4/21/2015 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

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Nutrient Management & Fertilizer Regulations for Fresh Water Ponds & Estuaries Mr. Talbot distributed documents regarding the Nitrogen.Fertilizer Bylaw. Mr. Talbot reported that he had been in contact with the Cape Cod Landscape Association who agreed to allow communication of the Bylaw with their membership. Mr. Talbot cautioned that there may be lawn care professionals who were not members of the Association, Mr, Talbot read through the highlighted components of the Bylaw, including performance standards and exemptions. Mr. McManus inquired whether golf course superintendents had been in receipt of the Bylaw and Mr. Talbot agreed that it should be forwarded along with educating the public. Mr. Talbot referenced Nantucket's brochure as a good option but funding would be needed to develop a brochure. Other ways to communicate the Bylaw would include presentation, articles and communications and working to assist the Board of Health,Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Commission with their efforts. Regarding exemptions, Mr. McManus inquired whether fertilizer alternatives were readily available to which Mr, Talbot responded that they were available at most garden centers. Mr. McManus inquired whether the Conservation Commission Performance Standards would need to be adjusted and Mr. Talbot responded that the Bylaw should fit well with the ConsCom Performance Standards but that it should be considered. There was discussion regarding leaving mowed grass clippings as fertilizer, which serves as a stable and organic source of nitrogen, Mr. McManus referenced the ConsCom lawn standards and developing a standardized monitoring form for lawn rehabilitation or the creation of new lawns as a Condition for Special Permits. There was discussion about liquid seaweed, including the benefits of harvesting seaweed locally to develop a fertilizer product while also reducing nitrogen in the bays. Selectman Cahalane reported that the Tribe was seeking grants to develop something. Regarding enforcement, Mr. Talbot indicated that it would occur while staff was out on the job. There was agreement that enforcement would be challenging. Mr. York suggested placing information on the website and Mr. McManus recommended developing educational materials that highlighted the Bylaws. Mr. McManus indicated that the information could be shared during presentations to homeowner associations. Mr. Talbot indicated that he could develop a PowerPoint presentation. Selectman Cahalane stated that an Article would be needed to acquire funding for a brochure. Mr, York emphasized the value of the Town's website as a means to communicate the Bylaw, adding that articles in the newspaper would be more effective than a brochure. Mr. Talbot stated that the Falmouth Friendly Lawn Program brochure proved to be very effective, and was developed with funding from the Air Force. Mr. McManus indicated that grants were available through the Barnstable County Cooperative Extension and Selectman Cahalane noted that the high school had printing capabilities. Selectman Cahalane also recommended community t.v. and Mr. Talbot indicated that he had been trying to set up a meeting. Mr. Talbot noted that he had not yet heard back from local towns about their efforts to educate their residents. Mr. McKay noted that success of the Bylaw would be 99% education. Mr. McManus agreed but noted that the Bylaw had teeth by allowing for homeowner fines for the most egregious violations, which would create a deterrent. There was discussion about developing a Facebook page and Mr. McManus offered to assist with the Mashpee Environmental Coalition page in an effort to distribute information about the Bylaw. Mr. Talbot will develop an article regarding the Bylaw. OLD BUSINESS Combine Water-Sewer No update Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan Selectman Cahalane indicated that there was no update as there had been no formal meetings. 2