The Mission: To Be The Best We Can Be Norm Labbe, Superintendent

Transcription

1 The Mission: To Be The Best We Can Be Norm Labbe, Superintendent These days most progressive organizations have a mission statement. This is especially true for businesses where marketing is a significant part of their business plan. Too often these statements ring hollow, with flowery, feel-good words that make great first impressions but aren t followed up with real action. We like to think we re different; not only with our business plan but with our efforts to accomplish our mission (see inset). At KKW our business plan is somewhat different than those in private industry. Being a regulated non-profit utility, we Our mission is to provide the highest quality have no need to market ourselves in order to increase drinking water and customer service at the our customer base. Within most reasonable price our State-chartered service territory, residents have two choices for their water supply; they can drill a well or purchase their water from us. Some companies would consider it easy to coast along, knowing they have a guaranteed market. Providing an essential service, at a fraction of the cost of cable TV and internet services, it would be easy for our organization to rationalize mediocrity and complacency. All that said, we choose to not take the easy path. The employees, management team and Trustees of the Water District purposely live our mission statement every day. We believe that our customers are the reason for providing exceptional customer service and producing a great product. We take our jobs seriously regardless of whether we are fielding phone calls, treating water or improving our infrastructure. Our mission and our attitude complement one another and help assure that we are the best we can be. I hope you find that the content within our newsletters, along with your own customer experiences, add credibility to our claim that our mission is more than a IN THIS ISSUE Consumer Confidence Report 2 feel-good sound Water Quality Report 3 bite. Manganese Removal Project 4 For example, on Pg. 4 the technical Beneath the Surface 5 article on removing AMI Rollout 6 manganese is just It Stands to Reason 7 the background for Proud of Our Safety Record 7 a huge success story. For a typical Employee Spotlights 8 water utility to design and install a one million gallon per day treatment facility to remove manganese, it would involve a capital investment of about $1 million. Due to our in-house technical capabilities (and can-do attitude of our staff) we have designed and built an innovative treatment plant modification that accomplishes that task while utilizing existing filtration equipment. This project s final cost is about $60,000; a small fraction of what it could have cost. Of course, let s not forget the fact that the manganese removal process is for aesthetic purposes, with no underlying regulatory pressure for its implementation. Page 1 On Pg. 6 we outline our upcoming Automatic Meter Reading project, which blends the best of modern technology with the promise of enhanced customer service. On Pg. 7, we describe our award-winning safety program and safety track record, which is saving our customers over $30,000 per year. In addition to several other informative articles and tidbits of information, this summer issue includes our annual Consumer Confidence Report; our water quality statistics that further show that we re doing our best to give you the best drink in town. As always, we look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy the summer! Drippy is joined by Adam, Anthony, Mareea, Alex and Thomas during our May 2nd Open House festivities.

2 2014 Consumer Confidence Report - Drinking Water Information CONGRATULATIONS! WE ARE AGAIN PLEASED TO REPORT THAT YOUR DRINKING WATER FULLY COMPLIES WITH ALL FEDER- AL/STATE PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS. This drinking water quality report contains important information about your water, what it contains and the treatment process used to make it safe. Since its incorporation in 1921, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells Water District (KKWWD) has considered water quality of primary importance. We vigilantly monitor and safeguard our water supplies and our highly trained and Statelicensed Water System Operators strive to provide our customers with drinking water that surpasses State and Federal standards for safety and quality. We are pleased to report that your drinking water continued to meet all drinking water quality requirements in 2014; and is less than a penny per gallon, that s refreshing. SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT The sources of drinking water include rivers, lakes, ponds and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and radioactive material and can pick up substances resulting from human or animal activity. The Maine Drinking Water Program (DWP) has evaluated all public water supplies as part of the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). The assessments include geology, hydrology, land uses, water testing information, and the extent of land ownership or protection by local ordinance to see how likely our drinking water source is to being contaminated by human activities in the future. Assessment results are available at town offices, public water suppliers, and the DWP. For more information about the SWAP, please contact the DWP at HEALTH INFORMATION 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 that water poses a health risk. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or 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 storm water runoff and residential uses. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban runoff and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. 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 can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline ( ). If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and private plumbing. The KKWWD is responsible for providing high quality Page 2 drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in private plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at WATER SOURCES KKWWD utilizes both high quality surface water and groundwater as supply sources. Surface water is obtained exclusively from Branch Brook, a largely spring-fed, naturally flowing water body that originates in South Sanford and forms the town line between Kennebunk and Wells. In addition to Branch Brook, KKWWD obtains groundwater from its four naturally developed gravel well sites. KKWWD also maintains mutual-aid system interconnection agreements with the Biddeford-Saco Water Company and the York Water District. Protection of the Branch Brook watershed and well sites remains a top priority. KKWWD continues to purchase property, seek conservation easements and work with local officials to strengthen ordinances within the watershed and wellhead protection zones as opportunities arise. If you witness illegal or suspicious activity within the Branch Brook watershed or at the well sites, please report it immediately by calling the Filtration Plant at or notify the Police at 911. WATER QUALITY MONITORING/REPORTING VIOLATIONS: No water quality violations were issued in WAIVER INFORMATION: In 2014, our system was granted a Synthetic Organics Waiver. This is a three year exemption from the monitoring/reporting requirements for the following industrial chemicals: SEMIVOLATILE ORGAN- ICS, TOXAPHENE/CHLORDANE/PCB, HERBICIDES and CARBAMATE PES- TICIDES. This waiver was granted due to the absence of these potential sources of contamination within a half mile radius of the water source. TREATMENT PROCESS SURFACE WATER from Branch Brook flows into our Filtration Plant where multiple processes are used to remove particles and microorganisms. The first process is COAGULATION, where chemicals (primarily food-grade alum) are added, causing particles to destabilize and attract to each other. Then FLOCCULATION occurs in mixing chambers where the small particles combine into larger particles called floc. Next, CLARIFICATION occurs in the settling basins where the heavier floc particles settle out. Chlorine dioxide is then introduced for INITIAL DISINFEC- TION; free chlorine is PRIMARY DISINFECTION. The FILTRATION process follows where clarified water passes through dual media filters (sand and anthracite) to remove any remaining floc particles. Finished water chemistry is then optimized for CORROSION CONTROL & SEQUESTRATION using ortho-poly phosphates, FLUORIDATION (see Note 1), and SECONDARY DISINFECTION with free chlorine prior to being pumped into our distribution system where over 210 miles of transmission and distribution system water mains and seven storage tanks distribute water to our customers. GROUNDWATER from our four well sites (eight wells) is pumped into our distribution system after the water chemistry is optimized for CORROSION CONTROL & SEQUESTRATION with ortho-poly phosphates, FLUORIDATION and DISINFEC- TION with free chlorine. Notes: 1.) The optimal level of fluoride in drinking water was reduced from 1.2 to 0.7 parts per million (ppm) by the Maine Drinking Water Program as of February 29, 2012.

3 2014 ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT FOR PWSID# ME Contaminant Date Result MCL MCLG Source/Comments Microbiological COLIFORM (TCR)(1) pos 1 pos or 5% 0 pos Inorganics Naturally present in the environment. ARSENIC (2) 7/8/ ppb 10 ppb 0 ppb Erosion of natural deposits. Runoff from orchards, glass and electronics production wastes. BARIUM 7/8/ ppm 2 ppm 2 ppm Discharge of drilling wastes. Discharge from metal refineries. Erosion of natural deposits. CHLORITE 12/23/ ppm 1 ppm 0.8 ppm Water additive used to control microbs. CHROMIUM 7/8/ ppb 100 ppb 100 ppb FLUORIDE (3) 5/6/ ppm 4 ppm 4 ppm SELENIUM 7/8/ ppb 50 ppb 50 ppb Radionuclides Discharge from steel and pulp mills. Erosion of natural deposits. Erosion of natural deposits. Water additive which promotes strong teeth. Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries. Erosion from natural deposite. Discharge from mines. COMBINED RADIUM (-226 & -228) 4/8/ pci/l 5pCi/l 0 pci/l Erosion of natural deposits GROSS ALPHA (6) 3/25/ pci/l 15 pci/l 0 pci/l Erosion of natural deposits RADIUM /8/ pci/l 5 pci/l 0 pci/l Erosion of natural deposits RADIUM /26/ pci/l 5 pci/l 0 pci/l Erosion of natural deposits RADON (8) 3/25/ pci/l 4,000 pci/l 4,000 pci/l Erosion of natural deposits URANIUM-238 (8) 7/8/ ppb 30 ppb 0 ppb Erosion of natural deposits Copper and Lead COPPER 90th% VALUE (4) 1/1/14-12/31/ ppm AL=1.3ppm 1.3 ppm Corrosion of household plumbing systems LEAD 90th% VALUE (4) ppm AL=0.015ppm <0.005ppm Corrosion of household plumbing systems Disinfectants and Disinfection By-Products Bidd Pool Fire Station TOTAL HALOACETIC LRAA ('14) 27 ppb 60 ppb 0 ppb By-product of drinking water chlorination ACID (HAA5) (9) Range (10-37 ppb) TOTAL TRIHALO- LRAA ('14) 35 ppb 80 ppb 0 ppb By-product of drinking water chlorination METHANE (TTHM) (9) Range ( ppb) Crow Hill Tank TOTAL HALOACETIC LRAA ('14) 22 ppb 60 ppb 0 ppb By-product of drinking water chlorination ACID (HAA5) (9) Range (15-28 ppb) TOTAL TRIHALO- LRAA ('14) 24 ppb 80 ppb 0 ppb By-product of drinking water chlorination METHANE (TTHM) (9) Range ( ppb) Ogunquit Town Hall TOTAL HALOACETIC LRAA ('14) 24 ppb 60 ppb 0 ppb By-product of drinking water chlorination ACID (HAA5) (9) Range (15-32 ppb) TOTAL TRIHALO- LRAA ('14) 29 ppb 80 ppb 0 ppb By-product of drinking water chlorination METHANE (TTHM) (9) Range ( ) Wells Library TOTAL HALOACETIC LRAA ('14) 17 ppb 60 ppb 0 ppb By-product of drinking water chlorination ACID (HAA5) (9) Range (13-26 ppb) TOTAL TRIHALO- LRAA ('14) 15 ppb 80 ppb 0 ppb By-product of drinking water chlorination METHANE (TTHM) (9) Range ( ) CHLORINE RESIDUALS RAA ('14) 1.5 ppm MRDL=4ppm MDRLG=4ppm By-product of drinking water chlorination Range ( ppm) Turbidity TURBIDITY LEVELS RAA('14) <0.1 ntu 0.3 ntu in 95% of samples Soil runoff. (highest levels recorded) 7/16/ ntu 1.0 ntu maximum limit Definitions: Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. Running Annual Average (RAA): The average of all monthly or quarterly samples for the last year at all sample locations. Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. Page 3

4 2014 ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT (continued from page 3 Definitions (continued): Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that the addition of a disinfectant is necessary for the control of microbial contaminants. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. Treatment Technique (TT): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. Units: ppm = parts per million or milligrams per liter (mg/l); pos = positive samples; ntu = nephelometric units; MFL = million fibers per liter ppb = parts per billion or micrograms per liter (µg/l); pci/l = picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity). Notes: 1) Total Coliform Bacteria: Reported as the highest monthly number of positive samples, for water systems that take less than 40 samples per month. 2) Arsenic: The U.S. EPA adopted the new MCL standard in October Water systems were required to meet this standard by January ) Fluoride: For those systems that fluoridate, fluoride levels must be maintained between 0.5 to 1.2 ppm. The optimum level is 0.7 ppm. 4) Lead/copper: Action Levels (AL) are measured at the customer s tap. 90% of the tests must be equal to or below the Action Level. 5) Nitrate: Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If caring for an infant, you should ask advice from your health provider. 6) Gross Alpha: Action level over 5pCi/l requires testing for Radium 226 and 228. Action level of 15 pci/l requires testing for Uranium. Compliance is based on Gross Alpha results minus Uranium results = Net Gross Alpha. 7) Radon: The State of Maine adopted a Maximum Exposure Guideline (MEG) for Radon in drinking water at 4000 pci/l, effective 1/1/07. If Radon exceeds the MEG in drinking water, treatment is recommended. It is also advisable to test indoor air for Radon. 8) Uranium: The U.S. EPA adopted the new MCL standard of 30 ppb in December Water systems must meet this standard after December ) TTHM/HAA5: Total Trihalomethanes and Haloacetic Acids are formed as a by-product of drinking water chlorination. This chemical reaction occurs when chlorine combines with naturally occurring organic matter in water. Compliance is based on running annual average. All other regulated drinking water contaminants were below detection levels. Removing Manganese from Well Water Bill Snyder, Plant Manager (bsnyder@kkw.org) All groundwater contains varying levels of dissolved minerals. These minerals usually come from local geologic formations. Although these trace minerals cause no health-related issues, manganese can cause aesthetic issues such as taste and discoloration. At times, such has been the case for water produced by the District s Merriland River well, which provides about 20% of our total annual water supply needs. In order to provide the best quality water at the most reasonable cost, we set out to find an economical solution to this occasional aesthetic issue. There are many ways to remove minerals like manganese from water. Some of the more traditional processes use ph adjustment along with aeration and some use more expensive methods such as pressure filters with manganese green sand. Both of these treatment techniques are effective, but are a bit complicated and can be very costly. Fortunately, an economical alternative exists using what is called oxidation chemistry, followed by gravity filtration. This process involves adding a small amount of potassium permanganate (a commonly used water treatment oxidizing chemical), which causes the manganese to convert to a solid, insoluble form. The manganese particles are then removed by filtration. The equipment for the pilot study, being loaded with filter media. The four filter tubes were tested with different combinations of filter media and were operated at different flow rates to determine the optimum manganese removal process. Page 4 Earlier this year, after determining that the oxidation/filtration process had promise, we contacted our State s Drinking Water Program (DWP) regulators to discuss the District s research and proposed pilot study. In this pilot study, we simulated the entire process on a smaller scale. Results from this study were continuously monitored and recorded on computers for further study to best optimize both the chemistry and filtration media for the manganese removal process. The end results were very promising, with finished drinking water manganese levels below the EPA secondary standard (aesthetic, nonenforceable guideline) of 0.05 parts per million. We then shared the pilot study s data with the DWP (who was very impressed with our proactive effort to minimize an aesthetic-related mineral). After receiving their approval, we immediately purchased the needed components for our in-house Facilities Department to perform the full-scale retrofit of two of our four existing rapid sand filters. By the time you read this article, we will have completed the Filtration Plant s retrofit and activated the Merriland River well, providing you with filtered well water of the highest quality, at a very economical additional cost of about $3.00 per million gallons. Mission accomplished.

5 BENEATH THE SURFACE -- A Year Like No Other Don Gobeil, Technical Services Manager (dgobeil@kkw.org) It doesn t seem like much time has gone by since the last Beneath the Surface article hit the streets. But yes, the calendar says it s mid-year and yes, time simply goes by too quickly. I think that we could all agree that we do not have any control over how quickly the days turn into weeks, and then months and years. At best, we can only strive to have some influence over the events that occur and maintain some level of control over the challenges placed before us. Influence and control are characteristics that can go a long way toward developing a sense that one is being productive, either as an individual or as an organization. As an organization whose mission is to provide a vital public service, the importance of being able to control the process to the extent we can is critical to achieving success. In my Winter (2015) Beneath The Surface article, I wrote about how the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) was about to award a bid for the complete reconstruction of Route One in Ogunquit, and how that project would have a significant impact upon our organization. At this point in time, the contractor has been working on this project for about three months, and our experience thus far has been about what we expected predictably unpredictable. Let s take a closer look at the effect a big road rebuilding project can have on an existing utility (not only water, but sewer, power and telecommunication lines as well). In the MDOT Ogunquit project, the entire 2.5 mile length of Route One is being reconstructed, from the York Town Line to the Wells Town Line. One of the primary design objectives of this project is to install an extensive new drainage system to collect and channel water off the road. This means more than 10,000 feet of new drainage pipe of varying sizes will be installed on both sides of the highway. Much of it buried at about the same depth as our water mains. Along with that, more than 200 new catch basins and man-hole structures will be needed as well. Designing and installing all this new infrastructure in a roadway already crowded with all the other utilities is a challenge. Since we operate in an imperfect world, installing miles of new pipe and structures without encountering conflicts with existing utilities is not possible. Acknowledging this certainty, developing solutions to conflicts on the fly becomes an integral part of the role we play in the entire process. Going a bit deeper, it s helpful to understand that Route One is a State owned and maintained highway, as opposed to a local street or road under municipal jurisdiction. As a State chartered utility, we have a right to install water mains and Delicate work. The MDOT s contractor Installing a new drain line under an existing hydrant branch on Route 1 in Ogunquit. Page 5 facilities in the public right of way of both local streets and State controlled highways. While we have chartered rights to operate as we do, those rights are subservient to the greater rights of the MDOT on State controlled highways. During the years of planning and design work that is needed to pull a project like this together, every effort is made to research the location and depth of all existing utilities and to seek to design new facilities to avoid as many conflicts as possible. In cases where no viable design solution exists, the MDOT has the authority to require a utility to move or adjust their facilities to accommodate the new work. Some of these conflicts are known in advance and can be incorporated into the planning process. Some others only surface when the construction is being done. This is where the idea of having influence and control over events that I spoke of earlier often times starts to break down. Imagine a contractor trenching in a new drainage line down the side of the highway. They will encounter water mains, fire hydrants, sprinkler system connections, residential and business service lines and various other valves and appurtenances. If an unanticipated conflict surfaces, we are required to do whatever is necessary to remedy it at our expense. So the normal goal of concise budgeting and project level control is turned upside down due to the uncertainty of the time, effort and cost that will be connected to such events. Since the MDOT work plan was released in early March, we have made major modifications to our previously approved 2015 Capital Budget. We postponed several projects in other communities in order to shift $220,000 of funds to projects in Ogunquit. This reshuffling of the budget deck is in addition to the $160,000 that was already earmarked for projects in Ogunquit as part of our original 2015 capital budget. All told, the 2015 work plan in Ogunquit includes five replacement projects totaling nearly 3,000 feet of new water main. In addition to this work, we will also have an undetermined number of service lines, hydrant branches, sprinkler lines or other utility facilities that will need to be relocated or replaced. And finally, increased manpower needs for inspections and monitoring of the project represent costs that will stretch the operations budget as well. We have dealt with large construction projects many times over the years. I know of no other organization that can adapt to the day to day challenges presented by large scale projects as well as we can. What will happen tomorrow? No one knows but whatever comes our way, we ll be prepared for it.

6 AMI Rollout Nearing Deployment Wayne Brockway, Treasurer In our most recent issue of What s on Tap (Winter 2015), we reported that our Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) plan continues to move ahead. Once installed, the AMI system will transform the way we collect meter readings, assist customers in the early detection of plumbing system leaks and allow customers to personally track and monitor their own water consumption. The significance of these benefits, coupled with the fact that this multi-year project is expected to cost in excess of $2 million, has caused us to thoroughly evaluate and vet the many AMI vendors and respective systems on the market. We recently concluded this process by conducting thorough interviews with the two finalists to determine who will provide the District with the best operating system and life cycle value. Their Best and Final Offers (BAFOs) were then analyzed and compared over a twenty year life cycle period, considering both capital and operating costs. A significant consideration was that one vendor had an innovative approach that will lead to a more efficient annual installation and removal process for our nearly 3,400 seasonal meters. After completion of the analysis, the AMI project team (consisting of several key staff members) unanimously recommended that the Trustees vote to award the project to Mueller Systems, pending the negotiation of a formal contract A transmitter and meter that will be used with the new AMI system based on the terms of their BAFO. The Trustees voted this recommendation at their March 2015 meeting. After contract signing and an initial project planning meeting, we will then transition into our full deployment program. Since Mueller Systems was also the vendor with whom we conducted our most recent pilot program, this will make for an easier transition. We now plan to begin deploying the first 1,000 meters this summer. For most customers, this process will require access ins ide each customer s home or business to replace the current water meter and install a low power battery- operated radio transmitter; in most cases right where the existing outside register is located. The installations will be performed by our own employees, with proper identification and using clearly marked District vehicles. As needed, we will be contacting you in advance to schedule this work at your convenience. For customers with outside meter pits this procedure will not require inside access to the home or business. It is estimated that the total system-wide implementation will likely take about five to seven years. We will continue to provide you with a regular update of our progress in upcoming newsletters and on our website at "Not your father's water utility fleet...form, function and fuel economy are the new norm as gas-electric hybrids and versatile four cylinder vans now efficiently perform the duties that were once exclusively reserved for fuel thirsty pickup trucks. The results are impressive, with the District's ratepayers savings thousands of dollars in fuel costs each year." Board of Trustees and District Officers Treasurer Wayne Brockway, Assistant Superintendent Scott Minor, Trustees Richard Littlefield (Ogunquit), James Burrows (Kennebunkport), Thomas Oliver (Wells) & Robert Emmons (Kennebunk) and Superintendent Norm Labbe Our website, offers water conservation tips that will help you save money. Doing one thing each day to save water will make a difference. Even if the savings are small, every drop counts! For only $1.00, you can purchase a water saving kit at our office at 92 Main Street, Kennebunk Page 6

7 It Stands to Reason Greg Pargellis, Chief Operator The District has always encouraged public recreational use of its property for such activities as hiking, hunting and fishing. For years, the District has allowed hunters to erect tree stands provided they didn t damage the trees. Unfortunately, we have recently discovered several non-compliant and unlawful tree stands that have inflicted significant damage to the trees. In one instance, the tree stand had been left in place for so long that the securing cable has cut so deeply into the bark that the tree is dying as nutrients are not getting to the tree s crown. Improperly installed tree stand cables such as this also provide an avenue for insects and disease to enter the tree. As a result, the District is reminding all hunters who currently use or plan to use tree stands on District property that they are required to abide by Maine State Law (MRS, Title 12, Chapter 9) which states: The hunter must obtain permission from the District before erecting or using a tree stand and/or portable ladder (permanent ladders are not permitted on District land). The portable ladder and/or observation stand must be plainly labeled with a 2 x4 tag identifying the name and address of the person(s) authorized by the District to use the equipment. The person erecting the portable ladder and/or tree stand is not allowed to damage or destroy any tree by inserting into that tree any metallic or ceramic objects used to be as, or as part of, a ladder or tree stand. In addition to Maine State Law, the District also requires that all portable ladders and/or tree stands be removed at the end of the deer hunting season. Permission to use a portable ladder and/or tree stand can be obtained by stopping by the District s Filtration Plant at 135 York Street in Kennebunk. Happy Hunting! Proud of our Safety Record Rob Weymouth, Facilities Manager (rweymouth@kkw.org) At the Water District our primary mission is to produce the highest quality water and provide the best service at the most reasonable price. Just as important to us is to make sure that our employees work safely and go home to their families each night in the same condition as they came to work in. To help ensure this happens, the District has a safety committee, comprised of administrators, supervisors and field employees, which meets several times a year. Their goal is to see that policies, procedures, training and equipment are in place to ensure that every job within the District can be performed as safely as possible. For example, our office staff is required to receive several different training classes on topics such as first aid, fire extinguisher training, Video Display Terminal proper use, office ergonomics, lockout tag out and global harmonization system for hazardous substances. Our construction crews, filtration and facilities department can be required to take as many as 35 different safety training classes on their initial hiring and 18 classes annually. Such classes include lockout tag out, confined space entry, trenching and excavation, work zone safety, ladder safety, process safety management plan review, risk management review, etc. Our safety policy manual, which is 90+ pages long, is reviewed by the safety committee yearly and employees are required to review and sign an acknowledgment that they have read it and understand it. Through the hard work of our staff we have been able to obtain the Maine Department of Labor s prestigious SHAPE Award (Safety & Health Award for Public Employers) for safety, for the past six years. We were one of the first water districts in the State of Maine to obtain this award. With the efforts of all at the District and our safety record, we also have obtained a safety mod rating with our workers compensation insurance company of 0.65 (1.0 being average), which is outstanding in the construction and chemical/ industrial fields. As a result, the District is saving about $30,000 per year in the cost of workers compensation insurance. Page 7 Thanks to all involved and remember... Safe!

8 Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells Water District P.O. Box 88 Kennebunk, ME PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, ME PERMIT NO. 7 A big THANK YOU to all our great customers who helped the Distribution De- partment keep the hydrants clear after each snowstorm this past winter. Employee Spotlights Cindy Rounds, Administrative Assistant (crounds@kkw.org) The Facilities Department staff is not only responsible for maintaining and servicing the District s three water treatment facilities, nine pumping stations, seven storage tanks and several buildings, it now also designs and builds many of our projects. The Department is comprised of Manager Rob Weymouth, Facilities Tech Gerry Goulden and Facilities Tech Norm Nunan and Operator/Facilities Tech Randy Nichols who have a combined 58 years with the District. Through extensive training and education, along with experience and a can-do attitude, they ve acquired the skills to design and/or build many projects and District facilities that otherwise would have been contracted out. This in turn saves the District time and money and guarantees an exceptional quality of work. Norm Nunan, Rob Weymouth, Randy Nichols and Gerry Goulden keep our facilities running smoothly The Filtration Plant modification for manganese removal project (see pg. 4) and the Kimball Lane Treatment Facility are examples of the recent achieve- Page 8 ments that highlight the valuable resource found in the Facilities Department. Keep up the good work guys!! On another note, it will be quite different around here after July. Distribution Manager Butch Tibbetts, with his 45 years of knowledge and experience will be retiring. His coworkers know him as a good friend who generously offers his help (in or out of work) and a respected boss who was always fair and always listened. Over the years, Butch s exceptional work ethic, cooperative and friendly demeanor and helpful, can do attitude have cemented strong relationships with the many customers, local contractors, utilities and public works officials he was worked with on numerous construction projects and related distribution system activities. All the best in your retirement Butch. You sure will be missed. Butch Tibbetts will have more time to enjoy his family, friends and hobbies.