Environmental Committee in the VDOE – May 28, 2019
Call to order: 9:05am
Members present: Paula Doyle, Larry Leonard, Adam Leiser, John Cancelarich, Kelly Robitialle, Charles Krautman
Mr. Krautman explains that he is a DES engineer and dam management expert. The dam at Little Pea is a low hazard dam and as such needs to pass a 50 year test.
DES is coming with a surveyor on June 3rd to gather additional information and to help Mr. Krautman so he can write a report which will likely be returned to the district at the end of June.
DES is only for dam safety and will not make any recommendations in regards to the loons or their nests.
John C wants to know about flow rates for the brook and if we’re responsible for anything down stream. John C thinks we are. Mr. Krautman says he doesn’t believe that is true.
Elevations at ponds are going to be determined when surveyor comes.
Paula D asks about placing a second dam between Big Pea and Middle Pea. Mr. Krautman explains that this is only done via legislation.
DES recommends checking with Fish and Game and Loons Preservation Society in terms of floating docks or anything loon related. DES does work with those organizations when needed.
Mr. Krautman supports the idea of an additional 5 inch board being placed in the dam. Every committee member agrees. Kelly R. says it can be done. Adam (as instructed during the BOC meeting on 5/23) instructs Kelly to do this tomorrow because we’re getting an inch of rain today.
Mr. Krautman says different size boards could delay outflow.
Wetlands permit would be needed to put in a second dam.
The report coming to the VDOE at the end of June will be the first report on hydraulics in regards to the dam that has ever been done by DES on the dam at Little Pea.
Wonderground is a great tool for rain flow according to Mr. Krautman.
Motion to approve minutes of 5/27/19 made by Adam L. Second by Larry L. Paula says to changes needed and outlines the changes.
Motion to approve minutes as modified made by Adam L. Second by Paula. Vote yes 4-0.
Next meeting is tbd – Adam to email the committee
The minutes in italics were added to the draft minutes during the environmental committee meeting on 6/2/19
John C asks Mr. Krautman if he is aware of the major concerns on Big Pea: Low water levels, loss of aquatic life at short line, problems with docks, boats and swimming. Mr. Krautman said that he is aware of the concerns.
John C asks about the investigation of the new culvert on Big Loop. Mr. Krautman had most of the information except he did not know the depth placement of the previous culvert.
John C recommends recording two measurements at the dam: water level and overflow level. The current levels are 7 ¾ inch from top of cement and overflow is 8 inches.
John C and Adam agreed that the dam lost about an inch of water per day in depth for the pond for approximately 5 days and the decrease then changed to ¼-1/2 inch daily at the dam
Motion to adjourn by Adam – seconded by John – vote 4-0
Meeting adjourned 10am