Old Lyme Pollution Czars Recommend Town Consider Hiring Sanitarian For Water, Sewer Oversight

OLD LYME, CT — The Old Lyme Water Pollution Control Authority unanimously recommended Sept. 8 that the town consider hiring a sanitarian to handle water and sewer matters, including enforcement of septic system pump-out requirements.

The recommendation followed discussion of a proposal raised earlier that evening at the Board of Selectmen meeting to potentially use some of the town's budget surplus to hire a sanitarian. WPCA members said having an official with enforcement authority could help ensure residents comply with septic pump-out requirements.

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WPCA member Laura Parent moved to recommend that the town consider hiring a sanitarian whose responsibilities would cover all aspects of water and sewer. Dennis Melluzzo seconded the motion. It passed unanimously with no opposition or abstentions.

Later in the meeting, board member Dimitri Tolchinski said hiring a town sanitarian was important. Member Bill Reynolds asked whether the authority could begin developing a job description. Reynolds agreed to make calls concerning the position, and board member Brian Cornell offered to assist.

Septic Ordinance Changes Remain Under Discussion

The authority continued discussing possible changes to the town's septic ordinance but made no decisions.

Members discussed a five-year pump-out interval for residential properties and the possibility of requiring pump-outs every three years for commercial establishments with public restrooms that serve food or drinks. The issue will return for further discussion at the next meeting.

Tolchinski said he supported changing the ordinance's interval from seven years to five years and raised concerns about cesspools because of their potential effect on groundwater.

WPCA member John Flood asked when the proposed ordinance would take effect. Members said it had been sent to the first selectwoman and shared with the other members of the Board of Selectmen, with an effort underway to place it on the agenda for an upcoming town meeting.

Melluzzo suggested having the town attorney review the ordinance.

Septic Pump-Out Mailing Process Reviewed

The WPCA also reviewed another round of modifications involving Carmody, the system used in connection with septic pump-out records.

An updated list of residents' addresses from the assessor's office has been sent to Carmody to correct addresses. Before another round of letters or postcards is mailed, officials plan to determine whether those addresses have already received a postcard in recent years. Septic haulers have also been sent letters reminding them to update Carmody.

Melluzzo opposed continuing to use postcards, saying they were a waste of money. He advocated sending letters instead, with a red statement intended to draw residents' attention to the notice. No vote was recorded on changing the mailing procedure.

Hatchett Hill Waste Treatment Discussed

The authority discussed concerns involving Wind River's operation on Hatchett Hill Road near a brook, bog and preservation area.

Parent reported that a neighbor had researched the company's sanitation waste disposal after becoming concerned about a permit. According to the discussion recorded in the minutes, Wind River uses a four-step process to treat and disinfect waste before placing it into the ground.

Members continued to question who monitors the process and whether the state is aware of it. The minutes state that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection rather than the town.

Cornell later expressed frustration that the WPCA had not heard from DEEP since May. Members said the Board of Selectmen was reaching out to the agency in an effort to arrange a meeting and establish direction for the town.

The authority also received an update that private beach associations are moving forward with their work. Additional steps were required in Old Lyme Shores, and work is expected to continue through the winter.

The WPCA unanimously approved its Aug. 17 special meeting minutes and separately accepted its financial report without opposition or abstentions.

The Sept. 8 meeting was held at Old Lyme Town Hall and adjourned at 9:13 p.m. on a unanimous vote. The minutes remain in draft form until accepted by the authority.