In the News: Charles River Meadowlands meeting, last day to register for state primary

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

"The Charles River Meadowlands workshop will take place 6-9 p.m. Sept. 27 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. 

Community activists have been meeting for the past six months as they work to raise awareness of the Charles River Meadowlands in the Franklin/Bellingham/Medway area. 

Led by Franklin resident Alan Earls, the group has gained support from state and local officials, and the Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the Charles River Meadowlands. The open space, designed to provide a natural buffer in times of flooding, also offers opportunities for outside recreation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160817/charles-river-meadowlands-workshop-announced

image from Charles River MEadowlands webpage

"Friday is the deadline to register to vote in the Sept. 8 state primary. 

Clerk’s offices at city and town halls will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, for voter registration. Voters can also register on line at sec.state.ma.us/OVR, in person at Registry of Motor Vehicles offices or by mail by downloading a form available on the secretary of state’s website and sending it to or dropping it off at the local city or town hall. Mail-in forms must be postmarked by Friday for a voter to be eligible for the primary. Some town halls may close voter registration at 5 p.m. Friday - please contact your town for details."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160814/friday-last-day-to-register-to-vote-in-state-primary

"the fight against phosphorus is ongoing"

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

"Water bodies such as the Charles and ponds in MetroWest and the Milford area may have problems with proliferation of a variety of plants, including Eurasian water milfoil, algae, phragmites and white water lilies, said Alexandra Ash, the association's director of communications and events. 

Ash said Franklin has taken many steps to create green infrastructure such as rain gardens that help stormwater filter into the ground rather than run off into the river. 

Ash said officials try to treat stormwater naturally, mimicking what nature does.
Franklin DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi said the town, among other steps, tries to reduce the amount of roads and sidewalks that are impervious to water by decreasing road widths and eliminating sidewalks where they are not needed. 

Franklin pulls its drinking water from the ground, so it is important to direct as much water into the ground as possible, he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160807/region-dirty-water-getting-cleaner

rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in

The article also mentions the Rain Garden Tour being held on Aug 17th with registration required by Aug 10th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/rain-garden-tour-register-by-aug-10.html

Next Meeting of Charles River Meadowlands initiative, Tuesday, July 26

We have made significant progress since we began meeting in January and now we want to engage key stakeholders and decision makers who can help us move this forward.

Specifically, we are planning a workshop for the evening of Sept. 27. This will be "all invited" but we are targeting members of various town boards, selectman, town council members and town managers, as well as representatives of federal and state agencies.

The evening will kick off with an overview and slide show about the Charles River Meadowlands and then move into a panel discussion/presentation from various experts who have helped to create and manage resources such as the Charles River Meadowlands and this type of public access and shared use effort. The concluding portion of the evening will be the workshop where we will field and propose questions such as:

• What are the legal and regulatory barriers and enablers?
• What do towns, and federal/state agencies need to do to move ahead?
• What are the likely up-front and ongoing costs?
• What are the benefits to various stakeholders?

Please come this coming Tuesday evening to help us shape and refine this plan and get Charles River Meadowlands truly "on the map" with local decision makers.

TIME AND LOCATION: The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands group will be on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 6:30 - 8 at the first floor Arcand meeting room at 10 Mechanic Street, Bellingham, MA

--
Alan R. Earls

Charles River Meadowlands

For additional info visit http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

REMINDER -- Charles River Meadowlands Meeting TUESDAY evening

REMINDER

The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands group will be on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 6:30 -8 at the first floor Arcand meeting room at 10 Mechanic street (Bellingham Town Planner Jim Kupfer has offered to host us!).

Please try to attend and consider ways you might be able to help. A major focus of the meeting will be organizing an information session and workshop for early September to get the political leadership of all three towns and other important players in one room and to define ways to move ahead.

Marjorie Turner Hollman has volunteered to help with communications (and Susan Speers has been doing much of this on her own).

Additional roles could include:

• Establishing fundraising mechanisms
• Maintaining liaison with towns and key community groups
• Helping to line up experts for the September event
• Helping to research more about the Charles River Meadowlands and similar "model" projects in other areas
• Considering uses for seed money (assuming $25k comes through the legislature and the governor)

Please RSVP if you can...

See you there!

Alan Earls
alan.r.earls@gmail.com

image from the Charles River Meadowlands webpage

Visit the website for Charles River Meadowlands

http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

SAVE THE DATE: Charles River Meadowlands Meeting - June 28

The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative will be on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 6:30 -8 at the  first floor Arcand meeting room at 10 Mechanic street in Bellingham (Bellingham Town Planner Jim Kupfer has offered to host us!). 

Details and agenda will follow soon!

photo from Charles River Meadowlands webpage

Visit the website for Charles River Meadowlands

http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

“This investment is an enormous step forward”

Last week the Massachusetts House of Representatives successfully passed its 2017 fiscal year budget. Included in the $39.5 billion dollar budget was a $25,000 dollar earmark proposed by Representatives Jeffrey Roy (D—Franklin), Kevin Kuros, (R—Uxbridge) and John Fernandes (D—Milford) to help develop a management and access plan for a large plot of Army Corps of Engineers land.

“This money will help develop a plan to improve access to some beautiful recreational space in the area, and will go a long way to ensuring the property meets its full potential,” said Representative Roy, “This particular property has sat vastly unused for many years and can provide some additional recreational opportunities in the area. We look forward to working with the Army Corps of Engineers and local officials to open up this natural gem to residents while maintaining its natural beauty.”

"After touring this land with Representative Roy and Mr. Earls," said Representative Kuros, "I was convinced that we needed to work to improve access and utilization of this hidden gem that spans our districts. This gets us started on our way toward that goal."

“I was happy to sponsor this budget amendment to develop a comprehensive management and access plan,” said Representative Fernandes, “The plan will go a long way to exploring the resources that can become available to Medway, Franklin, and Bellingham.”

“This investment is an enormous step forward,” said Franklin resident, Alan Earls, who has organized a citizens group, the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative, to spearhead this effort. “Those of us involved with the initiative are grateful that Representatives Roy, Kuros, and Fernandes share our vision and see the great potential for this public space,” he added.

The US Army Corps of Engineers-controlled flood plain lands located in Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway represent one of the largest parcels of land in the region suitable for both wildlife habitat and passive recreation (e.g. walking, fishing, boating, etc.). Growth and development in the region has reduced the number of actual and potential access points to this land; preventing the public from enjoying and using this land while at the same time making it difficult for authorities to prevent unauthorized uses such as ATVs.

The appropriation of $25,000 was included in the House of representatives budget under the care of the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Wildlife, which has operational jurisdiction over this property, to expand current signage, thereby strengthening enforcement of regulations and supervisory activities, and to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the communities of Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway and interested parties to develop a management and access plan. This plan will also consider ways in which any improvements to public access can mesh with EPA requirements to reduce runoff into the Charles River watershed.

Charles River Meadowlands photo

Find out more about the Charles River Meadowlands on their new webpage
http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

“This could potentially create havoc with budget cuts.’’

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working on changing the regulations to manage storm water for several years. The regulations are now about to be released, finally.

"Nearly every summer over the past decade, toxic algae blooms, fueled by warm weather and contaminated runoff, have coated parts of the Charles River. Now the federal government is poised to issue sweeping regulations ordering a cleanup, a move expected to cost some river municipalities tens of millions of dollars. 

The regulations, which federal officials say will be issued next month and take effect later this year, have sparked a range of concerns in cities and towns near the river. In Franklin, for example, where the river runs for several miles, local officials estimated the regulations would cost residents an average of $300 a month, and at least $62 million over 20 years, to do things like capture and treat more water. 

Environmental Protection Agency officials said federal dollars will help pay some of the costs."

- See more at: http://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/article_popover.aspx?guid=54c5b29f-ed89-4132-b7f3-21010c61c105#sthash.ICNM1Q3j.dpuf

catch basins at Sculpture Park were put in with an EPA grant

• EPA grants awarded

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/in-news-epa-grant-for-franklin-downtown.html

• In Nov 2013, no word on when the EPA storm water fees would be real

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/live-reporting-finance-committee-nov-12.html

• In June 2010, calls for the EPA to come up with the money

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/06/epa-should-come-up-with-money.html

• Notification of the meetings in May 2010

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/05/downtown-revitalization-project-and-epa.html

Annual Report - 2015: Charles River Pollution Control District

During Fiscal Year 2015, the Charles River Pollution Control District’s (District) regional advanced wastewater treatment facility received and treated approximately 1,440 million gallons (3.95 million gallons per day) of raw wastewater, including 5.85 million gallons of septage from the District’s member and customer towns before discharge to the Charles River. The volume of waste treated was higher than the previous year due to an increase in precipitation.

The District received its renewed National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit in July 2014 for discharge of its treated wastewater to the Charles River. Under the renewed NPDES permit, the District and the Towns of Franklin, Medway, Millis, and Bellingham will maintain an ongoing preventive maintenance program to prevent overflows and bypasses caused by malfunctions or failures of the sewer system and an infiltration and inflow reduction program. In addition, the new limit for phosphorus has been reduced from 0.2 mg/L to 0.1 mg/L in the summer months and a winter limit of 0.3 mg/L was added.

The District conducted an Infiltration and Inflow Study in 2013, with CDM Smith, to identify areas of the District’s interceptors that needed further investigation and repair. Last summer, the District investigated the manholes in a portion of its interceptors to determine each manhole’s condition. This winter/spring, the District will inspect the same portion of its interceptor to determine the condition of the pipe and identify any sources of infiltration and inflow. CDM Smith and District staff prepared a 20-year capital improvement plan (CIP) to improve the wastewater treatment facility to meet more stringent NPDES permitting requirements and provide a more reliable wastewater treatment facility at its current capacity.

In July 2010, the District was informed of its acceptance on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) Bureau of Resource Protection Calendar Year 2010 Intended Use List for State Revolving Funding (SRF). In order to expedite the designs and proceed with the project in a timely manner, the CIP was divided into three phases (A, B and C).

• Phase A, which was completed in December 2013, included the replacement of both primary clarifier mechanisms, addition of two screenings washer/compactors in the wet well, primary scum handling improvements, and plant lighting and security improvements.
• Phase B, the capping of the on-site residuals landfill, was completed in August 2013.
• Phase C, focuses on improving phosphorus removal, replacing the disinfection system, and extending the life of the facility for an additional 20 years. This phase began construction in May 2014 and is expected to be completed in September 2016.

The District funded Phases A and B with a 20-year State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan of approximately $2.9M. Phase C costs will be funded through separate SRF loans of approximately $26.5M, which includes bidding, construction, and resident engineering. Ineligible costs (i.e. design of Phase C) for SRF loans were funded by a General Obligation Bond of approximately $1.95M.

The District’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget is 25.4% higher than the previous years’ budget. The increase is mainly due to the commencement of the repayment of one of the Phase C SRF loans. The District’s FY 2016 budget for operations and maintenance is $3,372,370, while the capital projects budget is $1,857,460. Franklin’s share of the operation and maintenance and capital projects budgets are estimated to be $1,789,070 and $1,154,740, respectively.

Respectively submitted

Douglas M. Downing, Chairman (Medway)
Gene Guidi, Vice-Chairman (Franklin)
Alfred H. Wahlers, Clerk (Franklin)
Joseph Cameron (Franklin)
Paul J. DeSimone (Medway)

CRPCD Officers:
Elizabeth Taglieri, P.E., Executive Director
Emma J. Catalano, Treasurer
Barbara Maffeo, Executive Secretary
Cornetta, Ficco & Simmler, Legal Counsel

The Pond St property was the site of the former sewer treatment plant for Franklin
before becoming part of the Charles River Pollution Control District

-----------

"Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees." [Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]

http://ecode360.com/10432729?highlight=annual%20report,reports,annual,report#10432729

Shared from the full and complete PDF version of the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2015

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2015report.pdf

Presentation from 2009 to the Franklin Town Council on the improvements outlined
http://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/charles-river-pollution-control-district-presentation-2509

Charles River Meadowlands - proposal

One of the documents handed out during the public meeting for the Open Space and Recreation Plan update held at the Franklin Library on Saturday, Nov 14.

This was the topic of Alan R Earls input. Alan is the former chair of the Franklin Open Space Committee.

Charles River Meadows Initiative from Franklin Matters

Thanks to Alan for allowing this document to be shared.

When I walked the Pond St property in October, I was in and among some of the land he references with this proposal.

Mine Brook as it wends its way along the wetlands between i495 and Pond St

The full set of photos and the audio I recorded while on the walk can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/reporting-by-walking-around-pond-st.html

Franklin Annual Report 2014: Charles River Pollution Control District

While the Pond St property has been in the news recently with the RFP and intention to sell it, its original use was as the sewer treatment plant for Franklin. Franklin is part of the Charles River Pollution Control District which handles our wastewater treatment.



During Fiscal Year 2014, the Charles River Pollution Control District’s (District) regional advanced wastewater treatment facility received and treated approximately 1,370 million gallons (3.75 million gallons per day) of raw wastewater, including 7.0 million gallons of septage from the District’s member and customer towns before discharge to the Charles River. The volume of waste treated was lower than the previous year due to a decrease in precipitation.

The District is anticipating the renewal process to begin for its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for discharge of its treated wastewater to the Charles River. Under the preliminary draft NPDES permit, the District and the Towns of Franklin, Medway, Millis, and Bellingham will have to maintain an ongoing preventive maintenance program to prevent overflows and bypasses caused by malfunctions or failures of the sewer system and an infiltration and inflow reduction program. In addition, the new limit for phosphorus is being reduced from 0.2 mg/L to 0.1 mg/L in the summer months and a winter limit of 0.3 mg/L is being added.

The District conducted an Infiltration and Inflow Study in 2013, with CDM Smith, to identify areas of the District’s interceptors that will need further investigation and repair. The study modeled flow through the interceptors, groundwater elevations and rainfall data during the spring and summer months (wet and dry periods).

This summer, the District will be investigating the manholes in a portion of its interceptors to determine each manhole’s condition. CDM Smith and staff from the District prepared a 20-year capital improvement plan (CIP) to improve the wastewater treatment facility to meet more stringent NPDES permitting requirements and provide a more reliable wastewater treatment facility at its current capacity.

In July 2010, the District was informed of its acceptance on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) Bureau of Resource Protection Calendar Year 2010 Intended Use List for State Revolving Funding (SRF). In order to expedite the designs and proceed with the project in a timely manner, the CIP was divided into three phases (A, B and C).

• Phase A, which was completed in December 2013, included the replacement of both primary clarifier mechanisms, addition of two screenings washer/compactors in the wet well, primary scum handling improvements, and plant lighting and security improvements.
• Phase B, the capping of the on-site residuals landfill, was completed in August 2013.
• Phase C, focuses on improving phosphorus removal, replacing the disinfection system, and extending the life of the facility for an additional 20 years. This phase is currently under construction. It is expected that construction will last about 2.5 years. A District-wide Global Information System was developed as part of this phase to assist with infiltration and inflow reduction requirements.

The District funded Phases A and B with a 20- year State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan of approximately $3.5M for costs associated with bidding, construction, and resident engineering. Phase C costs will be funded through separate SRF loans of approximately $24.5M, which includes bidding, construction, and resident engineering. Ineligible costs (i.e. design of Phase C) for SRF loans will be funded by a General Obligation Bond of approximately $1.95M.

The District is one of seven municipal wastewater treatment plants selected by the Mass DEP to participate in a pilot program that involves energy auditing, assessments for renewable and clean energy possibilities, and support of implementation for energy related projects. The purpose of this pilot program is to reduce the amount of energy used at municipal wastewater treatment plants by 20%, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving municipalities money.

The District was granted $847,583 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to install a 20 kW solar voltaic array and two turbo style blowers. The solar panels will produce energy onsite whereas the turbo blowers will provide oxygen to the secondary treatment system using approximately 30% less power than the existing blowers. The District is anticipating a 20% reduction in energy costs from these energy improvements. At this time, the solar voltaic array has produced over 70,000 kw over the last 3.5 years and the turbo blowers are the main source of air to the activated sludge process.

The District’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget is 13.4% higher than the previous years’ budget. The District’s FY 2015 budget for operations and maintenance is $3,151,720, while the capital projects budget is $1,018,300. Franklin’s share of the operation and maintenance and capital projects budgets are estimated to be $1,652,000 and $620,730, respectively.

Respectively submitted
Douglas M. Downing, Chairman (Medway)
William J. Goode, Jr., Vice-Chairman (Franklin)
Alfred H. Wahlers, Clerk, (Franklin)
Paul J. DeSimone (Medway)
Gene Guidi, (Franklin)

CRPCD Officers:
Elizabeth Schreiber, P.E., Executive Director
Emma J. Catalano, Treasurer
Barbara Maffeo, Executive Secretary
Cornetta, Ficco & Simmler, Legal Counsel

Franklin Municipal Building

The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2014report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Soak it up Franklin!

Collaboration is a wonderful thing! A new website touting the benefits of water conservation for Franklin is now online.

Soak it up Franklin

This is a collaboration among the Franklin DPW and the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA).

screen shot of new website with info on rain gardens

Training on how to build a residential rain garden - May 3

The Town of Franklin and Charles River Watershed Association will hold two rain garden demonstration and training sessions for Franklin homeowners conducted by groundSwell Designs, LLC. Attendees will learn how to design, plant, and maintain rain gardens. Each training participant will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate to purchase rain garden plants.

Both trainings are free for Franklin residents. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Please register below or call Kate Sjoberg at 508-553-5500.

There is additional info on the site about the other ways Franklin is working to conserve water and reduce pollutants reaching the water supply. Tree wells, road narrowing are covered in addition to the rain gardens.

Be sure to visit "Soak it up Franklin"!  http://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/

"workshop on how to build a rain garden"

Through a $16,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the town has partnered with the Charles River Watershed Association to create a two-year rain garden training program, the first of its kind in Massachusetts. 

rain garden at Parmenter School

The training is to feature a classroom component where participants will learn how rain gardens work as a natural filter for polluted stormwater runoff, said Pallavi Mande, who is organizing the program for the association. 

The other component will be class trips to a sample garden at the Department of Public Works headquarters on Fisher Street. The educational excursions, Mande said, should prove "a successful way to get people motivated, rather than just providing outreach on the benefits of a rain garden. 

"People don’t feel compelled to take action until they get a little more in terms of training," she added.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140124/NEWS/140127939/1994/NEWS#sthash.9HfOjLUB.dpuf

The rain garden project is looking for a catchy name, you can find out more about this and submit your idea here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/name-that-rain-garden-project.html

name that rain garden project!

The Franklin DPW is partnering with the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) to develop a rain garden project for the residents of Franklin. This program will offer a workshop to interested residents in which they will learn about rain gardens and how to reduce stormwater runoff by building their own.

Before the project gets underway, we need your help! Click the link below to vote for the slogan you feel best represents this project and Franklin's efforts to reduce stormwater runoff.

Vote Here!

Stay tuned for more information on the Franklin Rain Garden Project!

rain garden at Parmenter School

As posted on the official Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/General_pages/Rain_Garden_Slogan

You can read more about the Charles River Watershed Association  http://www.crwa.org/

Annual Report 2013: Charles River Pollution Control District (CRPCD)

Continuing the trip through the Franklin Annual Report for 2013, we come to the section on the Charles River Pollution Control District. If you ever wondered why Franklin doesn't have a waste water treatment plant within town like other communities do, this is the reason. Franklin sends its waste water to the plant location in Medway for treatment.

During Fiscal Year 2013, the Charles River Pollution Control District’s (District) regional advanced wastewater treatment facility received and treated approximately 1,600 million gallons (4.4 million gallons per day) of raw wastewater, including 6.5 million gallons of septage from the District’s member and customer towns before discharge to the Charles River. The volume of waste treated was lower than the previous year due to a decrease in precipitation. 

The District is anticipating the renewal process to begin for its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for discharge of its treated wastewater to the Charles River. Under the preliminary draft NPDES permit, the District and the Towns of Franklin, Medway, Millis, and Bellingham will have to maintain an ongoing preventive maintenance program to prevent overflows and bypasses caused by malfunctions or failures of the sewer system and an infiltration and inflow reduction program. In addition, the new limit for phosphorus is being reduced from 0.2 mg/L to 0.1 mg/L in the summer months and a winter limit of 1.0 mg/L is being added. 

CDM Smith and staff from the District prepared a 20-year capital improvement plan (CIP) to improve the wastewater treatment facility to meet more stringent NPDES permitting requirements and provide a more reliable wastewater treatment facility at its current capacity. 

In July 2010, the District was informed of its acceptance on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) Bureau of Resource Protection Calendar Year 2010 Intended Use List for State Revolving Funding (SRF). In order to expedite the designs and proceed with the project in a timely manner, the CIP was divided into three phases (A, B and C).

• Phase A, which has reached substantial completion, includes the replacement of both primary clarifier mechanisms, addition of two screenings washer/compactors in the wet well, primary scum handling improvements, and plant lighting and security improvements.
• Phase B, the capping of the on-site residuals landfill, is also substantially complete.
• Phase C, focuses on reducing phosphorus, improving the disinfection system, and extending the life of the facility for an additional 20 years. This phase is currently being designed with bidding scheduled for this fall. Construction is expected to begin in early 2014. A District-wide Global Information System was developed as part of this phase to assist with infiltration and inflow reduction requirements. 

The District funded Phases A and B with a 20-year State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan of approximately $3.5M for costs associated with bidding, construction, and resident engineering. Planning and design costs for these phases were paid from the District’s capital budget. Planning and design costs for Phase C, which are not eligible for SRF loans, will be funded by a General Obligation Bond of approximately $1.95M. The total project cost is still under review and will become more detailed as design progresses. 

The District is one of seven municipal wastewater treatment plants selected by the Mass DEP to participate in a pilot program that involves energy auditing, assessments for renewable and clean energy possibilities, and support of implementation for energy related projects. The purpose of this pilot program is to reduce the amount of energy used at municipal wastewater treatment plants by 20%, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving municipalities money. The District was granted $847,583 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to install a 20 kW solar voltaic array and two turbo style blowers. The solar panels will produce energy onsite whereas the turbo blowers will provide oxygen to the secondary treatment system using approximately 30% less power than the existing blowers. The District is anticipating a 20% reduction in energy costs from these energy improvements. At this time, the solar voltaic array is producing energy which is used at the treatment plant and the turbo blowers provide oxygen to the activated sludge process. 

The District’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget is 8.3% lower than the previous years’ budget. The District’s FY 2014 budget for operations and maintenance is $3,033,690, while the capital projects budget is $643,150. Franklin’s share of the operation and maintenance and capital projects budgets are estimated to be $1,771,040 and $386,000, respectively. 

Respectively submitted 

Douglas M. Downing, Chairman (Medway)
William J. Goode, Jr., Vice-Chairman (Franklin)
Alfred H. Wahlers, Clerk, (Franklin)
Paul J. DeSimone (Medway)
Gene Guidi, (Franklin) 

CRPCD Officers:
Cheri R. Cousens, P.E., Executive Director
Emma J. Catalano, Treasurer
Barbara Maffeo, Executive Secretary
Cornetta, Ficco, Simmler, and Vallee, Legal Counsel

Franklin Municipal Building

The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

"lower the amount of phosphorus discharged"

You may recall the EPA has proposed new standards for treating water before it gets into the Charles River. During 2011, there were public meetings and comment sections where local communities could provide input to the EPA. The new regulations were supposed to be issued during Q1 (which has come and gone) with no indication from the EPA on the new timeline.

The Milford Daily News checked on the impact of the regulations with other communities along the Charles River.

Some have taken a wait-and-see attitude, while others, such as Franklin, have been proactive by building rain gardens, reducing the size of streets and only having a sidewalk on one side of a road, she said. Improving existing infrastructure to meet the requirement is costly, and the challenge is to figure out how to do that affordably, Bowditch said. 

“Public infrastructure was built back at a time when we didn’t think much of rainwater as a resource. We just thought of it as a nuisance,” she said. “We didn’t realize as a society how many problems we were creating just simply dumping everything in the river.” 

Complying with both proposals could cost up to $111 million in Milford, $75 million in Franklin and $35 million in Bellingham, an EPA-funded study found.

One of Franklin's objections to the regulations was that the study done (referenced here) used numnbers that understated the cost of compliance. Franklin's calculations showed more in the $100 million range. Another study was just completed that confirmed Franklin's numbers.

You can get an update on this from the DPW section of the FY 2013 budget hearings held by the FinCom. This segment is available on the Franklin website in the video on demand section.

DPW section of the budget occurs towards the end of the recording.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634707562664708360&indexSessionSKU=sKQphCKirlrcGpOc9OakkQ%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x643676252/EPA-proposal-felt-outside-Milford-Franklin-and-Bellingham#ixzz1sr1hN9Lu

Related Posts

On the Charles River plant enhancements to treat phosphorus
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/there-isnt-going-to-be-option-not-to-do.html

On the EPA regulations
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/its-huge-issue-for-municipalities.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/06/costs-of-charles-river-cleanup.html

In the News - watershed award, music boosters, Ad book

Watershed association wins $250,000 for river management

from Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Learn more about the Charles River Watershed Association here

Eat at Five Guys, support Franklin Music Boosters

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Charles River: 2011 winner of the International Riverprize

An email via contributor David Dobrzynski:

Charles River Watershed Association

We have some some very exciting news to share: the Charles River is the 2011 winner of the International Riverprize, the world’s largest and most prestigious environmental award! The International RiverFoundation’s (IRF) Thiess International Riverprize, is awarded for visionary and sustainable excellence in river management.  In the world of river management, this is akin to winning the World Series and it was made possible through the engagement, cooperation and hard work of hundreds of partners at the federal, state, local and grassroots levels, including: U.S. EPA, US Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Geological Survey, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, the City of Boston, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, the Conservation Law Foundation, universities, local boards and conservation commissions, engaged citizens, businesses, land trusts, river users, and all of you!  This is a trophy for all of us who live and work in the communities that comprise the Charles watershed, and for everyone who loves this river.    From left to right: IRF CEO Matthew Reddy, CRWA Director of Projects Kate Bowditch, CRWA Deputy Director Margaret VanDeusen, and CRWA Executive Director, Bob Zimmerman.    CRWA's Executive Director Bob Zimmerman, Deputy Director Margaret VanDeusen, and Director of Projects Kate Bowditch accepted the award at the 14th International River Symposium in Brisbane, Australia earlier today. CRWA will receive a grant to share its river restoration expertise with a river organization in a developing nation. In 1965, when CRWA was founded, the Charles was an open sewer: tetanus shots and antibiotics were standard treatment for anyone unfortunate enough to fall in.  Today, the Charles is heralded as the cleanest urban river in the United States by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  The Riverprize recognizes and rewards this rejuvenation.  International River Foundation CEO Matthew Reddy says "Charles River should be congratulated for their achievement; it joins the ranks of iconic rivers like the Thames, Danube and Mekong.” CRWA will use the prize money to continue to improve and protect the health of the Charles through fisheries restoration, water-sensitive design, and development of tools and practical solutions to watershed problems, including the growing problem of nutrients carried by stormwater to the river.        Join us to celebrate this achievment and honor John DeVillars this Friday, September 30th at the Champions of the Charles gala at the Harry Parker Boathouse, Community Rowing, Brighton. To purchase tickets click here or call Alexandra Ash at 781-788-0007 x 200.

The River Current is published monthly (or as needed) by Charles River Watershed Association. CRWA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dependent on philanthropic support. Editor: Alexandra Ash, aash@crwa.org Mailing address: CRWA, 190 Park Road, Weston, MA 02493 Phone: 781-788-0007 Fax: 781-788-0057 Web: www.charlesriver.org

"There isn't going to be an option not to do the project."

"This is a very unfortunate, but not unknown increase," said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. "It shouldn't be a surprise to anybody." 

The Charles River Pollution Control District has already begun a $19 million project expected to cap the residuals landfill, upgrade security, and upgrade the phosphorus removal and disinfection system, add a scum handling system and replace clarifier mechanisms, among a few other improvements. The town shares the cost with Bellingham, Millis, and Medway, but Franklin's sewer assessment will go up $700,000, said Nutting. 

Then, last year, the council authorized a $7.5 million bond to improve the water system. 

The increases should cost the average customer $40 more in sewer bills the first year and $50 more for water the first year. 

Town Council did not take action on the proposal, but is expected to vote on it at its next meeting.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1510866185/Franklin-water-sewer-bills-expected-to-rise#ixzz1UiFmCHXW


While Jeff Nutting is quoted as saying "this should not be a surprise". In 2009, he also said

"We do have time to plan for it per Jeff as this would only kick in for 2015 and beyond."

Apparently the increase is coming in sooner than 2015.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/02/live-reporting-charles-river-pollution.html

Clarification on grant money

There is a key clarification to the notification of the grant awarded here:
 http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1169807703/-300-000-grant-to-help-towns-deal-with-runoff-mandate

The money is to be used by the EPA to provide consultants to help the three communities (Bellingham, Milford, and Franklin) make progress on the 'storm water utility' being proposed as part of the overall permitting process. The consultants should be a good help in this matter as the communities generally don't have the resources and or skills to devote to this aspect of the development.

Thanks to Jeff Nutting for sharing this nuance on the grant.


Additional information on the storm water permit which is open for comments through Sep 30, 2010 can be found here:

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html


Franklin, MA

In the News: Charles River

Charles River sewage plant gets stimulus funds

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Julie Balise


Franklin, MA