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PWM19760809PUBLIC WELFARE COMMITTEE - CITY OF MUSKEGO • MINUTES OF MEETING HELD AUGUST 9, 1976 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Colburn at 6:30 P.M. • Also present were committee members Aldermen Constantineau and Pienkos, Mayor Gottfried, Aldermen Wallner and Dumke. The following persons were also present at the meeting: 'i Mr. Frank Schultz - DNR, Water Quality Mr. Skip Glor - DNR, Solid Waste Management Mr. Jerry Rayeske - DNR, Natural Resource Specialist Mr. Bernie Schultz - DNR, Asst. Dist. Director - SE Dist. Oscar J. Druml - The Druml Coupany, Inc. Mr. Elmer Lauer - Waste Management Mr. Carl Wauer Mr. Alvin Basse s u -10 The committee discussed with representatives of the DNR the matter of spreading wastewater residue on farm lands. Mr. Bernie Schultz of the DNR advised the committee on studies that had been made by the University of Wisconsin and the DNR on the contents of the liquid residue as it relates to heavy metals, pathogens, odors, etc. He explained that the recommendations made to the DNR after the study indicated that there was no adverse affect and that it was a good method of disposing of wastewater residue. Mr. Schultz advised the committee that the procedure presently used by the DNR requires that Mr. Druml send them a copy of the soil map of the farm to be used as well as to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage Commission, the Waukesha County Health Department and the city involved. He indicated that staff member Jerry Rayeske, Natural Resource Spec- ialist, checks the soil area and recommends what needs to be done as far as control of the application. Heavy metal content is analyzed once a month and a report sent to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage Commission. In answer to a question about the negative aspect of the operation Mr. Schultz indicated that Wisconsin is the first State to establish guidelines. He indicated that digested sludge is markedly different from manure or septic effluent. All solids are removed, ground up and placed in a digester and heated at 950 Fahrenheit for 30 days. This is called anirobic digestion. Following the digestion the liquid is drawn off and stored in lagoons. The wastewater being spread now has been stored since the beginning of 1968. Other requirements of the DNR are that no root crops should be planted for one year after application and no residue should be applied within 1,000 feet within a public well and 500 feet of a private well or residence. In answer to a question relating to monitoring of the application Mr. Schultz indicated that the DNR has been checking every site but because of insufficient personnel probably will not do so in the future. He suggested that the local community might want to help monitor the application. Mr. Schultz indicated that in checking a 23 acre site in May of 1976, after one-half inch of rain, no runoff of residue was found. Ald. Wallner asked several questions of Mr. Schultz including the concern of the DNR of mercury in fish in Lake Michigan. Chairman Colburn advised Ald. Wallner that Mr. Schultz had answered the questions previously during his presentation and that the amount of mercury in fish was irrelative to the question at hand. The question was asked if we Public Welfare Committee August 9, 1976 Page 2 • can't dispose of wastewater residue in Lake Michigan, why can we dis- pose of it on agricultural land? Mr. Schultz indicated that the DNR feels that if done properly and monitored properly there are a great many benefits not the least of which is the adding of nitrogen and phosphates to the soils. Chairman Colburn thanked the representatives of the DNR for their interest in the matter. The committee agreed to • postpone discussion until later in the meeting. The committee discussed with Mr. Carl Wauer and Mr. Glor the DNR's position on the Wauer Extractive Permit as it relates to the landfill. Mr. Glor indicated that the present landfill site has been ordered to be abandoned as of October 1, 1976, and that they are presently considering a request for landfill permits in other areas adjacent to the site presently licensed. Mr. Elmer Lauer of Waste Management advised the committee that they have a request before the DNR to extend the abandonment date to at least December 1, 1976 and pre- ferably January 1, 1977. Further discussion centered on the Wauer extractive operation and its relationship to the landfill. The committee was advised by Mr. Glor and Mr. Lauer of the many problems which are involved in the licensing of a landfill site. The committee returned to the matter involved in Resolution #122-76 regarding the application of wastewater residue on farm lands. The committee agreed to recommend to Common Council that a minimum permit fee of $25.00 should be charged. They also agreed that the Building Inspection Department should be instructed to work with the DNR in monitoring farm lands being used for the spreading of wastewater residue. The committee also agreed that after a single application the process will be reviewed by the Welfare Committee. The committee was advised that a communication will be forthcoming from the State Department of Agriculture advising the city that the previous manditory $1,000.00 cash bond for holding tanks has been removed and that the matter is left to the discretion of the local community. Ald. Constantineau moved to adjourn, seconded by Ald. Pienkos. • Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M. • Respectfully submitted, Leslie J. Constantineau, Sec'y. Public Welfare Committee a' ti