LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Center Water District (LCWD) Board of Commissioners will hold a Special District Meeting on Monday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Al Merritt Center, 600 Market St.
Voters will be asked to consider articles to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a bottled-water rebate program, the district’s ongoing construction projects, and proposed changes to the district charter.
The meeting is open to the public. Residents are asked to check in upon their arrival. Only residents who live within the district and are registered to vote with the Town Clerk’s Office may vote.
The district will require all voters to adhere to all state and local guidelines regarding masking and social distancing during the meeting.
Voters will be asked to consider the district’s ongoing efforts to address PFAS levels in drinking water. The state Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) initiated a new program to test for PFAS, effective Oct. 1, 2021. LCWD started testing during September in advance of the program’s initiation date. Some water samples collected last fall showed PFAS levels above Massachusetts Maximum Contamination Level (MMCL). PFAS are man-made substances that do not break down quickly and are linked to health risks.
The district responded quickly by educating customers on several circumstances, making operational changes to its pumping sequences and sources, addressing the issue at several public meetings, uploading several documents onto its website regarding PFAS, and working diligently in putting a plan in place to identify sources and address them. The funding for some of these initiatives being proposed at the Special District Meeting will be appropriated from existing stabilization funds (retained earnings) so as to not impact rates.
“Although current test results for December and January show PFAS levels below the DEP MMCL, the district will be staying the course, implementing these new initiatives as efficiently and as timely as possible,” said LCWD Superintendent John Scenna.
The district’s plan includes continuation of water sampling and analysis and community outreach; design and engineering review of onsite treatment at Station 2 on Main Street and a pilot-test-program permit with the MassDEP; evaluation of long-term options for Station 2 and all other district facilities, including the possibility of accessing additional water from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and possible amendment to the Glen Drive Station.
In a separate article, voters will be asked to approve a bottled-water rebate program for residents who receive all of their water from Station 2.
“This article is a proactive response to ratepayers who are concerned about PFAS levels as the district moves forward with its plans,” said Scenna.
Under the proposal, if LCWD is not in compliance with MassDEP requirements in a quarter, eligible households or units will receive a $55-per-month credit (one credit per household/unit).
Board of Commissioners Chair Joseph T. Maney said district residents will receive another informational brochure on PFAS sometime next week.
“We want to make sure everyone understands what is going on, what it means and most importantly that we have a plan in place to address it,” Maney said.
Voters will also be asked to approve changes to the district charter, which outlines LCWD’s form of governance.
The changes are the result of a review conducted by a working group, and numerous public discussions during LCWD meetings in addition to clarifying some financial terms, fees and conditions. The changes will allow the district to hold more modern and transparent elections as part of its annual meeting.
Some of the more significant changes include: a requirement that candidates submit a Letter of Intent and a minimum of 25 signatures of registered voters who live in the district; a minimum of 25 signatures must be certified by the town clerk in order to be placed on the ballot; the district treasurer will be appointed (not elected) by the commissioners for a three-year term; and a limit of one three-year term for the district secretary.
The Special District Meeting warrant may be found at https://lcwd.us/about/district-meetings/. Questions can be directed to the district clerk by calling 781-334-3901.
