9/24/1998 MASHPEE COMMONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes

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representative of the Mashpee Tribe, noting substantial investments have been made to date, and also noting the Tribes financial limitations . He explained the goal is to provide jobs so that members of the Tribe will be able to remain in Mashpee, their original ancestral hone. Shellfishing being a traditional trade and livelihood of Tribal members, Mr. Green spoke to the - current difficulties being experienced by the shellf fishermen. He concluded by stating his opposition to the Mashpee Commons project expansion to be the destruction of what the Tribe is attempting to accomplish and achieve. At this point Mr. Chace- spoke, acknowledging the Tribal concerns put forth by Mr. Green. Mr. Chace reiterated his desire to explore long-tern solutions to environmental issues and concerns. r. Green mentioned that earlier negotiations included the possibility of transferring effluent to a different location, which he would consider to be a viable solution to concerns raised by the Tribal council . r. Chace responded by saying this type of solution would require participation of numerous parties including the Town. He stated Mashpee Commons would be interested in participating in such negotiations should the opportunity arise. He made reference to the study currently being conducted by Dr. Howes and Mashpee Commons , cooperation to date. At this point, Mr. whritenour spoke on behalf of the Mashpee Commons Advisory Committee stating this point has been discussed by the committee on several. occasions . He reported that complete consensus has not been reached, however~ it is strongly regarded by the Committee to take advantage of the Mashpee Commons project to somehow reduce the overall nitrogen loading which is occurring in the area as a direct result of surrounding projects. A positive benefit being viewed as the possible expansion of the Mashpee Commons plant operating in conjunction with other systems in the arca. He agreed that removal of some portion of the nitrogen emanating from those traditional systems located in the area. He further reported that the Committee continues to pursue this consideration. The Moderator directed an inquiry to Mr. Chace, regarding the status of studies investigating the means of treatment and transfer of effluent. Mr. Chace deferred to the consultant, Mr. Wood, who stated the process is in its infancy. He stated the technology to treat is available, however the location of discharge continues to be open to discussion/debate. The critical question remains to be the caring capacity of the main portion of the Bay in comparison to the restricted area of the Mashpee Riven. The general -consensus appears to be that it is greater than the restricted -7-