SPRING CREEK WATERSHED COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Spring Township Municipal Building
August 18, 2010
1) CALL TO ORDER - At 7:01 pm the meeting was called to order by Chairman Miller who then led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2) ROLL CALL OF MUNICIPALITIES - The following members were present:
Paul Bartley (Milesburg Borough) Bill MacMath (Spring Township)
Amy Story (State College Borough) Gay Dunne (Bellefonte Borough)
Steve Miller (Ferguson Township) Bob Donaldson (Patton Township)
Mark Stevenson (Halfmoon Township) Dave Breon (Benner Township)
Bill Fleckenstein (Potter Township)
The following were absent (excused) - Harris Township,
The following were absent (unexcused) - Walker Township, Centre Hall Borough, College Township
Guests: Todd Giddings, Bob Eberhart, Brianna Hutchison
3) APPROVAL OF MINUTES - The minutes of the July 21, 2010 meeting were distributed via e-mail and posted on the Commission's website. A motion to approve the minutes was made Mr. Donaldson and seconded by Mr. Bartley. The vote passed unanimously.
4) CITIZEN COMMENTS
A. There were no citizen comments.
5) OLD BUSINESS
A. Groundwater Level Report - Dr. Giddings addressed the Commission with data on the water table levels and stream flow within Spring Creek. He noted that the trend is down for stream flow as measured at a gage near Milesburg, PA. He also provided a comparison between Spring Creek and Lycoming Creek.
He then went on to recap the first permit for a residential geothermal borehole permit and the first commercial permit at the Ferguson Township Elementary School.
Mr. Giddings also discussed the preparation of a brochure that would be handed out to the public and provide information about the need for groundwater protection. Mr. Stevenson noted that a printed pamphlet is one way, but it could be put on the website for all to download. Mr. Giddings noted that there are mini grants ($300) through the league of women voters. Mr. Miller noted that the SCWC has a budget.
A motion was made by Mr. Bartley with a second from Mr. MacMath to allow Mr. Giddings to develop a brochure in a downloadable format. The vote was unanimous.
B. Spring Creek Watershed Association Report
1. Watershed Sustainability Initiative - Bob Eberhart noted a change in the location for the forum. It will be held on October 7, 2010 at the Nature Inn at the Bald Eagle State Park. The speakers have been set. A work meeting will be held on August 25th to formalize the plans.
2. Prototype water testing procedures - there was some confusion who comprises the work group. The proposed ordinance has been posted on the website.
3. Informational brochure on geothermal and well bore holes - See previous comments from Mr. Giddings regarding the brochure.
4. Other Tasks - Mr. Miller noted that he has sent a letter to the USGS and the SRBC about the retired stream gages. To date, he has received no response.
C. Stormwater Authority - Mr. Miller state that he wants to keep it active as he believes that there are more and more reasons why it is a good idea. He noted that many other states have authorities. Ms. Story noted that the most recent PENNDOT Strike Off Letter states that a municipality will have to be the permit holder for a Highway Occupancy Permit when work will include a stormwater facility within a PENNDOT Right-of-Way.
Mr. Donaldson noted that we may want to seek out local professional advice for this issue. Ms Dunne asked if each municipality would have its own authority or if it would be regional. Mr. Miller suggested that it hoped that would be represented by the whole watershed. Mr. MacMath noted that a stumbling block will be how to establish and collect fees.
6) NEW BUSINESS
A. "Protecting Your Groundwater Day" - Mr. Giddings asked support from the Commission for this event which has been established for September 14, 2010 by the National Ground Water Association. Information can be found at www.ngwa.org.
Mr. Donaldson suggested using ClearWater Conservancy as an example of outreach.
Mr. Giddings noted that March 6-12, 2011 has been established as National Ground Water Awareness Week.
Ms. Dunne noted that proper disposal of medications is very important. Mr. Fleckenstein asked if there should be discussion regarding if municipalities are either providing water to or treating water from the Marcellus shale drilling operations. Mr. Giddings noted that withdrawal permits is governed by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and information about permits can be found at www.srbc.net.
Mr. Donaldson stated on behalf of the ClearWater Conservancy board, there is definitely an interest in the Marcellus Shale Operation and is looking to make a position statement.
Mr. Stevenson asked if there are other watersheds about our size that are so reliant on groundwater supply. Mr. Giddings responded that yes there are other watersheds that do rely heavily on groundwater supply. He also discussed collector wells that pull from stream/river bed gravel. There was continued discussion regarding supporting the Protect Your Watershed Day. Mr. Donaldson made a motion that we support whatever is appropriate for the Commission. Ms. Dunne provided a second and the vote passed unanimously.
7) OTHER BUSINESS
A. Financial Report and Vouchers - There was no action since the June meeting and there were no vouchers presented for action.
B. Once Around the Watershed - Each municipality present is asked to provide some interesting news from their municipality.
Halfmoon - Geothermal/Borehole passed as ordinance. Centre Region Code will inspect. A few changes were made, specifically to the depth of casing and the setbacks.
Benner - No action on Geothermal/Borehole ordinance, yet. Spring Creek Canyon is top issue and working on an Overlay Ordinance.
Potter - received grant for gravel street
State College - In Street Rain Garden established on South Barnard Street and also working to rework a cul-de-sac into a rain garden. The green roof project is underway but won't be green until early October.
Ferguson - nothing to report.
Milesburg - Geothermal/Borehole ordinance still in committee.
Spring - nothing to report
Patton - Geothermal/Borehole ordinance passed. Working on a Ridge Ordinance. Bob Hazelton will present the historic aspects of the Spring Creek Canyon specifically the Village of Scotia and the iron industry. Jointly sponsored by historical society and genealogical society. The presentation will be on Sept 2nd at 7pm at Foxdale Village. Sunday Oct 3rd from noon to 5 pm Spring Creek Family Day will be held at Millbrook Marsh.
Bellefonte - Talleyrand Park expansion is nearing completion. The parking lot off of Water Street is being paved to provide handicapped access to the park. American Philatelic Society to renovate buildings.
CWC - upcoming events - Wild and Scenic Film Festival at Mt. Nittany Middle School on Thursday, September 23rd @ 7 pm. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Spring Creek Day is a free event and will have food and entertainment. Currently looking for exhibitors.
C. Remaining Meetings - The following meeting dates remain for 2010: September 15, October 20, November 17 (need a host), and December 15.
D. C-NET Air Times - This meeting can be viewed on C-NET on the following days/times:
Monday, August 23rd at 7:00 pm
Wednesday, August 25th at 10:00 am
Friday, August 27th at 3:00 pm
Saturday, August 28th at 1:00 pm
Sunday, August 29th at 12:00 pm
Thank you to the Centre County Commissioners for sponsoring the airing of the August meeting.
8) ADJOURNMENT - At 8:16 pm, with no other items for discussion, the meeting was adjourned by motion from Mr. MacMath and a second from Ms. Story.
