Franklin DPW introduces "Water Smart" program

"A leaky faucet dripping at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. 

Sign up for leak alerts at www.franklinma.watersmart.com to save water and money!"

www.franklinma.watersmart.com

Follow the post on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/3409673615783751/

Charles River Watershed Association: new issue of "River Current"

Charles River Watershed Association (@charlesriver) tweeted at 8:46 PM on Sun, Aug 30, 2020:

"Did you catch our August issue of the River Current? It's packed with the latest on I-90, cyanobacteria bloom news, a farewell to summer interns, and more! "

River Current = https://t.co/ClVmKXX8RV 

Charles River tweet with link = https://t.co/bMCuBgeFOh

Charles River Watershed Association

Conservation Commission - Public Hearing - Aug 27

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Remote Public Hearing on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 7:01 PM on a Notice of Intent filed by Joseph Halligan of Franklin, MA for the construction of a residential condo building and retail building with associated parking lot, storm water structures, and grading within the 100 ft. buffer zone to vegetated wetlands and impacting bylaw jurisdictional ditch and isolated wetlands.

The project is located at 340 East Central Street, Map 285 Lot 09.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

To access the records and files for this project, please email jdelmore@franklinma.gov

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929 or emailing jdelmore@franklinma.gov

Bill Batchelor 

Chairman

From the Town of Franklin page  
https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/events/244703

Conservation Commission - Public Hearing - Aug 27

Level 2 - Significant Drought declared for MA

MAEnergy Environment (@MassEEA) tweeted at 4:25 PM on Thu, Aug 13, 2020:

With above normal temperatures throughout July and early August and more than three months of below normal rainfall, @EEASecretary today declared a Level 2 - Significant Drought in all regions across the Commonwealth.

🔗 More: https://t.co/YT4KHN2EOV https://t.co/4nQQnHlPVR
(https://twitter.com/MassEEA/status/1294007207282057217?s=03)


And from the US Drought Monitor, the map of the Northeast

https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?Northeast

Level 2 - Significant Drought declared for MA

“Frankly it’s silly, the country faces serious problems"

 From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Trump Administration wants to change the definition of a showerhead to let more water flow, addressing a pet peeve of the president who complains he isn’t getting wet enough.

Publicly talking about the need to keep his hair “perfect,” President Donald Trump has made increasing water flow and dialing back long held appliance conservation standards — from light bulbs to toilets to dishwashers — a personal issue.

But consumer and conservation groups said the Department of Energy’s proposed loosening of a 28-year-old energy law that includes appliance standards is silly, unnecessary and wasteful, especially as the West bakes through a historic two-decade-long megadrought.

Since 1992, federal law has dictated that new showerheads shouldn’t pour more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute (9.5 liters). As newer shower fixtures came out with multiple nozzles, the Obama administration defined the showerhead restrictions to apply to what comes out in total. So if there are four nozzles, no more than 2.5 gallons total should come out between all four."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200812/trump-administration-eases-showerhead-rules?rssfeed=true

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 29, 2020

The public will NOT be permitted to enter the building or participate in person. Only pre-approved participants on the meeting agenda will be allowed to enter the Building and participate in person. Residents can attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus and Governor Baker’s declared State of Emergency, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting for all public access and participation. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

If residents are just interested in watching the meeting it will also be live-streamed by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.

Link to access meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87066659039
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 870 6665 9039--Then press #

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• a. May 6, 2020
• b. May 20, 2020
• c. June 3, 2020
• d. June 17, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Board & Committee Appointments

• i. Agricultural Commission: Charles J. (CJ) Koshivas
• ii. Conservation Commission: Patrick Gallagher
• iii. Cultural Council: Joni Magee
• iv. Cultural Council: Pushpa Jangareddi

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town of Franklin Market Study & Economic Profile
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._town_of_franklin_market_study_and_economic_profile.pdf

b. PACE Program Presentation: MassDevelopment
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

• a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
• b. Budget Subcommittee
• c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-42: Authorization to Participate in the Massachusetts Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE Massachusetts) (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-42- Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-42_pace_massachusetts.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-43: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $250 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-43 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-43_gift_acceptance_police_department.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-44: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Historical Museum (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-44 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-44_gift_acceptance_historical_museum.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-45: Easement - Overhead System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-45 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resoltuion_20-45_easement_-_overhead_system.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-46: Easement - Underground Electrical Distribution System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-46 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-46_easement_-_underground_electrical_system.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-47: Solid Waste Prior Year Bill (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-47 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_20-47_prior_year_solid_waste_bill.pdf

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver_and_oak_streets.pdf

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-855 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._bylaw_amendment_20-855_water_fee_increase.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

• COVID-19 Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

ADJOURN

Note:

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda doc (162 pages) can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-22-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 29, 2020

#ThinkBlueFranklin - a campaign for stormwater awareness - begins week of July 20

"Coming next week! Stay tuned to learn how to participate and enter to win great prizes!!!! @waterwords #stormwater #learn #educate #fun #cleanerwater #thinkbluefranklin"

#ThinkBlueFranklin - a campaign for stormwater awareness - begins week of July 20

Franklin radar picked this up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1282733373430145024?s=09

New water treatment plant for Wells 3 & 6 under construction

"The new Water Treatment Plant and reconstruction of two wells to provide cleaner and better water to residents and businesses is coming along great! The steel shell is up. Project is currently on time and on budget! Thanks Franklin DPW and the entire staff for gettin’ it done!"

New water treatment plant for Wells 3 & 6 under construction

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1281617511465791489?s=09

Other DPW projects underway at this time are shared in this Facebook post:



For additional info on the overall water supply status, if you haven't listened to the Town Council discussion on water rates, this segment of the meeting is available and provides a bunch of info
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-308-water-rate-and-conservation.html

Virtual Coffee with Brutus - June 30 - Ask questions about water usage, resources, etc.

Join in for a brief presentation on the current drought conditions.

Residents can ask questions about water usage, development, water resources, etc...

Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84275794979​ or Call-In Phone Number: 1-929-205-6099, enter Meeting ID 84275794979, press “#”

Virtual Coffee with Brutus - June 30 - Ask questions about water usage, resources, etc.

Franklin radar found via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1277622714623238145?s=09

FM #308 Water Rate and "Conservation measures" vs. "ban" Discussion - 6/24/20 (audio)

FM #308 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 308 in the series.

This session shares the a key segment of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting on schedule at 7:00 PM. Each person who speaks is announced. After running through several action items, the agenda gets to the item for the water rate and discusses the “to be announced” water ban. As we record this, the ban, only the third in the past several years, is in effect due to drought conditions.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

This meeting segment runs just about 48 minutes, so let’s listen to the proposed water rate increase and overall water supply discussion from the Town Council meeting of June 24.

Audio file:  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1KCrK0K




--------------

Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/school-committee-budget-sub-committee.html

Water rate action item
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5d._20-855_water_fees.pdf

Water presentation
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-ma-water-use-update-june-2020

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/state-to-call-for-water-ban-due-to.html


Presentation deck: https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-ma-water-use-update-june-2020

Franklin, MA: Water Use Update - June 2020 from Franklin Matters

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

FM #310 Town Council Meeting - 6/24/20 (audio)

FM #310 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 310 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opens the meeting on schedule at 7:00 PM. Each person who speaks is announced. The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

The meeting recording runs about an hour and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of June 24.

Audio file: https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hs5z8tDK





--------------

Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/school-committee-budget-sub-committee.html

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/state-to-call-for-water-ban-due-to.html

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #310 Town Council Meeting - 6/24/20 (audio)

"Coffee with the DPW Director" - June 30

A Zoom “Coffee with the DPW Director” meeting will be held next Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 9:00am with DPW Director Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi for any resident to listen to a brief presentation on the current drought conditions. The presentation was given to the Town Council on their June 24th meeting. 

Residents can ask questions about water usage, development or any other topic on water resources.

Link to access the meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84275794979 

or Call-In Phone Number: 1-929-205-6099, enter Meeting ID 84275794979, press “#”.

 

"Coffee with the DPW Director" - June 30

Franklin Residents: Full Water Ban in effect June 25, 2020 due to drought conditions

Due to drought conditions in our region, a water ban is now in effect. Please find details on our website at https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-ban-now-effect

FULL BAN IN EFFECT

The following water uses are NOT allowed:

• Irrigation of lawns and landscaping via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
• Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety
• Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks

The following water uses are allowed:

• Watering gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose

Violators may be fined up to $200.00

Franklin Residents: Full Water Ban in effect June 25, 2020 due to drought conditions

State to call for water ban due to drought conditions

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0624
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0624?src=hashtag_click

• Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting 6/24/20 #tc0624
• Roll call and protocol of meeting by Chair Tom Mercer run through #tc0624
• 32 folks present to start. #tc0624 citizen comments - for items not on agenda. None stepped up to do so. Next up, appointments, some had not responded as of last time. 2 for this time; motion to approve, second, vote via roll call 9-0
• Next up expenditure limits https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5a._20-33_revolving_funds.pdf #tc0624 for revolving funds, this caps the max amount for the fund to hold/spend. Generally based upon nature of account (i.e. volume) vote via roll call passed 9-0
• Next up new revolving fund for treasurer for tax title, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5b._20-38_tax_title_revolving_fund.pdf #tc0624 to handle tax title collections effect July 1. Passed via roll call 9-0 also removes $32K from ops budget eventually
• Next up MECC stabilization fund, sets aside money for several years in lieu of the assessment currently not needed but will be in the future.https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5c._20-39_mecc_stabilization_fund.pdf #tc0624 was discussed during FinCom and TC budget hearings on detail
• MECC stabilization fund discussion, some ops money moved to this and will be out aside for the future use when free assessment expires in FY 25 and FY 26 #tc0624 also for use of fire and police capital costs passed 9-0 via roll call
• Next up first of two readings for water fee increase https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5d._20-855_water_fees.pdf #tc0624 assuming pass tonight, gets a second reading to take effect 9/01/20, an increase of 10% motion to move to second reading, passes 9-0
• Mostly for $13M water treatment plant underway some grants and low costs loans helping to pay for this to bring wells 3 and 6 back online (currently offline due to high iron and manganese counts) Q are we looking at a water ban re: drought status? #tc0624
• Drought coming due to lack of rain, #tc0624 slides to be added later, these are screen captures from the meeting
• Discussion and clarification around water ban, which we don't have annually (except for prior drought and well fire last year), we have supply but our permit restricts pumping volume. #tc0624 3 and 6 solve volume issues next year when complete
• If you water your lawn you are paying water and sewer fees (but nothing actually goes to the sewer) #tc0624 could you separate a meter for lawn watering? Garelick is also an open item as it is a large user and not completely out of bankruptcy yet
• Private wells can use water under drought as we don't regulate them, they do come from the same aquifer. Should have sign to indicate #tc0624 Q on quarterly increase? Approx $10/q or $40/year. Wells 1, 2, 4 are the biggest producer. There will be a water conservation plan!
• Ball fields will be reduced to once per week watering, #tc0624 if we stopped completely it would cost so much to restore, town buildings are turned off. Coffees to be set up to answer questions on water and supply, vs. permit especially with drought level 2 happening
• What about the pandemic effective of water? Slide shows some volume increase, hand watering is still available, #tc0624 personal well use still uses town aquifer water there is a Community assistance program with income guidelines, call DPW
• Could increase awareness of the program given 4.4% of low income folks in Franklin per some stats as only about 70 folks take advantage of program #tc0624 finally vote to move to 2nd reading, passed 9-0
• Next up salary schedule for Town Clerk, only elected official who earns a salary from the Town. All TC, SchCom, and other board committee members are volunteer. #tc0624 motion to approve, passes 9-0
• Next up police assoc contract for approval https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5f._20-41_police_association_contract.pdf #tc0624 final collective bargaining agreement on municipal side to reach deal. Motion to approve, passed 9-0 via roll call
• Next up capital plan round 2; recall round 1 done in Jan, rest set aside until after winter and snow/ice confirmed. This these amounts can be used for one time purchases (not operations) #tc0624 FinCom and capital subcomm both approved, vote via roll call, passed 9-0
• Next up, fiscal year transfers, balance accounts within the budget, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5h._20-32_fy20_appropriation_transfers.pdf #tc0624 good news overall, given pandemic and revenue lost, this is living within the FY20 budget, passes via roll call 9-0
• Next up, town administrator temp authorization for outdoor dining, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5i._20-34_authoroze_ta_to_grant_temp._expansion_licenses.pdf #tc0624 discussed in prior meeting this formalizes the process underway. Passed 9-0 via roll call
• Thanks to Chrissy for her work on the licenses, 3 active cases, 1 increase in week. Good work by all to do this! Keep at it! #tc0624 future items, nothing at this time all around. Comments: thanks for turning out for the budget hearings. Have a great 4th!
• Thanks for folks signing in tonight, thanks to Mike dangelo, Pete fasciano and Franklin TV crew for their work. Motion to adjourn, passed 9-0 via roll call, real time reporting ending now, catch you all next time! #tc0624

screen capture of TC meeting water update #1

screen capture of TC meeting water update #2

screen capture of TC meeting water update #3

screen capture of TC meeting water update #4

screen capture of TC meeting water update #5

screen capture of TC meeting water update #6

screen capture of TC meeting water update #7

DPW update doc on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/water_use_update_june_2020.pdf

Franklin, MA: Water Use Update - June 2020 from Franklin Matters

Town Council is scheduled to vote on an increase in Franklin's water rate

From The Guardian, coincidentally a study on water rates in the US. The Town Council is scheduled to vote on an increase in Franklin's water rate Wednesday night, June 24.

"Millions of ordinary Americans are facing rising and unaffordable bills for running water, and risk being disconnected or losing their homes if they cannot pay, a landmark Guardian investigation has found.

Exclusive analysis of 12 US cities shows the combined price of water and sewage increased by an average of 80% between 2010 and 2018, with more than two-fifths of residents in some cities living in neighbourhoods with unaffordable bills.

In the first nationwide research of its kind, our findings reveal the painful impact of America’s expanding water poverty crisis as aging infrastructure, environmental clean-ups, changing demographics and the climate emergency fuel exponential price hikes in almost every corner of the US."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/23/millions-of-americans-cant-afford-water-bills-rise



5d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-855 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5d._20-855_water_fees.pdf

Get a copy of the Legislation for action here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HFE0DFHlQre7pU-_xUyefUGqmf-38Qps/view?usp=sharing

construction underway on Grove St to replace the pump station for wells 3-6

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': new PFAS regulations from MA DEP

As we enter 2020, there are several issue that I will be keeping an eye out for. In no particular priority order, this first one carries over from 2019. The proposed MA DEP regulations are open for review. Public hearings are scheduled throughout the State during January to review the proposed regulations. You can find the schedule at the end of the MMA article linked to and quoted below. Alternatively:

"Public comments on the draft regulations will be accepted by email to program.director-dwp@mass.gov through Feb. 28"

From the Mass Municipal Association (MMA):

"On Dec. 13, the Baker-Polito administration and the Department of Environmental Protection announced their intent to file two regulations related to PFAS, a class of manmade chemical compounds considered hazardous to public and environmental health. 

While many chemicals have been identified as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, the MassDEP regulations pertain to six targeted PFAS compounds. 

The first regulation, filed by MassDEP, mandates cleanup by parties found responsible for groundwater contamination of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) or more of the sum of the six PFAS compounds. The cleanup rule also establishes PFAS limits specifically for soil contamination. Massachusetts is one of only a few states that have established formal PFAS cleanup standards. 

The second regulation is a draft rule that would establish a maximum contaminant level for drinking water at the same 20 ppt of the sum of the six PFAS compounds. In a press release, the MassDEP notes that the proposed maximum contaminant level for drinking water “covers a larger subgroup of compounds than any other state and provides a greater deal of protection, particularly for sensitive subgroups.”

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/state-files-regulations-regarding-pfas-contamination/

Why?

As an update to the previously shared listing on the "turf issue":

What we know:

• The prior conversations around the field replacements (completed in 2017) were centered around the crumb rubber infill. The Town spent more for an acrylic coated infill (which apparently was installed), the issue now is NOT with the infill but the with chemicals used to treat the carpet itself.
• A third party filed a complaint with DEP about the old turf stored at the Beaver St fields
• Article in TheIntercept about PFAS found in the turf itself  https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/pfas-chemicals-artificial-turf-soccer/
• Article in the Boston Globe alleging potential issues with the water supply and shared via Franklin Matters  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/we-will-work-with-dep-to-resolve-matter.html
• The Franklin community on Facebook reacted in the online conversation around the article and issue
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 10/16/19 https://drive.google.com/open?id=14VSvuZvTifTbeHO4bWFtIy2YxVdjRF4O
• Updated 12/5/19 - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 12/4/19 referring to the DEP letter https://drive.google.com/file/d/15WMp_zZiMXs_7MfpUQJd5hgtaVbrlkY_/view?usp=sharing
• Updated 12/13/19 - While PFAS in the water supply was tested by Town of Franklin once in 2018, is PFAS still being tested by ToF now? No, nor are they required to do so (although as the final testing standards issued 12/27/19 are evaluated, this may change).
• Updated 12/13/19 - What will the State do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)? The State just issued new testing standards to be finalized by 12/27/19  https://www.mass.gov/lists/preview-of-the-final-pfas-related-revisions-to-the-mcp-2019

What we don’t know:

• What happened to the Conservation Commission mitigation measures from when the field was first installed (in 2004?)?
• Where was the old carpet and bags of unused infill taken?
• What will the Federal agencies do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)?

Related Links

TA Statement 12/4/19 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-184-town-administrators-report-to.html

TA Statement 10/16/19 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/town-administrators-statement-on-old.html

Pantherbook article 12/11/19

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/pantherbook-toxic-turf-at-beaver-pond.html

bags of the acrylic coated infill ready for install at FHS in August 2017