;
• identify potential threats, and
• report its recommendations to the Commission.”

The subcommittee reviewed maps of the aquifer, public drinking water wells and their surrounding wellhead protection areas, as well as  sources of possible contamination risks.

We discussed the need to determine what water protection policies are currently in place and where various entities currently draw their water for other uses besides drinking water. 

2) Prospective Members:

Dana Myskowski and Rick Patenaude are the latest volunteers/prospective members to come forward, who will each need to be approved by the Henniker Conservation Committee.

3) Appointment of Officers:

In a unanimous and uncontested “race” it was voted that Holly Green would serve as Chair, Mark Mitch as Vice-chair, and (pending approval by the Henniker Conservation Committee) Dana Myskowski as Secretary.

4) Water Resources Management Plan:

The subcommittee reviewed the April 1989 “Water Resource Management and Protection Plan” as prepared for the Town of Henniker by the Planning Board with the assistance of the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission.

Next steps for updating the plan were determined.

First Track –

Look at the delineation report on file at DES for the wellhead protection           areas and see how the boundaries were determined

Identify potential water resources from the zoning map

Identify risks

Identify strategies for minimizing risks, including identifying                     opportunities for land conservation in wellhead protection areas

Second Track –

List/learn the State and Federal Regulations

Identify need, if any, for additional local regulations

Tasks were assigned:

Obtain copy of the WHPA delineation report(s) from DES – Holly

Use info from DES One Stop Reporting Web page to update the information, such as underground storage tanks, in the 1989 report – Mitch

Investigate Public Water Supply Systems, bottom of page 22 from the 1989 report, and Wastewater Treatment on page 23 – Ron

5) Other Business:

1) The subcommittee discussed the DES Drinking Water Source Protection Conference that had taken place earlier that day and which was attended by some of the subcommittee members. Some of the sessions, such as gravel excavation and water conservation, were discussed.  Holly, who is the DES Water Supply Land Grant Coordinator, gave a presentation at the conference on grants that are available to municipalities and public water suppliers to conserve land for the purpose of protecting drinking water sources.  She updated the subcommittee on the review process and criteria for these grants.

2) The subcommittee discussed the town wells and how much water is being pumped out of the wells.  Ron Taylor pointed out that graphs from studies show that in the winter the town residents use less water; it spikes about ten times the winter amount in summer when residents water their lawns.

3) The Subcommittee also briefly discussed septic systems: the nature of new vs. outdated ones and contamination risks associated with old systems and what could be done to assist homeowners and businesses with replacing potentially threatening systems.

4) It was suggested that the subcommittee visit the Town of Henniker Water Supply System Storage Facilities and send a letter requesting tours of them, of Cogswell Springs, and of the water treatment facility.

It was decided that all will report back findings next meeting: Monday, June 16, 2008, at 7 PM in the Grange Hall.

The subcommittee decided to adjourn at 8:30.  It was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted,

Dana Myskowski

May 21, 2008

MINUTES

Henniker Conservation Commission

Water Resources Subcommittee Meeting

June 23, 2008

7:00 PM Henniker

PRESENT:    Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Ron Taylor, Megan Mulcahy, Spencer

Bennett, Chris Fox, Rick Patenaude, Dana Myskowski

1)    Review and approve minutes for the 5/19 meeting:

It was decided that the minutes of both the May and June meetings will be e-mailed to all subcommittee members for approval at July’s meeting.

2)    Groundwater withdrawals:

Holly Green shared the handout “Groundwater Conference: Meeting Summary.”  We discussed the 1998 legislation that requires DES to permit any new withdrawal projects that will exceed 40 gallons per minute (or 57,600 gallons daily).  Below those figures, no permits are needed for withdrawals from the public water supply, however a request for minor withdrawal designation needs to be filed with DES.

3)    Updates to Water Resources Management Plan:

The Well Delineation Report has not yet been found on file.  Our task is to obtain the number of the town well closest to the Jeannes Family Market (formerly the Craney Hill Market), a business which was built--including underground gas tanks--in the 1970s, before the well-head protection act was enacted.  Then the protection area can be further examined and explored by the subcommittee.

Ron Taylor presented a through 3-page handout outlining the Public Water Supply System, a list of Underground Storage Tank Information for Henniker, and information on the Wastewater Treatment Facilities.  Ron pointed out that the town’s records indicate 47 buried tanks in the old report and that now, twenty years later, there are 12 remaining.  Of those 35 tanks, most have been removed while some have been updated to secondary containment systems. 

a.    The question was posed: how long does a business (or homeowner?) have to remove unused tanks?

b.    The concern was raised about spill-off from old and existing single-hulled tanks, e.g. the DOT’s 15-year-old 1,000 gallon composite tank that is currently being used for diesel.

4)    Other Business

1. Water meters – it was decided that the subcommittee would be willing to write a letter in support of a water meter program once the details of such an initiative have been drawn up by the water commissioners.

2. Surface water – Spencer Bennett brought a list of ponds and lakes near our town that are on the DES list of surface waters that have been contaminated by invasive species (such as Hopkinton Lake, Drew Lake, Masasecum, and St. Paul’s School Pond).  The concern is that our own ponds and lakes will become contaminated if boaters do not follow proper clean-off procedures after boating elsewhere and before launching in a new pond, lake or stream.  Our own volunteer “Weed Watchers” program in town is effective when volunteers are able to staff boat ramps, but coverage by inspectors is sparse and intermittent.  It was suggested that a few of us meet with area lake associations to discuss the problems and possible solutions so that the neighbors who live on the lake can know what to look for on a boat that is about to put-in on their lake.  It was also suggested that we look into posting pictures of the various invasive species at each of the town’s boat ramps.

3. Septic tanks – We discussed basic septic tank maintenance procedures and how we could look into an educational strategy to help homeowners realize the overall cost and environmental benefits to routine maintenance.

4. Reduce contamination risk – It was suggested that we might look into ways to help people above the town aquifer contain spills before they happen, to reduce risk of contamination to our water supply.

5. Volunteer areas – Holly will look over the 1989 “Water Resource Management and Protection Plan” and e-mail areas that committee members can volunteer to help research and work on.  We’ll discuss these at our July meeting.

The subcommittee decided to adjourn at 8:35.  It was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted,

Dana Myskowski

July 9, 2008

MINUTES

Henniker Conservation Commission

Water Resources Subcommittee Meeting

July 21, 2008

7:00 PM Henniker

PRESENT:    Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Ron Taylor, Spencer Bennett,

Chris Fox, Rick Patenaude, Dana Myskowski

1)    Review and approve minutes for the 5/19 and 6/23 meetings:

·         Motion to accept the May 19 minutes by Mark Mitch, seconded by Holly Green, unanimous acceptance.

·         Motion to accept the June 23 minutes by Holly Green, seconded by Mark Mitch, unanimously accepted.

2)    Updates to Water Resources Management Plan:

We referenced the slightly revised 1989 “Water Resource Management and Protection Plan” (that contains Holly’s changes: “Office of State Planning”  to “Office of Energy and Planning” and changing references of obsolete divisions in the NH Dept of Environmental Services to “NH Dept of Environmental Services”).

We examined maps (both ones that are stored at the Grange Hall and maps prepared, plotted, and brought by Chris) as we discussed our objective as a committee—to identify the water resources then identify ways to protect them.  We then divvied up the Water Management Plan Update Tasks list that Holly had e-mailed to all subcommittee members prior to the meeting. (Note: page numbers are from the slightly revised version of the 1989 report.)

Water MANAgEment Plan Update Tasks list

Confirm accuracy of the following:

·         Watershed info on pages 3 - 8 and 18. (Mark)

·         Surface water quality classification on pages 8 and 10. (Unassigned)

·         Flood plain info on page 9. (Chris)

·         Wetlands and soils info on pages 8 - 9 and 21 - 22. (Mark & Chris)

·         Aquifer and Bedrock info on pages 10 - 14. (Unassigned)

Update the following:

·         Surface water discharge, use, and withdrawal on pages 8 - 11 and 13. (Holly)

·         Groundwater discharge, use, and withdrawal on pages 11 and 13. (Holly)

·         Well data on pages 10 - 11. (Holly)

·         Potential contamination sources on pages 14 - 16. (Holly)

·         Land Use and Zoning info on pages 17 - 18. (Rick)

·         Water use info on pages 12 - 13 and 18 - 20.  (Unassigned)

·         Septic systems on pages 21 - 22. (Unassigned)

·         Waste disposal on page 22. (Unassigned)

·         Public Water Systems on pages 23 - 24. (Ron - COMPLETED)

·         Wastewater Treatment on page 24. (Ron – COMPLETED)

·         Existing regulations and policies on pages 24 – 26 (Ron; also: subdivision regulation)

·         Storage Tanks Appendix II (Ron – COMPLETED)

Possible Maps to Add:

·         Aquifers (Chris)

·         Watersheds (Chris)

·         Soils (Chris)

·         Wetlands (Chris)

·         Potential Contamination Sources (Chris)

·         Floodplains (Chris)

·         Well locations (Chris)

·         Land Use (Chris)

Other:

·         Contact Fire Department to obtain the Emergency Planning Community Right to Know information (Spencer)

Also, Holly is going to check to see if the state has updated the wells information since the mid-80’s so that we may add that to the maps.

The question was raised: what can we do as opposed to the state?  Discussion yielded that we can identify potential contamination sources that the state doesn’t currently have listed, including storage places of hazardous wastes, and educate people who store such materials as to proper and safe containment measures.  Ron noted that Cogswell Springs currently sends an annual letter educating people in an area upstream from the underwater flow of town wells about potential spills; the committee discussed a desire to see the letter sent to a broader area upstream from town wells, which Ron will look into.

We decided that once we have completed the items on the Task List, our subcommittee will provide a plan that provides recommendations to the town and to the Conservation Committee. 

3)    Outreach:

As a result of Spencer’s presentation on invasive aquatic species at last month’s meeting, Mark was able to procure three weather-proof signs to post at boat ramps in town, which educate boaters as to what to look for and how to clean off any debris from their boats and propellers before launching in our water bodies. 

Spencer took two signs to post—one at Pleasant Pond and one at Long Pond.  Mark took the other to post at Keyser.  It was determined that the boat landing at French’s Pond already has a sign.  Mark will obtain two more signs to post at a second Long Pond location and at the Contoocook River boat ramp on River Road.

Mark reported that DES has an invasive species presentation, which they invited French’s Pond Association members to a couple years ago.  Only seven people attended the free presentation at the boat ramp.

We discussed early ideas of potential outreach, publicity, and public education, which we decided to discuss at the next meeting, once Mark has investigated what authority we might have to inspect boats before they launch in our town’s public waterways.  (Early outreach ideas include an information booth at town functions, asking pond neighborhoods to host an educational meeting in a home that would be open to all neighbors, and possibly producing print and web-based materials generated by the subcommittee.)

4)    Other Business

1. Dunkin Donuts – Ron relayed that apparently the pervious asphalt recommended by the Conservation Committee does not work for the type and amount of traffic anticipated at the site.
2. Rain Barrels – Dana brought information about rain collection barrels and a New England company that sells them at a lower cost to municipalities in a program whereby town residents can order a barrel, similar to the Recycling Committee’s sale of composting barrels.  Due to the late hour, Dana will wait till next month’s meeting to provide a bullet sheet of information both about this program and about “rainscaping” – or creating environmentally-friendly gardens that use rain water, thus reducing runoff. 

The subcommittee will meet again August 18 at 7 pm.  It was decided to adjourn at 8:46—a unanimous decision.

Respectfully submitted,

Dana Myskowski

July 23, 2008

MINUTES
Henniker Conservation Commission
Water Resources Subcommittee Meeting
August18, 2008
7:00 PM Henniker

PRESENT: Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Spencer Bennett, Chris Fox, Rick
Patenaude, Dana Myskowski

1) Review and approve minutes for the 7/21 meeting:
Motion to approve minutes by Holly Green; seconded by Mark Mitch. Passed unanimously.

2) Updates to Water Resources Management Plan:

WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE TASKS LIST

Confirm accuracy of the following:
• Watershed info on pages 3 - 8 and 18. (Mark) – Will bring info to next meeting.
• Surface water quality classification on pages 8 and 10. (Newly assigned this evening to Mark.)
• Flood plain info on page 9. (Chris) Will see Denise for hard copy.
• Wetlands and soils info on pages 8 - 9 and 21 - 22. (Mark & Chris) Chris will be able to supply this information once he has the flood plain data.
• Aquifer and Bedrock info on pages 10 - 14. (Newly assigned to Chris & Rick.) Chris can get the bedrock info; Rick will interpret it once he has the print outs from Chris.

Update the following:
• Surface water discharge, use, and withdrawal on pages 8 - 11 and 13. (Holly) Since DES has been permitting groundwater withdrawal, there have not been any permits issued in Henniker. Holly will dig deeper into use previous to permitting dates. She will separate the groundwater from the surface water, searching information for each.
• Groundwater discharge, use, and withdrawal on pages 11 and 13. (Holly) (See previous bullet.)
• Well data on pages 10 - 11. (Holly, plus newly added Rick & Chris.) Holly grabbed the water well data from DES One Stop and handed it over to Rick. The report includes private/residential wells going back to 1984 (when they began collecting the data). Rick will go over the list and see if he can find obvious wells missing from the sheet. Rick also believes some wells have not been reported since the 1984 data gathering began; he will try to determine such wells. Chris believes he may be able to help provide some data of mapped wells, which may add to the list Holly obtained from One Stop.
• Potential contamination sources on pages 14 - 16. (Holly) Holly printed out hazardous waste generators—those companies in town that have reported that they are generating hazardous waste, even small quantities such as paint thinner. Holly will make copies and distribute to everyone so that each committee member can scan the list, since instantly Spencer noticed one business on the list that is no longer open. If a business is storing in Well Head Protection Area or in a Watershed for Drinking Water Supply, there are special storage requirements for more than five gallons.
• Land Use and Zoning info on pages 17 - 18. (Reassigned to Dana, with help from Holly & Chris.) Chris will look and see if there is a land use map; if so, he will print it. Dana will contact the person who knows the current zoning ordinances (contact info to be supplied by Holly). Regional Planning Commission may know about land use and/or parcel maps, too; Dana will look into this. Holly will also check to see if there is more than an aerial map with current land use.
• Water use info on pages 12 - 13 and 18 - 20. (Newly assigned to Holly.)
• Septic systems on pages 21 - 22. (Soil newly assigned to Chris; Septic concerns assigned to Dana.) Information on sewer and soil. Dana will contact the local health officer Jill Founier.
• Waste disposal on page 22. (Newly assigned to Ron.)
• Public Water Systems on pages 23 - 24. (Ron - COMPLETED)
• Wastewater Treatment on page 24. (Ron – COMPLETED)
• Existing regulations and policies on pages 24 – 26 (Ron; also: subdivision regulation)
• Storage Tanks Appendix II (Ron – COMPLETED)

Possible Maps to Add:
The plotter was down, so Chris will bring printed maps to next month’s meeting.
• Aquifers (Chris)
• Watersheds (Chris)
• Soils (Chris)
• Wetlands (Chris)
• Potential Contamination Sources (Chris)
• Floodplains (Chris)
• Well locations (Chris)
• Land Use (Chris)

Other:
• Contact Fire Department to obtain the Emergency Planning Community Right to Know information (Spencer). Will bring to next month’s meeting.


3) Outreach Ideas:
• Shoreland Protection Act just went into effect July 1st. Mark will contact the president of the French Pond Neighborhood Association as Holly contacts the Shoreland Outreach Coordinator from DES to try to set up an informational workshop.
• Dana will speak with Denise about setting up a blog. We discussed posting info about septic system maintenance, water conservation techniques, etc.
• We also discussed the idea of a mailing, to let residents know where to look for information on water conservation, septic maintenance, invasive species, and more. This will be further explored in the future.
• Invasive Species Workshop – we would like to look into scheduling one next spring in preparation for next summer’s water sport season.
• Invasive aquatic species signage – Spencer posted one at Pleasant Pond, Mark determined there are signs at Long Pond’s residential water access point, at Keyser Pond, and at French Pond. Dana took a sign and will attempt to post it at Long Pond’s seldom used and overgrown public boat ramp.

4) Other Business
• Cyanobacteria Advisory for French Pond: DES has issued an advisory for the beach and boat launch. The August 14, 2008 advisory will remain in effect until additional samples reveal cyanobacteria levels have diminished. DES advises pond users to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing cyanobacteria bloom conditions. DES also advises pet owners to keep their pets out of any waters that have a surface scum.

Pond users should be on the lookout for cyanobacteria blooms in areas
of the pond other than at the beach and boat launch. Wind shifts may easily move a cyanobacteria bloom to other parts of the pond. Often they form dense surface scums that are bright green or blue-green in color; or blooms may cause entire lakes to take on a blue-green hue. Sometimes they resemble paint chips or bright green balls floating in the water.

DES routinely monitors public beaches and lakes for cyanobacteria.
Cyanobacteria are natural components of many water bodies in New Hampshire. Cyanobacteria may bloom and form surface scums when excess phosphorus and ample sunlight are available. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that are stored within the cells but released upon cell death. Toxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects ranging in severity from skin and mucous membrane irritations, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to liver and central nervous system damage.

Visit the DES Beach Program website at www.des.nh.gov/Beaches/cyanobacteria.html for photos and more information about cyanobacteria. To report a cyanobacteria bloom, call DES at (603)419-9229.

• Rain Barrels – Dana brought bulleted information about rain collection barrels and a New England company that sells them at a lower cost to municipalities in a program whereby town residents can order a barrel, similar to the Recycling Committee’s sale of composting barrels. She will check with the company to see what the current prices are and to learn the program details.

• Rain Scaping – Dana also brought some info about creating environmentally-friendly gardens that use rain water, thus reducing runoff. She will contact Denise to see if the two of them can develop a native plant list for homeowners and developers to refer to when planting their own rain gardens.

The subcommittee will meet again September 15 at 7 pm. Holly moved to adjourn, Mark seconded. It was unanimous as we adjourned at 8:05.

Respectfully submitted,
Dana Myskowski
August 19, 2008
 

MINUTES
Henniker Conservation Commission
Water Resources Subcommittee Meeting
September15, 2008
7:00 PM Henniker Grange Hall

PRESENT: Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Chris Fox, Dana Myskowski

1) Review and approve minutes for the 8/18 meeting:
We will wait till we have copies in hand next month.

2) Updates to Water Resources Management Plan:

WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE TASKS LIST

Confirm accuracy of the following:
• Watershed info on pages 3 - 8 and 18. (Mark) – We discussed the maps; Mark has made some progress and will continue to work on this; more information will be available next month.
• Surface water quality classification on pages 8 and 10. (Mark) – Holly will forward Mark the name of the person he needs to communicate with.
• Flood plain info on page 9. (Chris) Chris has visited OEP and submitted a request for the information based on his membership on this committee. He will also obtain a map on properties boundaries from Denise.
• Wetlands and soils info on pages 8 - 9 and 21 - 22. (Mark & Chris) Chris will be able to supply this information once he has the flood plain data.
• Aquifer and Bedrock info on pages 10 - 14. (Chris & Rick.) Chris can get the bedrock info off of one stop; Rick will interpret it once he has the print outs from Chris.

Update the following:
• Surface water discharge, use, and withdrawal on pages 8 - 11 and 13. (Holly) Holly obtained the info from DES. The rules in 1987 have expired; new statutes went into effect in 2005. This is an area of new law that perhaps folks still need to be made aware of; the rules are going to legislative committee next week, thus people may not yet be aware that they have to register. Derrick Bennet registers Henniker area businesses and users for new water discharge, use and withdrawal, and also transfers; Holly has asked him if our committee can help with outreach. Users who are affected by the regulation include those who use more than 20,000 gallons per day (average over a seven-day period), or 600,000 gallons over a 30-day period. (Title L, Water Management and Protection, Chapter 488.) Holly believes there may be an exemption under agricultural use and lumber yards; she will look into the rules and bring information next month and/or e-mail them to the water resources subcommittee.
• Groundwater discharge, use, and withdrawal on pages 11 and 13. (Holly) (See previous bullet.)
• Well data on pages 10 - 11. (Holly, Rick & Chris.) Updates tabled till next month’s meeting.
• Potential contamination sources on pages 14 - 16. (Holly) Holly will e-mail the print outs to everyone.
• Land Use and Zoning info on pages 17 - 18. (Dana, with help from Holly & Chris.) Updates expected next month.
• Water use info on pages 12 - 13 and 18 - 20. (Holly)
• Septic systems on pages 21 - 22. (Soil - Chris; Septic - Dana) Information anticipated next month.
• Waste disposal on page 22. (Ron) Ron placed some information in Holly’s box; she will bring that to next month’s meeting.
• Public Water Systems on pages 23 - 24. (Ron - COMPLETED)
• Wastewater Treatment on page 24. (Ron – COMPLETED)
• Existing regulations and policies on pages 24 – 26 (Ron; also: subdivision regulation)
• Storage Tanks Appendix II (Ron – COMPLETED)

Possible Maps to Add:
Chris will bring printed maps of:
• Aquifers
• Watersheds
• Soils
• Wetlands
• Potential Contamination Sources
• Floodplains
• Well locations
• Land Use

Other:
• Contact Fire Department to obtain the Emergency Planning Community Right to Know information (Spencer). Will bring to next month’s meeting.

3) Outreach Ideas:
• Regarding the New Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act regulations that went into effect July 1st: Mark has contacted the president of the French Pond Neighborhood Association and yes, the association is interested in learning more via a workshop/presentation. Holly has contacted the Shoreland Outreach Coordinator from DES to set up an informational workshop; she is waiting to hear back from the coordinator.
• Dana has yet to speak to Denise about setting up a blog for the subcommittee off of the Conservation Committee’s website.
• NH Association of Natural Resource Scientists—Chris will inquire with them to see if they are doing any outreach, workshops, etc.
• Holly filed a Grant Application that would provide planning assistance for towns in innovative land use controls as solutions to potential problems. The deadline was Sept. 10; since the Water Resources Subcommittee met after that deadline, Holly brought it to the Conservation Committee meeting on the 3rd; the committee agreed that she should file the grant application. Henniker’s was the only application received, though we may have to wait until after the second deadline in October before we hear any decision on our grant.
• Invasive aquatic species signage – Dana posted a sign at Long Pond’s seldom used and overgrown public boat ramp. Mark mentioned that twice recently when he was at French Pond on a Sunday afternoon, there was no one else on the water, therefore it seems the Cyanobacteria Advisory warning signs have been effective.

4) Other Business
• Megan Mulcahy has submitted her letter of resignation due to an increase in her own workload at her job; it was accepted by the committee.
• Rain Barrels – (Dana) More on that next month.
• Rain Scaping – (Dana) More to come.

The subcommittee will meet again October 20 at 7 pm. It was unanimously decided to adjourn at 8:10.

Respectfully submitted,
Dana Myskowski
September 15, 2008
 

MINUTES
Henniker Conservation Commission
Water Resources Subcommittee Meeting
October 27, 2008
7:00 PM Henniker Grange Hall

PRESENT: Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Chris Fox, Ron Taylor, Rick Patenaude, and Dana Myskowski

1) Review and approve minutes for the 8/18 & 9/15 meetings:
Holly Green moved to accept. Chris Fox seconded. Passed unanimously with two abstentions (Rick & Ron, who were absent from September’s meeting).

2) NH Department of Environmental Services Source Water Protection Grant Application
Holly suggested that we NOT apply since there doesn’t appear that we need anything that the grant could give us at this point; however, since it is a grant that is offered annually, we can apply in the future. This was agreed upon by the committee members.

3) Updates to Water Resources Management Plan:
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE TASKS LIST

Confirm accuracy of the following:
• Watershed info on pages 3 - 8 & 18. (Mark) – Mark is currently trying to delineate all the no-name brooks, working to identify each of the waterways and their flow directions.
• Surface water quality classification, pgs 8 & 10. (Mark) – More next meeting.
• Flood plain info on page 9. (Chris) Chris has so far found 100-year and 500-year flood plain maps. He also brought a map that illustrates the 75-gallons per minute water areas. Rick and Ron examined the Water Hazards map. Town wells appear to be gravel. Ron questioned a couple hazardous sites; Chris will bring the labels to the next meeting. Another question was: What is a no-point source? Again, Chris will define that for next month’s meeting and Holly will bring the list of hazardous sites. We looked at the flow of water in town as it relates to the town wells. For the town aquifer that is currently in use, the well-protection area is clearly delineated; for the one that is not in current use, the well-protection delineation is simply a circle around the well that extends in approximately a 4000 foot radius.
• Wetlands and soils info on pages 8 - 9 & 21 - 22. (Mark & Chris) Mark and Chris discussed poorly drained soils vs. wetlands. Mark believes there is more detail available via another map—they are both looking to identify poorly drained soils and wetlands areas. Mark will bring more maps and data to next month’s meeting. Descriptors – on the maps: Mark can pull up the information for next month and Chris can bring more descriptors to next meeting. They found that one map is missing some town ponds.
• Aquifer and Bedrock info on pages 10 - 14. (Chris & Rick.) Chris has pulled some of this bedrock info off of one stop; Rick will interpret it once he has the print outs from Chris. Rick will look into naturally occurring risks of arsenic and other possible contaminants in town wells and report his findings to the subcommittee.

Update the following:
• Surface water discharge, use, and withdrawal on pages 8 - 11 and 13. (Holly) Holly completed much of this last month and will bring further information next month.
• Groundwater discharge, use, and withdrawal on pages 11 and 13. (Holly) (See previous bullet.)
• Well data on pages 10 - 11. (Holly, Rick & Chris.) As a committee we decided that we won’t try to identify every private well in town. However, as noted above, Chris and Rick will work to provide bedrock, contamination, and also water flow information based on current maps and data.
• Potential contamination sources on pages 14 - 16. (Holly) Holly will bring the print outs to next month’s meeting.
• Land Use and Zoning info on pages 17 - 18. (Dana, with help from Holly & Chris.) Chris brought the maps provided by DES. Dana brought her notes from Laura Scott and received help from the committee on some of the questions still outstanding. More to come next month.
• Water use info on pages 12 - 13 and 18 - 20. (Holly)
• Septic systems on pages 21 - 22. (Soil - Chris; Septic - Dana) Soil maps brought by Chris this month; more next month. Dana brought more info than necessary & still has some outstanding e-mail questions, but the committee distilled the info to be included in the report to:
SUBSURFACE SYSTEMS BUREAU - To prevent pollution of all public or private water supplies,
whether underground or surface sources.
The Subsurface Systems Bureau is responsible for the review and issuance or denial of permits
that govern approximately 80-85% of all development that occurs within the state of New Hampshire. In particular, the bureau is responsible for the following activities:
o Reviews applications for the subdivision of land and the design of individual septic systems.
o Performs on-site inspections of all septic systems installed in order to ensure strict compliance with the approved plans.
o Implements and administers the program for licensing both designers and installers of septic systems. No individual may submit an application nor install a septic system without first obtaining a license from this bureau.
o Investigates written complaints received by the Department of Environmental Services relative to situations which are or may be causing degradation of the state’s waters.
o Coordinates other necessary permits involved in a particular project or development.
SOURCE: http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/legal/rules/documents/env-wq1000.pdf
• Waste disposal on page 22. (Ron) Ron placed some information in Holly’s box; she will bring that to next month’s meeting.
• Public Water Systems on pages 23 - 24. (Ron - COMPLETED)
• Wastewater Treatment on page 24. (Ron – COMPLETED)
• Existing regulations and policies on pages 24 – 26 (Ron; also: subdivision regulation)
• Storage Tanks Appendix II (Ron – COMPLETED)

Possible Maps to Add:
Chris brought printed maps of the list below, and will bring more descriptors and labels for some of the maps to next month’s meeting.
• Aquifers
• Watersheds
• Soils –Wetlands
• Potential Contamination Sources
• Floodplains
• Well locations
• Land Use

Other:
• Contact Fire Department to obtain the Emergency Planning Community Right to Know information (Spencer).

4) November 13 Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act Workshop
Denise is working on mailing labels and Holly will see if DES can provide copies of the Shoreland Protection Act brochure. Henniker Community Center is reserved for the meeting. Arlene Allen will speak. Mark will bring his projection screen. Refreshments will be provided by the committee, via Holly.

5) Regional Environmental Planning Program Grant
Holly will be meeting with regional planning commission staff.

6) Other Business:
• BLOG: (Dana) Dana e-mailed Denise to suggest they meet once her business has slowed for the winter season.
• NH Association of Natural Resource Scientists—Chris will inquire with them to see if they are doing any outreach, workshops, etc.
• Rain Barrels – (Dana) Waiting to receive municipal rate quote.
• Rain Scaping – (Dana) Dana hopes to meet with Denise once the weather turns and her fall business slows so the two of them can brainstorm a list of suggested native plants for this purpose.

The subcommittee will meet again November 17 at 7 pm. It was unanimously decided to adjourn at 8:47.

Respectfully submitted,
Dana Myskowski
October 28, 2008
 

MINUTES
Henniker Conservation Commission
Water Resources Subcommittee Meeting
November 17, 2008
7:00 PM Henniker Grange Hall

PRESENT: Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Chris Fox, Ron Taylor, & Dana Myskowski

1) Review and approve minutes for the 10/27 meeting:

Holly Green moved to accept the minutes with revisions; Ron Taylor seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

2) Report on meeting with Central NH Regional Planning Commission staff on Innovative Land Use Controls:

The grant that we recently qualified for allows us 30-hours of Central NH Regional Planning Commission staff time to look at innovative land use controls. Holly Green and the staff person met and came out with the recommendation that we adopt wetland buffers since Henniker does not have them. That was his biggest recommendation.

He also questioned whether or not the town has a written policy or ordinance that requires people to obtain a permit in a well-head protection area before building. Ron Taylor reported that the question is raised on the building permit; he will look into whether or not the town has a written policy or ordinance. If we do not have it in writing currently, the staff member recommends that our committee request the town adopt such a written policy.

Our next task as a committee: we need to decide if we agree with the recommendations. If so the staff member will help us draft the text.

We also need to ask ourselves as a committee: what are our goals? Perhaps it is groundwater regulation and/or shoreland protection; whatever land use control we want to recommend, they will help us with it.

One committee member asked if the staff member could help us identify common practices concerning wetland buffers, shore land protection, etc., in other New Hampshire towns, so that we could then see where Henniker falls, which might helps us further decide which areas to focus on as a committee.

The text for “Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques” is available on line at the DES website.

3) Updates to Water Resources Management Plan:
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE TASKS LIST

• Chris brought a labeled well-head protection area map for our town that he printed via the Granite system; he also brought a soil designation map, which Mark studied. Ron, Holly, Mark, and Chris studied the well-head protection maps and identified the areas that are not up to date within the Granite system, such as the campgrounds in town and Dunkin’ Donuts.

• Pgs 24 & 26 from the Plan: Ron brought up the fact that since the 1989 report the state handles many areas of Subdivision Regulations. We discussed ways to reflect this in our updated report, suggesting that we can refer readers to the state guidelines where they exist. If any areas are not covered by state regulations that the committee believes should be addressed by the town, we can list our recommendations in our updated report.

• One area that Holly will look into whether there are state road width requirements.

• Solid Waste Disposal – Ron will look into this and bring it up to date.

• Ron brought a copy of the minutes of the Sept. 25, 1989 Henniker Planning Board meeting in which the original Water Resource Management and Protection Plan was adopted.

• Hydrants – Ron commented that all of the town hydrants are now up to date on adequate flow levels. (They were not as of the 1989 report.)

4) Other Business:

• Holly handed out copies of:
1) The PowerPoint from the Nov. 13th Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act Presentation led by Arlene Allen from DES, in which 27 people attended at the Henniker Community Center.
2) “Wading Through Water Protection: Applications of the Innovative Land Use Techniques” from an Oct. 25, 2008, presentation.
3) “Bridge Over Troubled Waters – Stream Crossings in NH” from a presentation on November 15, 2008.
4) The New Right to Know Law that was presented Nov. 12, 2008.

• Chris brought an extra copy of the NH Comprehensive Lake Inventory from the NH Department of Environmental Services, and suggested that the committee consider surveying Henniker’s ponds. Mark mentioned that much of the data has already been collected for the town’s ponds, though it may not be as organized as the plan presents; he suggested we consider updating the inventory of Henniker ponds.

• Chris also mentioned the Prime Wetland soil categorization based on GIS Data. He can get a list of wetlands based on criteria in our town from Ted Walsh. Mark requested a copy.

The subcommittee will meet again December 15 at 7 pm. It was unanimously decided to adjourn at 8:56 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Dana Myskowski
November 18, 2008

 

MINUTES
Henniker Conservation Commission
Water Resources Subcommittee Meeting
December 15, 2008
7:00 PM Henniker Grange Hall

PRESENT: Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Spencer Bennett, & Dana Myskowski

1) Review and approve minutes for the 11/17 meeting:

Holly Green moved to accept the minutes with revisions; Mark Mitch seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

2) Report on meeting with Central NH Regional Planning Commission’s Recommendations on Innovative Land Use Controls

The Regional Planning Commission staff member who is helping with the grant process is Matt Monahan. He gave Holly a list of New Hampshire towns that have adopted wetlands ordinances. Denise Rico gave Holly a link to the OEP (Office of Energy and Planning) webpage that not only lists the towns that have wetlands buffers, but also includes what types of wetlands buffers and the setback requirements, which vary town to town.

In 2007 the Henniker Planning Board had two public meetings to discuss a warrant article (Article XXII Wetlands Conservation, 133-115 Special Provisions) to create a 50-foot wetlands buffer in which no structures would be located and no land disturbance would be allowed; the wetlands buffer was not adopted.

Holly recommends that once she e-mails each of us on the subcommittee the OEP website that we each look at other towns’ requirements and consider what our own recommendation(s) might be for Henniker.

After looking at the list that Holly brought to the meeting, Spencer noted that 85 of the 238 state’s municipalities have adopted wetlands buffers.

As per the grant: Matt Monahan will work with the committee to help us pen the town warrant article language, should we decide to recommend wetlands buffers.

Mark raised the question: does Matt have the town-by-town information for well-head protection area requirements: Holly will ask if there any well-head protection area regulations that towns have adopted.

Holly also mentioned that under the Shoreland Protection Act, in which certain smaller streams are not protected, towns can extend the state’s protection to smaller order streams.

The question was raised: are there other regulations on non-point source pollution controls, such as storm water management and turbidity. Holly can ask Matt about this. The committee members felt it would be useful to identify what state regulations exist on the upkeep and maintenance of storm water practices, as well as whether or not there are requirements to upgrade storage capacity (per subdivision regulations). Again, Holly will ask Matt if other towns have regulations on storm water maintenance, upkeep of storage facilities, etc.

Spencer also wondered what power the state has and what powers towns have on excavation regulations. Laura Scott may know, or else perhaps again Matt can help us determine the answer to this.

3) Updates to Water Resources Management Plan:
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE TASKS LIST

Spencer spoke with Mick Costello at the Henniker Fire Department about EPCRA (Emergency Planning Community Right to Know Act). Mick reported that the Henniker Fire Department has an extensive list of all the hazardous materials that they can find in the town, even quantities below the reportable quantity as defined by EPCRA.

Swimming Fund: Spencer suggested Dana contact the Trustee of Trust Funds to determine how much is currently in that account. Spencer told us about the two locations that have been considered in the past (but not acted upon) – on the river just up from the NEC covered wooden bridge and below the newly renovated bridge. The federal government is willing to long-range lease the land to the town. But if we build any structures, they need to be flood proof, unless they are above the high water mark; each location has a suitable high area of land where a structure (such as a bathhouse) could be built.

4) Other Business:

Holly mentioned that she had suggested to Peter Flynn that the town consider applying for an urban exemption for the Azalea park stretch of land along the river (behind the Town Library) so that improvements (such as lights for night strolling) can be added, as has been requested by town residents in the past.

Dana will contact Laura Scott to see whether the town has any maps that are associated with the water resources management plan, which the planning board approved; perhaps these maps are stored at the town hall.

Spencer asked if the conservation committee ever made a map of the wetlands in town. Mark said that the NH Fish and Game put together a broad strokes wetlands “map” upon large-scale aerial photos. The committee thought that when the town’s new tax map is produced, we can overlay the soil map to that.

The subcommittee will meet again Monday, January 19, 2009 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), at 7:00 pm. It was unanimously decided to adjourn at 8:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Dana Myskowski
December 17, 2008
 

DRAFT
MINUTES
Henniker Conservation Commission
Water Resources Subcommittee Meeting
February 16, 2009
7:00 PM Henniker Grange Hall

PRESENT: Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Chris Fox, & Dana Myskowski

1) Review and approve minutes for the 12/15 meeting:

Chris Fox moved to accept the minutes with one revision; Mark Mitch seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

2) Report on meeting with Central NH Regional Planning Commission’s Recommendations on Innovative Land Use Controls

Holly exchanged e-mails with Matt Monahan of the Central NH Regional Planning Commission regarding Storm Water Management. She asked if other towns have Storm Water Management regulations; the answer is yes. Holly will bring Matt’s specific recommendations to next month’s meeting. There is also on-going discussion on non-point pollution controls.

Holly mentioned that Laura Scott has drafted new excavation regulations as she updates them to make them more complete that will be looked at during the next town Conservation Committee.

Regarding wetland buffers: Chris raised the question whether there is more to possible wetlands buffer regulation then a one-size-fits-all mandate. Or, if it’s possible to start with one regulated buffer for certain wetlands, then adopt others as our town needs them. Chris pointed out that several other New Hampshire towns have provisions for functional analysis that can cut the buffer zone on a case-by-case basis.

Holly asked us to consider the best use of Matt Monehan’s time in the 30 hours we have of his time via the grant; we should discuss this next month.

Chris suggested we may want to recommend that we look at wetlands. Mark reported that the Watershed Protection Ordinance is in place, but that we need to establish buffers before the state will take any action requested by a town. Mark talked about how elevated phosphorous levels contribute to cyanobacketeria blooms in French Pond. However, Long Pond, and the other ponds in that system, do not have the same problems as French Pond since there is an extensive system of wetlands that act as natural filtration zones.


3) Updates to Water Resources Management Plan:
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE TASKS LIST

Swimming Fund: As per Spencer’s suggestion Dana contacted the Trustee of Trust Funds to determine how much is currently in that account: Dan DaCosta reported that the Capital Reserve Swim Pool Fund as of December 31, 2008 had a $15,568.56 balance supplied.

4) Other Business:

DES has just published a NH Water Primer, available at: http://des.nh.gov/.

Dana contacted Laura Scott and learned that the town has water-related maps with the master plan, but nothing with the water resources plan.

Dana met with Stacy L. Luke, District Manager for the Merrimack County Conservation District, regarding rain gardens. We discussed possibly holding a town-wide workshop by planting a rain garden in a public spot. Stacy is willing to save extra plants after the Conservation District’s annual plant sale (usually in early to mid-May) and donate them to Henniker for planting in the town rain garden. We discussed Azalea Park as a possible location, which based on Dana’s description, Stacy thought might be a good location for such a garden. Is there a garden committee in town that we could work with to make this happen? Dana will e-mail Denise Rico, Stone Falls and other landscapers in town, as well as Peter Flynn, to see if we can and/or want to pursue creating a Rain Garden in town and holding a public workshop so residents can learn how to establish one on their properties.

Stacy also suggested that our subcommittee launch a stenciling project that would warn residents in a stylistic/artistic way to not toss contaminates down storm drains. Dana will forward information on the storm drain stenciling project to Mark who will see if he and his students can follow-up on such a project.

Also, Stacy is working with the state prison’s shop as they attempt to develop cost-effective and attractive rain barrels. She will let me know what the price of each barrel will be so that our town can offer them for sale to our residents if we so choose (hopefully at a cost below the best cost so far, which is around the $65 mark).

The subcommittee will meet again Monday, March 16, 2009 at 7:00 pm. It was unanimously decided to adjourn at 8:31 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Myskowski
February 19, 2009

MINUTES
Henniker Conservation Commission
Water Resources Subcommittee Meeting
April 20, 2009
7:00 PM Henniker Grange Hall

PRESENT: Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Ron Taylor, Chris Fox, Rick Patenaude,
& Dana Myskowski

1) Review and approve minutes for the 2/16 meeting

Holly Green moved to accept the minutes with revisions; Rick Patenaude seconded. Motion carried unanimously, with Ron Taylor abstaining since he wasn’t here in February.

2) NH Department of Environmental Services Aquatic Resource Mitigation Program Grant Application

Holly brought a map and discussed the dividing line along the Merrimack River Watershed (identified as Merrimack River Hydrologic Unit Code 8 [HUC 8] – sub watershed). She also discussed how the funding works. In order to offset some wetlands that were filled in or dredged, money from those projects has been put into a pool that funds to protect, restore, preserve, improve, and/or create a wetland within the same region. The funding available currently is the Merrimack Watershed area.

Land Preservation projects qualify to be funded if they have wetlands, uplands or other aquatic resources. A study by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., indicated areas in yellow on the maps that are suitable for wetlands restoration, though Holly doesn’t know what criteria was used to identify the areas.

The question for us: are there any projects in the area that is available for funding that we think we might want to pursue? Another question raised by the group discussion: why were these yellow sites chosen? Holly suggested that if we find a location that our committee believes we should target to be funded we should also speak with the Open Space Committee to get their input. Finally, should both committees decide that it makes good sense for our community to pursue funding for a project, the land owner would need to be contacted to see if they are interested.

The grant deadline due date is June 5. Holly will meet with the Open Space Committee prior to our next meeting.




3) Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels

The Recycling Committee is currently offering rain barrels for sale, along with the composting barrels. Rain Gardens – Dana’s efforts on exploring this have been placed on hold while she tends to family medical needs. However, she anticipates submitting a proposal for the National Geographic/Sun Chips Green Effect competition, and will bring details of that grant application to the next meeting. (The grant application becomes available on Earth Day, April 22, at http://greeneffect.nationalgeographic.com/rules.)

4) Potential New England College Student Projects

We discussed stenciling sewer drains, as per the suggestion of Stacy Luke, District Manager for the Merrimack County Conservation District. Mark Mitch has a student who may be interested in completing this project. Mark will check with John Margeson from town to see about obtaining permission to mark the drains in a public awareness effort to help citizens realize where storm drains discharge their contents.

5) Report on Henniker Community Profile on 4/17 - 4/18

Ron, Mark & Holly attended (Ron & Holly both days). The citizens who attended were split into six committees: facilities, public utilities, community action/spirit, communications, natural resources, and volunteerism. Six projects/action items arose from the discussions. Next is to discover how to implement them. The follow-up meeting for the committees is on May 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Henniker Community Center.

6) Updates to Water Resources Management Plan

Before next meeting – Holly will e-mail what’s left to do. And Holly and Dana will meet as they attempt to type up the updated report, incorporating all the revisions to date.

7) Other Business –

Being that there was no other business to discuss, Holly motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:01, Rick seconded, and the vote was unanimous. The subcommittee will meet again Monday, May18, 2009 at 7:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Dana Myskowski
April 24, 2009
 

DRAFT
MINUTES
Henniker Conservation Commission
Water Resources Subcommittee Meeting
May 18, 2009
7:00 PM Henniker Grange Hall

PRESENT: Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Ron Taylor, Chris Fox, Rick Patenaude,
& Dana Myskowski

1) Review and approve minutes for the 4/20 meeting

Holly Green moved to accept the minutes with revisions; Rick Patenaude seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

2) Outreach Ideas

Holly suggested we ask the Water Treatment Facility and the Water Department to hold open houses as outreach to the community. Ron relayed that it could probably be arranged if it was during the work day, when the staff is on duty. Ron will be the contact person as Holly investigates this idea.

We discussed that we could present workshops – to the French Pond Neighborhood Association for instance. Subjects of workshops to this group or to others might include: invasive weeds, cyanobacteria, etc.

We could promote water barrels and low-flush toilets and other water conservation techniques – Holly will see if we can get a table at the town’s Memorial Day gathering next Monday; Dana will stop by Edmunds and see if they will let us borrow some water conservation items to place on display.

Dana will also search her rain garden notes and see if at the very least she can develop a list of native species that make good rain garden inhabitants and/or require little or no watering.

3) Other Business –

Ron handed out copies of his research that updates information on the Solid Waste Disposal Facilities.

Holly motioned to adjourn at 8:12; Rick seconded; the vote was unanimous. The subcommittee will meet again Monday, June 15, 2009 at 7:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Dana Myskowski
May 19, 2009
 

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