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photo by Tom Lewis
There is ongoing and regular discharge of pollutants including oils, grease, sediment, heavy metals and fecal coliform bacteria entering the Swan River, Bigfork Bay, and into Flathead Lake from the Village area of Bigfork. These pollutants enter through Bigfork’s untreated stormwater system, and areas with inadequate stormwater containment, which carries nutrients and contaminants that are harmful to the ecosystem and the aquatic life of the lake. This discharge into Bigfork Bay, Swan River, and Flathead Lake threatens recreational activities and creates a potential hazard to human health and flood safety.
Stewardship Award Outstanding Individuals 2009 Pictured L to R, Gary Simmons, Karen Simmons, and Sue Hanson, Chairman of the Bigfork Stormwater Advisory Committee. Gary & Karen Simmons are instrumental in teaching best management practices in the North Shore area. The couple worked as liason between three HOA's in efforts to install a new breakwater at the entrance to the canal in the development. Simmons walk the canal and north shore beach area of Flathead Lake to pick up debris and litter.
Stewardship Award Outstanding Business 2009 Pictured L to R, Joseph Magaddino, Architect, Sally Bradshaw, owner of the Double Eagle, and Sue Hanson, Chairman of Bigfork Stormwater Advisory Committee Paul and Sally Bradshaw installed a detention and filtration system below the new construction of the Double Eagle in Bigfork Village. The design, suggested by architect, Magaddino, collects stormwater from the roof of the building which discharges into the detention area. The patio of the new building utilizes pervious pavers to filter water from the entry into the collection area beneath the building. The system is designed for a 10 year event.
Minutes of Meeting Wednesday, 20 January 2010 DRAFT
Attendees for this meeting: Sue Hanson, Chairman, Susan Sutherland, Regional Conservation Devel., Paul J. Rana, Secy,Dave Christensen, Vice Chair, Tom Weller, Member, Del Manicke, Jasmine Linabary, Bigfork Eagle, Bill Myers Jr., Margrit Matter.
1238: Meeting opened by Sue. A quorum was deemed present and the meeting was called to order. The agenda for this meeting approved. Approval to accept by unanimous vote for minutes from BSAC meetings on 30 Sep 09, 28 Oct 09, and 25 Nov 09.
1245: Old Business: Dave Christensen reported on the Request for Qualification meeting that was conducted by the Technical Committee. There are 3 engineering firms that submitted their Statements of Qualification. They are Allied Engineering of Bozeman, 48 North of Kalispell, and Hydrometrics of Helena. The technical committee will meet again on Monday, 25 Jan 10 to determine if there is sufficient information to recommend to the BSAC. BSAC will forward a recommendation to the Flathead County Commissioners. The BSAC will meet on the 27th of Jan specifically to receive the recommendation of the technical committee unless there is need for further information gathering. Sue and Dave explained to several of the visitors that this was not a recommendation for types of remedies, rather only for the engineering firm to do the further work on the project. BSAC has been given about $35K from MDEQ to continue the engineering work, provided that it is obligated and committed prior to June 2010.
1300: Old Business: Sue Sutherland from Resource Conservation and Development (RCD) declared to the meeting that BSAC and the Bigfork Stormwater Project were an officially recognized project with RCD and now eligible for what help that the RCD can provide. Sue and Sue will meet with Debbie Pierson from Flathead County to develop future needs and how RCD can assist in meeting those needs.
1309: Old Business: Sue passed out copies of the Stormwater Project Revenue/Expenditures/Match projections for this year. Discussion followed with Sue explaining that there are two components to the funding strategy; grants and loans. The BSAC and Debbie Pierson are looking at multiple sources to minimize the amount of loan that will be needed for the matching funds, and maximizing the sources that can offset the loan amount through other grants. Sue mentioned that the Bigfork Stormwater Project is gaining statewide attention for Bigfork and for the Flathead County Commissioners.
1330: New Business: Sue asked for quarterly time sheets. An explanation of “In Kind” services was given as a result of a visitor question on the need for time sheets.
1333: Public comment: Del mentioned his concerns about a leach field system on Lake Ave. He said that clay sediment were present in the core sample hole and clay was not a good soil type into which a leach field should be put. He asked who would be accountable for damage to neighboring property from a leach system. Margrit had the same concerns and more. She was concerned about her building collapsing due to water pressure from the build-up of water in a leach system. The building has a rock/concrete foundation that is very old. She was also concerned that a treatment system on Lake St. would take away parking spaces important to businesses in the area. Bill brought up several concerns, some of which go back to 6-15-06 regarding catchment basins, seeps, and pooled water. He brought photos of new seeps on his property and invited the committee to inspect with him after the meeting. He mentioned that he was not sure what that problem was but that it might be associated with the school infiltration system or the new water line along Grand Ave. He stated three possible causes: 1. Septic leak 2. New water line installed by Bigfork Water & Sewer 3. School Detention/Filtration system
1350: The technical committee will meet at on Monday, 25 Jan 10. BSAC will meet on Wednesday, 27 Jan 10 at 1100 @ Bethany Lutheran Church (BLC) for the express purpose of reaching conclusion and recommendation on the engineering firm and forwarding that recommendation to the Flathead County Commissioners. The next regularly scheduled BSAC meeting will be on Wednesday, 24 Feb 10 at 1230 @ BLC.
1400: Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by: Paul J. Rana Secretary, BSAC. Bigfork Stormwater Project 48 North Preliminary Review December 16, 2009 48 North Conference Room 2:00 p.m.
Present: Brett Walcheck, Jim Williams, Debbie Pierson, Joe Brenneman, Bill Myers, Del Manike, David Christensen, Tom Weller, Mike Koopal, Sue Hanson.
Brett Walcheck gave an overview of the study including sub –basins and watersheds in the project boundary, including Grand Dr, River Street, North Bridge Street and South Bridge Street. The report includes hydrological analysis, 48 North used the Hydrologic SCS Method to determine applicable precipitation values and defining sub-basins and hydrologic analysis. The hydrologic analysis involves converting rainfall into a runoff hydrograph. Walcheck then gave an overview of the watershed options (Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10) for Grand Drive, River Street, Electric Avenue, Bridge Street North & South. Williams discussed the different types of treatments included in each option. It was noted the monitoring wells at Lake Street showed: North well 17’ between highest ground water level. South well indicates a limiting clay layer between 5’ to 13’. There are slim possibilities of connecting the River Street and Lake Street treatment via gravity but more study needs to be done. Options include infiltration facility, cartridge facility pre-treatment, low-impact development and conveyance improvements for each area. Some represent small footprints for size limited areas. Cost analysis include future maintenance but excludes property acquisitions. Bill Myers stated he felt he was being ignored in his concerns regarding treatment options on Lake Street. He outlined the following:
The report will be completed by December 22, 2009 with printed copies (15) and a CD with a complete report delivered to the Commissioners.
Christensen, Technical Committee Chairman, noted that the goals of the project were (1) Flooding and (2) Water Quality adding that MS4 regulations would be appropriate for effluent discharge. Guidance from DEQ would be helpful in determining which regulations should apply to the project.
Meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Minutes of Meeting Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Attendees for this meeting: Sue Hanson Chairman Susan Sutherland Regional Conservation Devel. Paul J. Rana Secy Brett Walcheck 48 North Debbie Pierson Flathead County Jim Williamson 48 North Lamont Kinkade Member Dave Jones DNRC Dave Christensen Member Julie Spencer BWSD Tom Weller Member
1235: Meeting opened by Sue. A quorum was deemed present and the meeting was called to order. The agenda for this meeting was approved. Postponed the approval of all minutes from the meetings on 30 Sep, 9 Oct, 20 Oct, 22 Oct, or 28 Oct 2009.
1237: Sue mentioned speaking with Karin Hilding, Whitefish, on a Stormwater Advisory Group for the larger area. Karin is currently the assistant engineer for the City of Whitefish.
1242: Old Business: Sue said that the Bigfork Steering Committee and the BSAC had agreed to pay one half the costs, each, for the hosting and posting of the BSAC information in the BSC website for this year. Payment is for the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2009.
1247: Old Business: Brett Walcheck from 48 North engineering gave a one hour briefing on the status of the methodology and mapping for the potential stormwater system upgrades. He and Jim Williamson spoke about the two parts of the plan as it currently sits. One side of the plan focuses on water quality side and the other on mitigation. Both sides are very detailed and extensive and are still being worked. Discussions ranged from the mitigation effects of the school project on the 1,2,10, and 100 year rain events, to the new mitigation techniques that can be used. Brett stated that he would be able to finish the preliminary design plan by 22 Dec 09. The BSCA will meet at the office of 48 North on 16 Dec at 1400 to discuss the findings prior to the publication of the report on the 22nd. Debbie asked that about 15 copies be made available. Some discussion centered on the potential need for a lift station. Julie Spencer was asked to monitor this activity as the BWSD uses them and she has the technical expertise within the BWSD to effect servicing, should the situation come to that.
1340: Old Business: Jim discussed the water quality perspective of stormwater systems from the aspect of saturation of previously permeable surfaces. The planning for mitigation of stormwater must take into account the fact that permeable surfaces can only accommodate a fixed quantity of water before they become water shed areas. He said that the bore samples in and around the Lake Street area showed that there was good permeability. Brett closed comments by saying the technical committee of BSAC would have copies of the report to discuss after 22 Dec. 1423: Old Business: Stenciling and SAP report will be addressed in subsequent BSAC meetings. The Technical committee will meet after the new year and Sue will reschedule the White Board meeting with the School, after she speaks with Russ Kinzer. That meeting is somewhat contingent on the results of the technical committee review.
1432: New Business: Dave Jones from DNRC discussed several other grant programs that he has been speaking with Debbie about. The committee agreed that pursuit of any grants would be good and concluded that Debbie should continue discussions with DNRC. Sue asked 48 North to assist with project identification for grants on forest/urban interfaces in our Project area, in places that perhaps the BSAC has not already investigated. Brett agreed to help as he can.
1450: New Business: Sue Sutherland gave a brief overview on the Northwest Regional Conservation & Development, Inc. missions and sources of income. The BSAC agreed that it would be good to partner with RCD and told Debbie that BSAC would do so. There may be a demonstration or presentation of the BSAC progress to the Board of RCD needed to establish the qualifications of the project, but Sue Sutherland did not think there would be a problem with that.
1505: The technical committee will meet at the Bethany Lutheran Church (BLC) on Tuesday, 12 Jan 2010 @ 1200. The next BSAC meeting will be on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 @1230 at BLC.
1515: Dave Christensen asked about the bills that BSAC and Flathead County had accrued so far with 48 North. Brett said that he would have the secy for 48 North prepare an invoice for Debbie.
1520: Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by: Paul J. Rana Secretary, BSAC.
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