3/10/2011 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

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s Mashpee Environmental Oversight Committee Minutes of Meeting March 10 at 7:00 p.m. Mashpee Town Hall, Selectmen's Meeting Room Present: Chairman John Cahalane, Ed Baker,Rick York, George Petersen Absent: Ted Theis CALL TO ORDER The meeting was opened by Chairman Cahalane at 7:04 p.m. with a quorum. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES February 10, 2011 Mr. Baker made a motion to accept the minutes of February 10th, 2011. Mr. Petersen seconded the motion. All voted unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Friends of Santuit Pond-Community Preservation Committee Application Allen Waxman distributed a graph compiled by the Mashpee Environmental Coalition that depicts the phosphorus problem in Santuit Pond compared to the other Mashpee ponds. Mr. Waxman referenced the AECOM study that identified phosphorus trapped in the sediment below the pond, the lack of oxygen and the leaking of phosphorus that then promotes the growth of unsightly algae that can also cause health problems. Mr. Waxman referenced the Massachusetts Department of Health, Harmful Algae Blooms in Fresh Water Bodies brochure that will be made available to the public, noting the potential danger of the algae blooms to people and animals. Mr. Waxman stated that the Friends of Santuit Pond have been seeking a non- chemical solution and funding for the solution. Based on recommendations from AECOM, and after two years of research, the Friends of Santuit Pond have identified long range solar powered circulators as effective in improving the problem. The EOC had previously endorsed use of the solar powered circulators as an approach to the phosphorus problem in Santuit Pond. Mr. Waxman noted that testimonials have also been received about the. circulators from users in other parts of the country. Mr. Waxman reported that 6 circulators would be needed for the pond and that the Friends had previously attempted to pursue funding in the amount of$100,000 with the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, but that the request had failed. Mr. Waxman noted that there was a risk that the request might fail because funds for the purchase of capital investments are discouraged. Mr. Waxman stated that 70 applications had been submitted for a total amount of$20-$30 million. Since that time, John Kabat has investigated the possibility of seeking funds from the Community Preservation Act. Mr. Waxman stated that a 3% surcharge has been added to Mashpee residents' property tax and that the State has matched 33% of the funds. The fund must be utilized in specific categories and it was determined that funds would be requested from the Open Space category which includes surface water bodies. Mr. Waxman indicated that approximately $300,000 would be available in the Open Space category and approximately $2.6 million available in the undesignated funds, of which $1 million would be used to service the land debt. Mr. Waxman and Mr. Kabat met with Selectman Taylor and Chairman Cahalane to discuss the CPA process in order to develop a proposal and application to be forwarded to the Community Preservation Committee. The application has been forwarded to the CPC and copies have been provided to members of the EOC. Mr. Waxman reported that $325,000 has been requested to purchase the circulators which include the cost of installation, delivery and the first year of the warranty. Mr. Waxman noted that a circulator has