Con Com Minutes 7-08

Approved on: August 13, 2008

Members present: Sue Paton, Debby Hinman, Peter Maynard, Helen Frink, Rob DeValk, Tom Esslinger
Alternates present: Sandy Brewer, Mark Wellens
Members/Alternates absent:, Dan Young, Liana Haubrich
Public present: Laurence Williamson, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Donovan, Vic St. Pierre, Mary Ellen Rousseau, Mike Heidorn, Jerry DeMuro, Will Turner.

Meeting called to order by chair at 7:00.

Recognition of the public’s business:
· Mr. and Mrs. Tim Donovan with Mr. Vic St. Pierre representing them came with a wetland permit application to "demolish existing structures and replace with new structures". Sue gave an overview of the updated Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA) and copies of her presentation to the Lake Association meeting. Mr. St. Pierre said that their work would ultimately decrease the impervious surface area overall on the lot. The Chair recommended that they review the new CSPA standards and contact DES.

· Mary Ellen Rousseau presented plans to replace a garage in the existing footprint. Questions about their long-term plans indicated that they hope to demolish their existing house and rebuild. Sue recommended that they consider doing the whole thing in one DES application process, revuew the new SCPA standards and contact DES.

Presentation on Ground and Surface Waters in Acworth
Mike Heidorn of Alstead and the Cold River Local Advisory Committee (CRLAC) member in charge of the river’s Water Quality Monitoring program was the presenter. Summary
· Mike presented the CC with copies of the 2006 and 2007 summary reports of the Cold River testing results and summarized what they test for and what these findings indicate:
1. CRLAC tests for Ecoli in nine swimming sites. Count is generally high after rain storms but low at most other times.
2. Crane Brook shows high nutrient levels. DES will follow up on this.
3. Conductivity shows up in Dodge Brook. Could be road salt from Rt 10?
4. The lowest pH of the whole river is always at the Allen Road bridge in East Acworth due to the large wetland systems above it. Most "impaired waters" in NH are all due to pH.
5. The warmest temperatures are always at the outflow of Crescent Lake.

· Aquifer Maps
1. Mike discussed future water sources for the town. Should the town consider public supplies in the future? There are very few (2) deep aquifer sites available for this. He encouraged that planning for the future should include a close look at land uses over these areas.
2. The map showed sand and gravel deposits as well as bedrock fissures (fracture traces).
3. He told a fascinating story of the ancient continental drift that swept a volcanic island along with other soils into North America. This volcanic ring is seen below Acworth and Alstead (on geology maps).
4. For some reason Radon is highest in the Eastern part of town.

Minutes : Minutes of June 2008 were incomplete and will be represented at the August meeting.

Treasurer’s Report : No new expenses since last month.

Wetlands
The Wetherbee pond permit application has been approved.
The Duggan gravel pit permit application has been approved.

Town Forests
q Peter Maynard and Rob will set up a Forest Advisory Committee meeting.

Conservation Easements
q Deb will schedule walks.
q No news on the new Town Wetlands property.

Town Owned Lands Committee
A meeting needs to be set up soon to assist the Selectboard on some matters.

Education and Outreach
Deb will try to set up a display at the Saturday Steeple Festival but no one else will be available to help with it.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM on motion from Rob to Peter.

Respectfully submitted,
Debby Hinman