Donations
The Putnam Rotary Club recently made some donations. Left to right: From United Services, Emily Morrison and Diane Manning ($500); Francoise Gauthier from the Daughters of the Holy Spirit ($2,000 second installment for center for women in Camaroon); Sarah Wolfburg from NOW ($1,000); and club President John Miller. Linda Lemmon photo.
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Legal Notice
Town of Putnam
Inland Wetland
Commission
The Town of Putnam Inland Wetland Commission held a meeting on June 12, 2019, at 7:00 P.M. at the Putnam Town Hall located at 126 Church Street, Putnam, CT. The following action was taken:
Application # 2019-06: Wheelabrator – Ash Residue Landfill Phases 7 through 11 – Property noted by location at 344 River Road, 376 River Road, 388 River Road and 404 River Road, Town Assessor’s Map 48, Lots 001,003,008 and 006, Zoned AG-2. PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED TO JULY 10, 2019, AT 7:00 P.M.
WITH A SITE WALK SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY JUNE 29, 2019 @ 10:00 A.M. AT 200 TECHNOLOGY PARK DRIVE, PUTNAM, CT.
Bruce Fitzback,
Chairman
June 20, 2019
Legal Notice
Tax Collector’s
Office
TOWN & FIRE
DISTRICT
OF POMFRET
Legal Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town and Fire District of Pomfret that the first installment of taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2018, is DUE AND PAYABLE July 1, 2019.
The last day to pay without penalty is August 1, 2019. Per State Statute, interest will be charged at 18 percent annually (1.5 percent per month), with a minimum charge of $2.00 per entity (Town and Fire District are separate entities) on all delinquent payments postmarked after August 1, 2019.
Please make all checks payable to Pomfret Tax Collector. The mailing address is 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259. If a receipt is desired, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. For more information or to pay online, go to: www.pomfretct.gov.
Tax office hours are: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and Wednesday 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, closed on Fridays. If you have any questions, please call 860-974-0394. The Town Hall will be closed on July 4, 2019.
Pamela N. Gaumond, CCMC
Tax Collector
Town & Fire District of Pomfret
June 20, 2019
July 3 2019
July 25, 2019
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Putnam Water Pollution
Control Authority
2018 ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT
PWS #CT1160011
Continuing Our Commitment
The Town of Putnam is pleased to present the Annual Water Quality Report for 2018. Federal and State regulations require that public water systems publish a yearly water quality report. We feel it is important that you know where your water comes from as well as how it is treated and what substances may be in it.
What’s New with Our Water System
2018 was another busy year for the Water Department as several Major Capital Improvement Projects came to an end. The final phase of the Pipe Replacement / Relining Project was finished with a total of approximately 52,000 linear feet being replaced or relined which equates to just under 25% of all the pipes in our system. The Water Department did an extensive study of the pipe network system before the project began to determine which pipes needed replacing first. The Richmond Hill Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project has received the approval of the CT. Department of Public Health (CT DPH). This project had to be rescheduled to begin in the fall of 2019. The Manganese and Iron Removal Biological Filtration Project at the Well Field was completed and put On-Line in August 2018. This new treatment process is working far better than expected whereas we are removing 99 to 100% (we expected a 90 to 95% removal rate) of all the Manganese and Iron from the well water. The Manganese and Iron is what caused the discoloration in the water throughout many parts of the Water System. We anticipate that after we complete the 2019 Hydrant / System Flushing Program any remaining residual Manganese or Iron will be removed from the entire Water System.
For more information about this annual report, or for any questions relating to your drinking water, please call
Brian Lynch, Superintendent of the Putnam WPCA @ 860-963-6819 or the Water Treatment Plant @ 860-963-6823.
Community Participation
If you have concerns about your drinking water or water supply, you are invited to attend the WPCA monthly meetings. For dates and times of committee meetings please call our main office at, 860-963-6819 or visit the Town of Putnam website @ www.putnamct.us
Where Does My Water Come From?
We currently have three (3) stable sources of water. Our first source of supply comes from Roseland Lake (Little River Watershed), which converges into the Little River. Our second source of supply is from our Park Street Well Field which consists of ten production wells, six (6) which are shallow sand and gravel packed wells and four (4) deep bedrock wells. Our third source is via an interconnection with the CT Water Company, Crystal Division, located in Killingly.
How is My Water Treated?
The water treatment process from the surface water supply (the Little River) consists of a series of five key steps. Initially the water is drawn from the River and pre-disinfected with chlorine dioxide and chlorine. This step allows for oxidation of iron, manganese and total organic carbon that are present in the raw water. This pretreated water enters a mixing tank where poly aluminum chloride is added allowing small particles to adhere to one another (called “floc”) making them heavy enough to settle out of the water. The water is then processed through a filtering unit where any remaining smaller floc particles are removed, turbidity disappears and clean water emerges. Chlorine is added in the final disinfection step as a precaution against any bacteria that may still be present. We closely monitor the amount of chlorine, adding the lowest quantity necessary to protect the safety of your water without compromising taste. The final chemical injection steps are taken by adding Potassium Hydroxide to adjust the pH of the water and an Ortho Polyphosphate (corrosion inhibitor) to protect the pipes. The water is then pumped to our two, one million gallon water storage tanks from which it is distributed into your home.
The well water is treated at the Well Field by a new process which was mentioned in the “What’s New” statement of this report. The old process was simple chemical treatment with the addition of Ortho Polyphosphate (corrosion inhibitor), Potassium Hydroxide for pH adjustment and sodium hypochlorite for disinfection before being pumped directly to the Water System. Using the new Biological Filtration process which is a little more involved, we start by blending and mixing the well water, using two or more of the ten wells, in the existing treatment building. The blended water is then diverted into the New Filtration Building where Potassium Hydroxide and Dissolved Oxygen is injected into the water before entering into the filter vessels. The water then passes through the Iron Filters then through the Manganese Filters where the biological microbes do their job. The water then enters a storage tank before being pumped to the water system. The final treatment chemicals, Sodium Hypochlorite for disinfection and Phosphate for corrosion control, are added at this point. The treatment process at both the Surface Water Treatment Plant and the Well Field are continuously monitored by instrumentation and State Certified Water Treatment Operators to ensure safe clean water is being produced and distributed to your homes.
Substances That Might Be in Drinking Water
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Department of Public Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate the water poses a health risk.
The sources of drinking water (both tap and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it can acquire naturally occurring minerals, in some cases, radioactive material; and substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity. Substances that may be present in water include:
Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agriculture livestock operations, or wildlife.
Inorganic Contaminants, such as road salt and metals, which can be naturally occurring or may result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.
Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and may also, come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or may be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Table Definitions
AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment, or other requirements, which a water system must follow.
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL’s are set as close to the MCLG as feasible using the best available technology. Secondary MCL’s (SMCL) are set to protect the odor, taste and appearance of drinking water.
MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known risk to health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety.
NA: Not applicable ND: Not detected NS: No standard
NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit): Measurement of the clarity, or turbidity, of water
PCi/L (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity.
ppb (parts per billion): One part substance per billion parts water (or micrograms per liter)
ppm (parts per million): One part substance per million parts water (or milligrams per liter)
TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Turbidity: A measurement of how cloudy the water is. We monitor this because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system.
90th Percentile: Out of every 10 homes sampled, 9 were at or below this level
Is My Water Safe?
During the past year we have taken hundreds of water samples in order to determine the presence of any radioactive, biological, inorganic, volatile organic or synthetic organic contaminants. The table at the end of this report shows only those contaminants that were detected in the water. Although all the substances listed here are under the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), we feel it is important that you know exactly what was detected and how much of the substance was present in the water. The state requires us to monitor for certain substances less than once per year because the concentration of these substances do not change frequently. In these cases, the most recent sample data are included; along with the year in which the samples were taken.
Please see the table at the end of this report for the substances that were detected in your drinking water.
Monitoring and Reporting of Compliance - Violation Notes:
During the entire 2018 sampling period we had zero compliance violations.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Why is my water brown sometimes?
Typical causes of discolored water include fire in the area, a water-main break, hydrant maintenance, or water main flushing and road construction.
Why does my water look cloudy or milky?
Air becomes trapped in the lines. This trapped air becomes suspended in the water, giving it a milky appearance.
When I run the water, it smells.
Most of the time it is not the water, but rather, food particles that are left in the drain overnight. When the water is run, the odor is forced out. Putting a small amount of bleach in the drain overnight, periodically, will remove the odors.
Is Tap Water Safe for Everyone?
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants may be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline. (800-426-4791)
SWAP
The Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP), established under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, requires every state to: inventory land uses within the recharge areas of all public water supply sources; assess the susceptibility of drinking water sources to contamination from these land uses; and publicize the results to provide support for improved protection. Below is an overview of the Putnam source water assessment.
Little River Diversion Source Water Assessment
The Overall Susceptibility Rating: HIGH
This rating indicated susceptibility to potential sources of contamination that may be in the source water area and does not necessarily imply poor water quality.
Strengths: There are no point source pollution discharge points present in the watershed area.
Potential Risk Factors:
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE This source carries a high risk factor specifically for environmental sensitivity. The reservoir is able to support excessive growth of algae and plankton. Potential contaminant sources are present in the watershed and homeowners are encouraged to adopt residential best management practices that minimize the use of hazardous wastes or generation of waste in the watershed.
Potential Risk Factors This source carries a moderate risk factor as major state and interstate roadways are present in the watershed and there are known contaminant release points present in the watershed. There should be monitoring for road salt and herbicides as well as addressing the potential for hazardous spills from vehicular accidents. More than 50% of land for this source water is underdeveloped, which could present a risk if inappropriately developed.
Source Protection Needs This source carries a high rating as less than 1% of the land is owned by the public water system and less than 5% exists as open space. It is advisable to increase ownership or control of watershed area whenever land becomes available for purchase. It is also recommended to establish local watershed protection regulations to protect public drinking water sources.
Park St Well Field Assessment
The Overall Susceptibility Rating: MODERATE
This source carries the same recommendations as that of the Little River Diversion Assessment for Potential Risk Factors.
For the complete report on the Internet please go to: State of Connecticut Department of Public Health-Drinking Water Division- Source Water Assessment Report- Town of Putnam, CT PWS # CT1160011
Special Warning about the Health Effects of Lead & Copper:
Although all of our test results indicate we were well below the action levels for Lead and Copper we are required to inform our customer of the possible health effects of these contaminants.
Lead – Major Sources in Drinking Water from corrosion of household plumbing systems including piping and fixtures and from erosion of natural deposits in the environment.
Health Effects Statement: Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
Copper – Major Sources in Drinking Water from corrosion of household plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits or from leaching from wood preservatives.
Health Effects Statement: Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson’s Disease should consult their personal doctor.
Additional information on Lead and Copper is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
Water Conservation:
The Putnam Water Department and the Town of Putnam continue to be proactive on water conservation projects. Most of the projects mentioned in the opening statement have water conservation potential including the Water Meter Replacement Project. The new meters have Smart meter technology whereas they can detect high water consumption and alerts the Water Department to notify the customers of potential interior leaks to help prevent high bills and wasted water. The Town of Putnam also requests that any new building construction or major renovation projects be completed using water saving devices and fixtures.
Source Water Protection Plan:
The Town of Putnam has adopted a Source Water Protection Plan that includes a number of action items to protect our Aquifer Protection Area containing the Park Road Well Field. The Putnam Zoning Commission is the responsible town agency for implementation of the Plan. This includes installation and monitoring of sentinel wells, public education for the various users in the Aquifer Protection Area, including the Providence & Worcester Railroad, industries, Algonquin Pipeline Co., residences and emergency response personnel; an inspection and maintenance program for storm water sewers, and elimination, as much as practicable, of roadway storm water discharges. This Plan will be continually reviewed and updated as required by changing circumstances within the Aquifer Protection Area. The Putnam WPCA is committed to protect and preserve this vital source of water.
* The range of Results represent the lowest and highest individual detection during the monitoring year.
+ Amount detected equates to the highest running annual average
June 20, 2019
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PUTNAM — New England Prep Basketball is like no other. One year you may have 6, 7 or even 8 returnees for the following season or, like the Putnam Science Academy Mustangs this upcoming season, you may have just one returning player which sets up a busy summer. The Mustangs coaching staff has a lot on their plate this summer and it’s not BBQ wings and burgers.
PSA currently has just one returning player from last year’s Prep team in point guard Hassan Diarra and now Head Coach Tom Espinosa and Assistant Coach Josh Scraba will be on the hunt to find players who can fit the Mustang style as they aim to make it back to the National Prep Tournament next year. The process has already begun with two new players making their way to Putnam in the fall.
Terrell Ard Jr., a 6-foot, 7-inch forward from Acworth Georgia recently committed to Putnam Science Academy and man he is fun to watch. Ard splashed onto the scene in Georgia during his junior season where he averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists later named Offensive Player of the Year for Altoona High School, but it was his senior year where Ard became a great all-around player. In 28 games, Terrell averaged 17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks along with being named to the Georgia All-Region 2nd Team and stepped up on defense being awarded the Defensive Player of the Year award for Altoona High School. During the senior campaign, Ard posted a monster game against South Paulding High School where the forward scored 34 points along with 12 rebounds, 8 assists and 8 blocks. Oh yeah, he also was money from the free-throw line hitting 19 of 21 from the charity stripe.
Terrell stayed busy playing AAU basketball for the Georgia Canes this summer and will enroll at Putnam Science Academy in the coming months. Ard Head Coach Bryce Washington of the Georgia Canes said: “He’s a versatile player that can play multiple positions, he impacts the game in all areas and has a great basketball IQ and vision. My biggest takeaway with him is he’s a team player.”
Another forward who will be making his way to Putnam will be coming a long way from France. Melvyn Ebonkoli is a 6-6 forward who brings toughness to the program from day 1, something Head Coach Tom Espinosa preaches with his kids. Ebonkoli has played for France’s U17 and U18 teams and has had his fair share of success at the international level. In a highly competitive league, Ebonkoli played in 21 games averaging just under 6 points per game and grabbing 6 rebounds per game, something the Mustangs will need with big men About Ousmane, Kareem Reid, Nate Stokes and Russel Tchewa all moving on. Melvyn set a career high in points scoring 20 while also notching 12 rebounds in a Pro A U21 game vs BCM Basket Gravelines. Just one month later, Melvyn would set yet another career high this time in rebounds with 14 in a win over Strasbourg.
Head Coach of the Prep Team Tom Espinosa said: “Terrell is extremely athletic and his potential is through the roof. I believe this this Post-Grad year will be good for him and help open more doors for is college future.” Terrell Ard holds offers from Morehead State, the University of Tampa, Morehouse College and USC Upstate just to name a few. Espinosa will be banking on recent success with players coming overseas with the addition of Melvyn Ebonkoli. “We hope Melvyn can step in and continue the tradition of overseas front court guys here at Putnam Science Academy. Guys like Alexis Yetna, Josh Mballa and Russel Tchewa have all contributed in their time here so he will fill a much needed role.”
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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