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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCanoe River Comm 02/06/1991 (2)MINUTES OF THE CANOE RIVER AQUIFER ADVISORY,�OMMITTEE C14 Minutes of the meeting held by the ..Canoe -,-River Advisory Committee on February 6, 1991 in the Son,`Room b — bohahue Hall, Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street, North Easton, MA. Members in attendance: Wayne P. Southworth, Easton Water Superintendent William D. Hardin, Easton Selectmen Joan Sozio, Foxborough Kathy Romero, Norton Harold Chenevert, Jr., Norton, Health Agent John E. Grant, Easton Conservation Commission Tim Higgins, Foxoborough Michael G. Sites, Easton Conservation Commission Virginia Laszewski, US, EPA, Wetlands Section Kyla Bennett, US, EPA, Wetlands Protection John S. Haederle, Easton Conservation Commission Dick Lewis, Mansfield Neil Kaiser, Foxborough Shirley S. Davenport, Sharon Virginia Reusch, Natural Resources Trust of Easton Gregory Meisier, Sharon I. Call to Order Mr. Southworth called the meeting to order at -1:30 P.M. and thanked Father Burbank for everything he did for the group today. II. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Mr. Grant and seconded by Mr. Hardin to approve the minutes of previous meeting. It was so VOTED. IV. UST Conference Summary Mr. Southworth and CRACC members gave a round of applause to Joan Sozio for all her work in making the UST Coonference the most successful to date. As there were easily 200 people in attendance, this subject is creating a great deal of interest. V. ACEC Update John Haederle reported that the first public hearing for the Canoe River Aquifer ACEC nomination is Thursday, February 7, 1991 at 7:00 P.M. (Paul Dever Community Center, Taunton) and the second hearing is Thursday, February 14, 1991 at the Mansfield Library. Each person has had the opportunity to review the front portion of the nomination. Mr. Haederle also noted if there are any additional letters of support, the committee would like to receive same. Also noted that Kyla Bennett of the EPA will be writing a letter of support. r III. Federal Wetlands Programs, Kyla Bennett, EPA Wetland Enforcement Division Mr. Haederle introduced the two guest speakers from the USEPA office in Boston: Kyla Bennett and Virginia Laszewski who will be talking about Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Mrs. Bennett handed out a document entitled "Highlights of Section 404, Federal Regulatory Program to Protect Waters of the United States" and a single sheet entitled "Notice to All Applicants" and gave a little background session as follows. The Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jointly administers the Section 404 program; the Corps has the primary responsibility for the permit program; EPA does have the authority to veto any decision the Corps makes; enforcement authority is shared by both; EPA uses three parameter approach - vegetation, hydrology, and soils; EPA definition is broader than state's; reviewed permit process; wetlands are often viewed as nature's kidneys; there are major losess of wetlands - specifically in eastern Massachusetts; all in all need some type of cooperative behaviour between all agencies - federal, state and local. Mrs. Bennett then introduced Virginia Laszewski, Massachusetts Coordinator - EPA. Ms. Laszewski stated she looks at all the applications that come in from Massachusetts; came today to introduce herself and find out how the Conservation Commissions (ConCom) administer their rules and regulations; the federal office does not see the information obtained by local ConCom; hopefully there could be a way that the ConComs could let the applicant when know he has to file for a federal permit; best way is to report any project that might be a problem, projects that require filing, etc. A discussion then ensued regarding the above. Mr. Southworth thanked both parties for attending and interrupting their schedules. VI Spring Awareness Day Kathy Romero stated Ann's Place is booked for Spring Awareness Day May 18, 1991. With regards to canoeing in this area, Mr. Southworth noted Winnecunnet Pond can be dangerous for an inexperienced canoeist; therefore, should encourage people to bring their own canoes but not provide any from the Town. A motion was made by Mr. Higgins and seconded by Mr. Hardin to motion to that effect. It was so VOTED. Also noted that if the Canoe River Aquifer ACEC goes through, it should be the main event. VII Old Business VIII New Business 1. Mr. Southworth introduced Shirley Davenport as the newest member appointed by the Sharon Board of Selectmen. 2. Mr. Southworth noted the upcoming dates of the Mansfield Home Show at the Holiday Inn off of Rte. 495 and Bay Road and asked for volunteers. 3. Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership is trying to standardize monitoring, would like a letter of support. Mr. Southworth to review same and place on the next agenda for discussion. 4. Kathy Romero regarding Riverways Program noted they would be willing to speak at a CRACC meeting or to conservation commissions. (Same to be forwarded to Sue Erickson.) 5. Noted letter from former Secretary of Environmental Affairs thanking the CRACC for their support. 6. Wayne Southworth urged everyone to attend the meeting E at the DEP offices regarding amendments to Federal Safe Drinking Water Amendments. 7. Next meeting of the CRACC will be back in Easton on March 7th. A motion was made by Mr'. Hardin and seconded by Mr. Grant to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 3:00 P.M.