12/9/2010 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

Home Browse Search

determine real nitrogen numbers being removed. Ongoing water quality monitoring in the area will also assist with tracking the success of the project. Mr. York also stated that eel grass remnants exist in the area and cleaning the water will allow it to grow back. Mr. York stated that he is seeking funding for the $75,000 needed for the quahogs. Mr. York added that if 1/Z of the quahogs are eventually harvested, it will result in a value of$750,000, creating jobs and fueling the local economy. Mr. York stated that, once TMDL numbers are available for Waquoit, a similar project could be a good option. Mr. Baker questioned whether Falmouth would work jointly with Mashpee. Mr. York confirmed that it would be cooperative and that Falmouth has expressed interest in the project. Presently, both towns seed 1 million quahogs into the Bay. Mr. York has begun the planning for next year and feels that Mashpee should be able to acquire $75,000 because it can be applied elsewhere in the region and the northeast. CORRESPONDENCE None at this time Action Items Zero Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer Bylaw Update Mr. Baker attended the recent Board of Health meeting to discuss the proposed Zero Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer Bylaw. Mr. Baker stated that the Board of Health supports the basic idea of controlling phosphorus that enters Mashpee's fresh water. However, the Board of Health expressed reservations about the ability to enforce the bylaw and whether the BOH should take on an enforcement responsibility. The BOH suggested that another department be responsible for enforcement since the Health Department has only 1 1h agents in the field and that federal assistance typically available in the summer will be unavailable in the coming year. Mr. Baker emphasized that a focus of the bylaw would be on education and the BOH recommended an educational program in place of the bylaw. Since Burt Kaplan was not in attendance at the meeting, BOH members stated their wish to discuss the issue with Mr. Kaplan, but that they do not currently support the bylaw as it currently exists. Chairman Cahalane reported that the Conservation Commission expressed a similar concern about enforcement. The Chair suggested that enforcement was not an initial consideration by the Environmental Oversight Committee. Chairman Cahalane felt that it would be beneficial have the bylaw on the books to act as an educational tool and to address severe infractions. Mr. Baker shared Minnesota's 2003 bylaw with the Board of Health, noting the study results that indicated a reduction in phosphorus use to '/z of what had been used three years prior with no enforcement. The Chair referenced the town's survey which overwhelmingly supported a regulation regarding phosphorus. Mr. Baker stated that, after the expense of conducting the Santuit study which cited phosphorus as a source of problems in the pond, he expected greater support. Selectman Cahalane questioned whether to pursue the bylaw drafted by Town Counsel and educate the town's committees or weaken the bylaw or delay the bylaw until enforcement can be addressed. Mr. Baker suggested that the bylaw be maintained since there is precedent nationwide of communities utilizing similar bylaws. Mr. Baker expressed his preference that the County pursue a similar bylaw, noting that Mashpee could be the leader in establishing a phosphorus bylaw. The Chair agreed. Mr. York suggested that nitrogen and phosphorus be recycled from the algae, or the mud in Santuit pond, to be used for fertilizer but noted that there is no simple solution. Chairman Cahalane summarized for Mr. Petersen the reasons for developing the bylaw. Chairman Cahalane suggested that enforcement has been an issue in other areas, such as recycling. The Chair suggested pursuing the bylaw and emphasized the usefulness of store signage to educate residents 2