MAINE PUBLIC DRINKING WATER COMMISSION

 

MINUTES OF MEETING #100

February 6, 2008

 

The Maine Public Drinking Water Commission (DWC) held its 100^th meeting on February 6, 2008, at the Drinking Water Program Conference Room, Key Bank Plaza in Augusta, Maine.

 

Present were:

• Members: Judith Kelley – Chair, Bob MacKinnon, Tom Brennan, Ken Sonagere, and Roger Crouse

 

• Guests: Tera Pare, Cheryl Pratt (DWP), Jeff McNelly (Maine Water Utilities Association)

 

Time: Judy Kelley called the meeting to order at 9:19 a.m.

 

A.                             Approval of Minutes:

Bob made a motion to accept the minutes of the prior meeting (#99).  Tom seconded the motion, which carried unanimously at 9:57 a.m.. 

 

B.                             Recurring Business:

 

1.        AFM Fees/Collection Status:

o        Roger provided an update, regarding increasing revenue, due to fee structure changes.  New AFM invoices for 2007 are sent in early July, and reminders are mailed in November.  Commission members discussed how to encourage public water systems to pay their fees. 

o        Judy suggested that the DWP continue its previous collection method of directly calling those systems and arranging payments. 

o        Bob said that a standard protocol setting an earlier reminder would be helpful, because seasonal facilities need that second reminder before they close for the summer.  Consistent protocols, like the following, would help in payments.  Bob suggested that after 45 days (around August 15^th), the DWP send a second reminder.  In October, the DWP could start making phone calls and making site visits. 

o        Ken asked if there was software capability to cross-check overdue fees with other violations committed by the PWS.  (Yes, there is). 

o        Bob asked if field inspectors check for overdue fees before making a visit.  (Sometimes, if they notify Cheryl before their visit).  Perhaps DWP can prioritize systems, according to overdue status (i.e. top 20) and coordinate better with field inspectors, while continuing to improve a database tracking system.

 

2.        Program /Staffing Update:

o        Roger presented graphs to the Commission, showing a slight decrease in PWSS Grant award to the DWP.  $92 million were divided among the state primacy agencies.  The number of Community Public Water Systems determines the amount of money granted to that state.  Maine received $900,000 in the last award.  Roger described all grants administered by the DWP, as well as SRF Cumulative Revenue.  EPA gives $8 million, and states can offer $2.4 million in principal forgiveness.  $13 million may be spent on staff and training.

o        Nancy was formally hired as the Director of the Division of Environmental Health, and Roger is Acting Director of the Drinking Water Program.

o        In November, the entire DWP met to discuss opportunities for improvement.  Subgroups representing all teams within the DWP were formed, so staff could feel invested in the solutions developed.  These subgroups are currently meeting to discuss the following areas needing improvement: (1) More Clearly Defined Roles and Responsibilities; (2) Clearer Goals and Measurements; (3) Update, track, and Purge Written Documents, both electronic and hard copies; (4) More Reliable & Accurate Database; and (5) Accelerated and More Efficient Enforcement Process.

o        Bob suggested that the Field Inspectors, during Sanitary Surveys, could solicit input from public water systems being inspected as to why different violations are a problem.

o        Roger reported that the DWP is working with all labs in Maine to submit water quality results electronically only.  January 2009 is the projected implementation date.

o        Range Pond Apartments is now connected to Auburn Water District.

 

3.            Legislation:

v          Bills: Roger distributed a summary of relevant bills passed last session from Andy. 

Ø           LD 2073 DEP bill prohibiting above-ground petroleum storage in wellhead protection zones.  This bill particularly affects gas stations and is another way to protect sources within 1,000 feet of water or within a protection area.

Ø           LD 2169 is a stormwater bill that includes state match for Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water SRF.  Senator Bartlett will amend the bill for the appropriate amount.

 

C.                             New Business

1.      Supplemental Budget, Section yy-1: This document requires particular state agencies to find financial and operational efficiencies to save the State money.  DWP will meet with DEP soon

2.      WARN System Planning:  Bill Johnson, Security Coordinator for the DWP, provided an update on planning for the WARN system.  WARN stands for Water Agency Response Network.  It’s a formal mutual-aid society where members sign an agreement that is voluntary and structured around an agreement and addresses legal liabilities.  (Examples include housing, logistical support for emergency workers.  Benefits of being part of WARN includes receiving FEMA reimbursement much quicker and more easily.  There was a conference at NEIWPCC (New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Committee) in Lowell, Massachusetts, which provided a background of WARN and directed state agencies that each state develop a response network.  The conference speakers recommended that New England should also develop a second network.  Bill reported that he attended a meeting and webcast, which included Maine Rural Water Association, DEP, RCAP, MEMA, the DWP, MWUA as attendees.  A leadership group was developed to create a steering committee which will be no more than twelve people and utility-based.  The DWP has guidance on forming it by having template agreements.   

                  

2.        DWC Objectives for the Year:  Page 20 of the DWC’s Annual Report outlines the DWC’s objectives.  Judy invited the DWC and DWP staff to provide ways in which the DWC can assist the DWP.  Roger asked the DWC to present to the Health and Human Services Legislative Committee regarding the DWP’s for match money.  Jeff McNelly and Judy will meet with Dora Mills on October 25^th to determine the political climate and see if now would be a good time to introduce a bill.  Dick suggested that the Annual Report should go to more than the House Leaders and reach all legislative members.

 

3.        Proposed Rulemaking and Statute Changes: Tera Pare provided an update on the proposed rule changes, which is found in her article on page (4) of the Service Connection.  Nancy later stated that the DWC would need to introduce a bill requesting a statute change that would remove the $30,000 cap to AFM fees assessed to large public water systems.  The only one in Maine is Portland Water District

      

4.     Set Location, Date and Agenda Items for Next Meeting(s): The next                      meeting will be in Augusta on February 6, 2008.  The DWC also set the rest of               the dates for 2008, which include the following: May 7, September 3, and                            December 3, 2008.

 

D. Motion to Adjourn:  The meeting adjourned at 11:15 am..

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Tera R. Pare, Drinking Water Program