5
1
Tewfik Jones Juber Lynch Ball
Wadecki
AYE
EXCUSED
VII. COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
Operations Report.
1.
There was a replacement of fire hydrant # 42 at the intersection of Route 12 and Christy Hill Road.
It was called in by the Fire Department because it wasn't working while they were doing their
training.
The state requires the WPCA to certify that there is no lead pipe in the system and if lead is found a
commitment to replace the system is required. Chairman Lynch explained that the challenge is the
lack of documentation. Specifically lacking is the documentation for Sablewoods, the Highlands,
Barry Drive and Richard Road. Mauricio Duarte, GU General Foreman Water Operations said from
experience it is known that there is no lead pipe but for about 1,100 customers there is no
documentation and the State will not just take GU/WPCA's word on it. Both the Town side and the
Customer side must be inspected. The WPCA is responsible for the chemistry coming out of the tap.
It is the responsibility of the utility to correct any problems.
It may be possible to do an inspection using a camera. DPH does not currently have a policy on how
to do the inspections. There are a variety of ways the inspection can be executed but regardless of
the method there will be a substantial cost to the WPCA. Mauricio Duarte, GU General Foreman
Water Operations explained a couple of options for inspection. One is to dig and inspect 20% of a
neighborhood (20% inspection is acceptable to the DPH). If only one developer constructed a
neighborhood, then the year it was developed could be evaluated to determine if lead pipes were
used in that time frame. Mr. Juber commented that the Highlands was built by just one developer.
Mr. Norris commented that he lives in the Highlands and offered his home to be inspected if need
be. Mr. Duarte said he will keep that in mind. Mr. Ball was asked if GU has records of inspections
already performed. Mr. Daurte answered yes, but it would not be equal to DPH's 20% requirement.
Mr. Ball said that what has already been inspected could be used for a buffer to ensure over 20% of
inspections are completed.
Mr. Duarte read the figures that are in need inspection:
560 in Gales Ferry
45 in Sablewoods
500 in Highlands
There are also some in Aljen Heights, bringing the total to approximately 1,100.
Mr. Duarte will keep the WPCA informed of the inspection options and a decision will be made on
how to proceed.
DISCUSSED
RESULT:
Service Correspondence.
2.
Chairman Lynch shared the outstanding liens with the Authority. He added that it wasn't very
many. There was a water leak at 113 Meetinghouse Lane when no one was residing at the
location. The usage at 66 Meetinghouse Lane has gone down.