6/7/1993 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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BOARD of SELECTMEN Page MINUTES M o A r E 7f 1993 Robert Sherman re. Nutrient Loa i •+� r. Crawford presented a slide presentation related to the increase of nitrogen into the ecosystem. The increase of nitrogen into the water table results in an invasion of different plant species informed Dr. Crawford. Areas discussed included; Sedge Loot Bond and the Child's River which was noted to contain high concentrates of nitrogen. There is more biomass in the Child's River noted Dr, Crawford. The high algae content causes eel -grass decline which poses an impact on the scallop habitat. Eel grass is used as a nursery ground for scallops noted Dr, Crawford* As a result, the increase in nitrogen from septic systems, acid rain and lawn fertilizers decreases the shellfish and plant habitat informed Dr. Crawford. Nis. Geist indicated that the nitrogen loading to the coastal ecosystem is a dangerous situation resulting in habitat destruction and fish kill.. Waguoit Bay is one of twenty rational Estuarine Research Reserve sites in the Country informed Nis. Geist. Wa uoit Bay has been selected as a Land Margin Ecosystem Project to aid in solving the problem of nitrogen loading into natural ecosystems. Nis. Geist noted that the problem is global. The Cape Cod Commission supports the nitrogen loading rate of ppm parts per million informed Mr. Sherman to protect the public drinking water and allow for some protection to the ecosystem and coastal waters. Any septic upgrade is under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission indicated Mr. Sherman, His computer program aids in determining the nitrogen levels. We may have to consider lower level standards in some circumstances informed Mr. Sherman* For an example, Mr. Sherman- indicated that a 24x34 house on a 20,000 square foot lot with two bedrooms is estimated at .1 pram. A four bdroom home on the same size lot is estimated at 10 ppm. 40