Old Lyme WPCA elects treasurer and debates pump‑out schedule, well testing and sewer construction timing

The Old Lyme Water Pollution Control Authority unanimously elected Laura Parent as treasurer and then turned to operational and community issues, including the pump‑out schedule, records management and concerns about the timing and staging of a major sewer project.

"I nominate Laura Parent as the incoming treasurer," a member said; the motion passed unanimously, and Parent described her accounting background and years as a corporate controller. The transcript records the motion as passing unanimously but does not provide a roll‑call vote.

Members discussed updating the WPCA pump‑out ordinance from seven years to the state‑recommended five years. Jen Lajoie of Ledge Light Health District said five years is the recommendation in the state code and can surface problems earlier than a seven‑year cycle. Board members also suggested a separate, shorter cycle for cesspools (for example, three or four years) given their higher risk profile.

Recordkeeping and enforcement were a second focus. The board reviewed Carmody, a third‑party database used to track pump‑outs and maintenance notices; board members said haulers are responsible for reporting pump‑outs and town staff (Erica) enter paper receipts when haulers do not. The WPCA agreed it needs a clearer process to reconcile returned pump‑out cards with Carmody entries and to ensure haulers record services.

The board also discussed plans to retest groundwater wells in shoreline areas as part of a baseline before shoreline residents return for the summer season. Members said they will issue an RFP for testing, work with DEEP/DPH on protocols and aim to stagger samples (spring, early summer, late summer/fall) to produce comparable baselines.

Public commenters raised concerns about sewer construction timing and traffic impacts on Route 156 if work starts in summer. Speakers urged coordination with selectmen, clearer staging locations for contractors, and attention to police/flagger capacity during peak season.

Financial and administrative items included a budget update noting a $52,000 bond attorney bill and other outstanding legal invoices; the chair said the WPCA remains in good financial shape for the fiscal year. Members said they plan to have proposed ordinance language reviewed by state contacts (Matt Pollick at the state health department) and to hold an ordinance‑change public meeting in June or July.

Next steps: WPCA will refine pump‑out and cesspool language, issue an RFP for well testing, reconcile Carmody records and report progress at the next meeting. The WPCA also designated taking the ordinance changes forward as a priority.