The committee’s primary focus was on the task force investigating funding options to reduce stormwater runoff and contamination. The task force reviewed a draft study prioritizing critical intervention areas, including Watson Streets, Wendel Road, the Laurels, King Road, and Great Pines. A potential site visit was scheduled for September 12 to observe these areas first-hand. The committee discussed involving the Conservation Commission in potential mitigation strategies to manage water flow more effectively, emphasizing the need for community input and collaboration with groups like the Friends of the Sawmill River.

A update regarding dam activities was shared. The engineering firm GZA attended a Conservation Commission meeting to discuss extending existing orders and conditions for dam management. Initially requesting a three-year extension, GZA received support for a one-year extension with potential for further extensions. This approach was seen as beneficial, allowing the town to better manage lake levels and alleviate financial pressure. The committee also discussed communication with K Con about drawdown timing to adjust to weather conditions.

Public comments were addressed early in the meeting. Tom Seer highlighted a misunderstanding from the last meeting, attributing it to audio issues during the Zoom session. He expressed concern that his request to participate in a discussion about the LWAC charter was not adequately acknowledged. Seer emphasized the importance of allowing public comments during relevant discussions, not just designated sections. Mark Rivers thanked him for his feedback.

The committee discussed the Watershed-based plan, which remains in draft form and awaits comments from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The completion timeline has been pushed back from summer to fall. Members expressed optimism about the plan’s eventual completion and stressed the importance of staying on track.

Live data on water quality at local beaches was another discussion topic. Although there had been only two weeks of significant data spikes, the beaches were generally considered clean. The committee emphasized directing public inquiries about water quality to the appropriate website due to liability concerns.

The Review Committee, aligned with the select board’s initiatives, was also addressed. The select board had established criteria for committee member selection, planning to review potential candidates in the next meeting.

Concerns about the Conservation Commission’s membership were raised, noting a vacancy left by a resigned member. The suggestion was made to have representation from the Conservation Commission on the committee.