10/14/2010 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

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5. Additives Used in Septic-Mr. Theis suggested that runoff and septic systems are primary contributors to the Pond's challenges. Mr. Theis noted that, until communities are sewered, additives can be used. 6. Water Height of the Pond--Mr. Baker expressed concern about the height of Santuit and the Chair suggested that Drew McManus be invited to discuss the issue. Mr. Baker discussed the impact of raising the groundwater near the Pond. Mr. York stated that the dam will receive funding and will be designed to operate at any given level. The fish ladder will be rebuilt and will function within a range of pond levels. MASHPEE BLUE BOOK Beverly Kane stated that everyone was excited about the funding that has become available to produce and distribute the Blue Book. Ms. Kane questioned the timeline for the availability of funds in order to establish a target date for completion. Chairman Cahalane responded that it would be a fast process. Ms. Kane noted that the Town Manager signed an agreement in May 2009 that highlights the requirements that must be met prior to producing the book Among the requirements, permission must be granted by the book's originator, James Hobe, in Puget Sound. A draft of Mashpee's version along with a distribution plan must be forwarded to Mr. Hobe. Regarding the draft, only one chapter remains and the student's artwork is being incorporated. Ms. Kane recommended that the book be distributed during the summer when Mashpee's part year residents would be in town. Regarding postage, Ms. Kane described Orleans' arrangement in 2008 whereby volunteers prepared the mailings, addressed to "Postal Patron" and packaged for postal routes and utilized a non-profit mailing rate of.10 each. The Chair was unsure if a similar system would be available now that bar codes are being used. The Postmaster must be contacted to discuss the issue further. Ms. Kane was hopeful that the .10 cost would be available otherwise use of the Tow's pre-sort would cost $1.30 per book. Committee members discussed using the Town's address as a return address. It was confirmed that the funding amount will be $30,000. The Chair reported that the Town Manager would be willing to acquire printing estimates from the Town printer. CORRESPONDENCE The Chair shared correspondence from Bill Marterios, 49 Cranberry Ave, who has expressed concerns about Johns Pond and the possibility of the pond's decline. Among Mr. Montero's concerns, he highlighted direct runoff from the boat ramps and an open trench near Otis/drainage easement. Mr. Montero wishes the Town to be aware of the issues in order to make adjustments. Chairman Cahalane questioned whether the EOC is needed to stay on top of fresh water issues due to the current focus on estuaries. Mr. Theis noted that the ponds are recreational sources for the Town and serve as open access for the estuaries. Mr. Baker stated that there is no focal point for surface waters and noted the Waterways Commission handles navigation, Water Quality is not a key player, Sewer Commission is not addressing phosphorus, Shellfish can not take full responsibility for the water and Conservation Commission is associated with enforcement. Mr. Baker feels that there is no central agency to address the surface water issue, and believes the EOC could not be the agency without offending the other groups. Mr. York added that Lake Management, Board of Health and the Pals Program address water issues and that the EOC is an oversight committee. Mr. York added that the system is working, but that there is a lot of work. Mr. York noted that a response to Mr. Montero can include information about the bacteria testing conducted by the Board of Health and additional water testing from the Pals Program, as well as efforts regarding the phosphorus bylaw. Mr. York confirmed that Johns Pond and Mashpee/Wakeby Lake are currently in good shape. Mr. York and Mr. Baker will gather needed information to forward to the Board of Selectmen. 2