March 11, 2008 BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Chairmen John Donahue called the regular meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen to order at 7:04pm.
Present were John Donahue, Donald L. McKinnon and Joseph R. Pacheco.
Mr. Donahue said that the minutes from March 4, 2008 incorrectly named the Raynham Youth Baseball League President. Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to amendment the minutes of March 4, 2008 with the correct spelling of Gavin Curley as the Raynham Youth Baseball League and approved the minutes as printed. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
7:06pm-Public Hearing – Dong Sheng Restaurant, Inc., transfer of Wine & Malt Beverage License at Raynham Mandarin, 283 Rt. 44. Present was the new owner of Raynham Mandarin who informed that the present management would remain the same. Alan Perry was present and stated that the restaurant does have a license. Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve the transfer of a Wine & Malt Beverage License at Raynham Mandarin, 283 Rt. 44. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Mr. Donahue read the document pertaining to the Order of Taking for land on both sides of Gardner Street at the dam location, four parcels total, for the purpose of maintaining and repairing the dam. Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve the Order of Taking. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Mr. Buckner’s Town Administrator’s Report was reviewed.
7:16pm – Public Hearing – complaint by residents of Robinson Street. Alan Perry, Board of Health Agent, was present and updated all on the complaints regarding the nuisance of odor and noise. Mr. Perry stated that the last meeting with Earth Source regarding odor in the vicinity of Ryan Drive was October 2006. Mr. Perry stated that the Board of Health office has continued receiving complaints from January 2008 to March 6, 2008 regarding ambient odors on Ryan Drive and at Earth Source along with a perfume scent in the area.
He said that on March 6, 2008, he met with the Sewer Department to perform a smoke test at the manhole in front of 123 Robinson Street. Mr. Perry stated that ambient orders were detected at that time. Present from Earth Source was Mr. Kelly, Mr. Carney, Attorneys at Law, and Michael Lannan from Tech Environmental. Mr. Kelly informed that he corrected the issues from 2006.
Mr. Blatchford, 123 Robinson Street, was present and said that he had come home during the early morning hours and observed a foul odor many times. One weekend there was a constant loud deep noise coming from Earth Source. Mr. Pacheco asked if the complaint has been recorded with the Town. Mr. Blatchford confirmed that it had been. Mr. Kelly informed all that the noise was a one time incident stemming from the cleaning of the tanks at his facility. Mrs. Reed, 60 Wilbur Street, was present and expressed concerns with odor during different times of the day including an odor she noticed last night. Mrs. Reed stated that the odor is disrupting her life and asked what could be done to eliminate the issue. Mr. Palmer, 65 Wilbur Street, was present and stated that during the past two years he
has observed odor especially with an easterly wind. Mr. Burns, 170 Robinson Street, was present and stated that she was very frustrated with the odor and was very disappointed that the issue cannot be corrected. Mr. Kelly said that he committed to modifications as needed. Mr. Lannan stated that the loud noise was the cleaning of the tanks and that in the future the method will be modified. He said that ambient odor readings were taken during the past week. Mr. Donahue asked if during the past three months there were any changes in the business at Earth Source. Mr. Kelly said the business has been the same since November/December of 2007 Mr. Lannan stated that the Sewer Department had expressed concerns with the BOD Levels. Mr. Lannan stated that the discharge from Earth Source is a constant flow during any 24-hour period. Mr. Donahue asked if the flow from Earth Source is more stagnant during the evening hours when the
overall flow in the area is lower.
Mr. Lannan stated that an oxidant was added to the flow at Earth Source and they were looking into adding a second oxidant to their system. He said that the manhole at 123 Robinson Street had two discharges coming together. One was Earth Source and the other was from the Town’s pumping station which only discharged approximately three times a day. Mr. Lannan assured the Board that the methods Earth Source was using would eliminate any of the nuisance level of odors. Mr. Pacheco asked if Earth Source felt that the lack of flushes from the pumping station was the possible odor in the area. Mr. Lannan confirmed that the pumping station could be the cause of the odor and asked that the Town evaluate the pumping station. Mr. Lannan suggested Earth Source discharge line be tied into the
pumping station for a more constant flow of the pumps. Mr. Kelly assured all that Earth Source is committed to doing whatever it takes to eliminate the odors and noise. Mr. Kelly stated that the BOD levels are 200 parts/million and that Earth Source was making payments to the Sewer Department for any and all excess levels. Mr. McKinnon stated that at the last meeting in 2006, Mr. Kelly stated that the issues would be addressed regarding odor, although there was no back-up system in place. Mr. George Carney was present and stated that the Dog Track discharge was pumped into the pumping station on Robinson Street and that he had not detected any odors at the track. Mr. Carney stated that an agent was added at the track location prior to discharge. Mr. Kelly informed that a different chemical, sulfuric acid, was added during one week and confirmed that it was a failed experiment. Mr. Pacheco asked if Earth Source had had testing by done by
OSHA. Mr. Kelly informed the Board that all testing has been performed and monitored by Tech Environmental. Mr. McGarry, Sewer Commissioner, was present and stated that ambient odor could be coming from Earth Source. He confirmed that a smoke test was performed recently at 123 Robinson Street. He stated that during the process change at Earth Source there were higher levels of hydrogen sulfide in the manhole at 123 Robinson Street. Mr. McGarry stated that the operation of the pumping station on Robinson Street was no different from any of the remaining pumps in Raynham.
Mr. McKinnon questioned the use of the pumping station by Earth Source. Mr. Cabral, Sewer Superintendent, confirmed that Earth Source sewer line by-passed the pumping station and said that an additional oxidizing agent could be added at Earth Source to improve the process. Mr. Cabral said a masking agent was used a few weeks ago. Mr. Ghelfi asked if the odor was present at the beginning when the pumping station opened. Mr. McGarry said that the pumping station went on-line in 2000.
Mr. Blatchford stated that at times the odor could be detected closer to his home rather than near the manhole in front of his home. Mr. Carney stated that the Dog Track was connected to the pumping station in May 2006. Mr. Ghelfi asked if the different items processed at Earth Source would make a different on the odor during a given day. Mr. Kelly stated that each truck could be different. Mr. Perry stated that two issues needed to be addressed: ambient odor complaint at 123 Robinson Street and the resolutions of odors in the Wilbur Street area. Mrs. Clifford, 318 Robinson Street, was present and stated there was an odor of rotten eggs smell around her home. Mr. Donahue asked if both parties, Earth Source and Sewer Commission are willing to work together to resolve the odor issues. Mr. McGarry said that Mr. Kelly would be attending the Sewer Commission meeting to discuss BOD levels and odor. Residents asked if the high levels BOD are a public health concern. Mr. Lannan
stated the BOD levels only affect rivers downstream. Mr. Perry recommended a hearing at a later date when Mr. Kelly has completed the necessary resolution(s) for the issue. Board Members concurred to have both parties resolve the situation and report back to the Board. Mr. Pacheco asked for a progress report along with written documentation as to the items purchased to resolve the issue.
Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to continue the Public Hearing to April 8, 2008.
Mr. Donahue made it unanimous
9:30pm – Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to recess. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
9:37pm- Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to reconvene the meeting. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received a response from the State regarding an adjustment to the Town’s Growth Factor.
Correspondence – The Board received a letter from Representative Flynn regarding a favorable vote on the infrastructure for Raynham Woods Commerce Center.
Correspondence – The Board received a notice from Rum Runners Wine & Spirits, 240 Broadway on their decision to close their business.
Correspondence – The Board received a resignation from Lou Bousquet from the Rt. 138 Committee. Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to forward it to the Economic & Business Development Committee. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received information regarding the Town’s annual rabies clinic on April 4, 2008, 12-2pm.
Correspondence – The Board received a request for an approval of a pledge of the Alcoholic Beverage License at Gilly’s Pub to Mechanic’s Cooperative. Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve the pledge of the license for Gilly’s Pub. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
Correspondence – The Board received requests for Tag Days as follows: Community Care Service, THS Peer Mediation Group, March 21, 2008; Pink to Pink, May 31, 2008; Bridgewater Boy Scout Troop 1813, May 24, 2008. Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to approve Tag Days as listed. Mr. Donahue made it unanimous.
9:48pm – Mr. Pacheco motioned and Mr. McKinnon seconded to adjourn for the performance of administrative duties, signing Bills with no business to be conducted afterwards. Mr. Donahue made
it unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Caradonna
Recording Secretary
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