7/14/2011 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

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about the pond and that the report did not provide enough information to identify the proposed solution to use the circulators. Mr. York stated that the bottom contours of the pond were documented in the Cape Cod Ponds Atlas and should have been included with the report. Mr. York added that AECOM recommended alternatives, including the circulators, and that the manufacturer and Friends of Santuit Pond recommended the use of 6 circulators. The Chair referenced the proposal from the Friends of Santuit Pond and references to test runs. Chairman Cahalane also recalled information noting that the technology did not work because the pond was too shallow, similar to Santuit Pond. Mr. Petersen suggested that the recommended use of 6 circulators could be changed by the manufacturer and that they would not stand by their units unless Mashpee utilizes the number recommended by the manufacturer. Mr. Theis noted that the natural bacteria had been overwhelmed and that aeration from the circulators would provide oxygen to the bacteria. Mr. York referenced the Fall Town Meeting and the Committee's previous recommendation to consider the solar circulators while seeking alternative options to address the issue in Santuit Pond. The Chair stated that a final recommendation was needed from the EOC_ Mr. Theis noted that the circulators would help the process. There was also discussion about the cost of dredging. Mr. York reported that he had sampled the pond since 2008 and that there was a continuous blue-green algae bloom during the summer. Mr. York reported that the bloom had recently crashed and that the pond was clear 6 feet down. Mr. York was unsure of the reason why the bloom crashed and will be researching it further to determine whether it had settled, had been grazed, eaten by zooplankton or whether there were nutrient limitations. Mr_York noted that microcystis was still present. Mr. York will conduct further testing. Mr. Petersen referenced the October meeting and questioned whether bio-remediation might be a viable solution and how that would be impacted by the support from the Friends of Santuit Pond for the circulators. Mr. York recommended that other options to address the issues in the pond be discussed with the Friends of Santuit Pond prior to the October meeting. Chairman Cahalane noted that he had not yet heard of another viable solution right now,but stated that there could be another solution in the future. Mr. York agreed that the circulators offered a good alternative for now to address the toxic bloom until a better alternative becomes available. Mr. Theis noted that the bloom could be treated or the pond could be cleaned, depending upon the budget available. Chairman Cahalan recommended that Santuit Pond Solutions be added to next month's agenda so that all members could share additional information. Committee Priorities Chairman Cahalan announced that two new members were needed for the Committee. The Chair also inquired about the priorities the Committee wished to pursue for the remainder of the year. Chairman Cahalane recommended that all environmental issues arising in Mashpee be supported by the Environmental Oversight Committee. The Chair referenced Mr. York's request for funds to support the shellfish propagation project,recommending that the EOC offer a recommendation to the Town supporting the project. Mr. Theis referenced wind and solar projects, noting that solar was expected to be the more successful technology. Chairman Cahalan concurred that Mashpee was pursuing solar projects. Mr. White stated that wind was a good investment but that issues would need to be settled Cape wide. Chairman Cahalane referenced the solar project proposed for the landfill, noting that the EOC should have been involved in the planning process. Mr. York noted that there were funds available to expand the project. The Chair stated his intent to invite Tom Mayo to address the Committee about the 2