01/14/2019 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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4 Board of Selectmen Minutes January 14,2019 The Phase II Implementation Schedule considers a collection system for central Mashpee,the expansion of the JBCC treatment facility and the proposed Mashpee Commons sewer expansion. If the shellfish propagation is not advancing as anticipated,this phase would consider the expansion of Site 4 (Phase I)in addition to improvements to the Willowbend facility, Stratford Ponds, South Cape Village and the Windchime Point condominium development. Work with the Town of Barnstable would also be initiated for continued improvements to the Popponesset Bay watershed. Phase III includes Popponesset Bay with focus on the Mashpee River, Shoestring Bay and Ockway' Bay. Phase IV outlines Hamblin and Jehu Ponds and Phase V addresses the balance of TMDL compliance based on the results of monitoring. There is a need for continuing efforts as the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's facility is no longer considered as an option based on the Tribe's planned use of their facility. The Mashpee Commons W WTF is also noted to be dependent upon the upcoming plans and needs of Mashpee Commons, LLC with respect to future development. However,there is a potential to connect the Quashnet and Coombs Schools into the Mashpee Commons system. This was recommended this action be further pursued. Planning Board member Dennis Balzarini asked about state standard for groundwater discharge. There was also concern as the Town of Barnstable is proposing to amend regulations restricting nitrogen flow into its estuaries by limiting certain development. In terms of shared estuaries,Mr. Balzarini asked how the agreement would affect the conditions of the waters and the agreements between the respective towns. There was also a question regarding the use of JBCC for source removal and utilizing the Cape Cod Canal as a potential disposal area. It was affirmed the state standard for a groundwater discharge permit is 10 mg/liter, The Towns of Falmouth and Chatham are noted to be below this level. With regards to the Town of Barnstable and their proposal to amend regulations,the Mashpee Board of Selectmen was noted to have remitted a letter in opposition to the proposal requesting the Town of Barnstable not rescind regulations as conditions would further degrade the existing environment of the Popponesset Bay watershed. A decision is pending later this month. Regarding the use of the JBCC facility and their recharge capacity,there is no requirement at this site to treat effluent at a higher level. Zoning Board of Appeals member Jonathan Furbush requested information regarding the selection process that considers the Mashpee River as Phase I of the project scope. There was also a question regarding nitrogen levels in the Town of Mashpee in comparison with other Cape Cod towns. Mr. Gregg responded by stating the selection of Phase I addressed different areas. Factors such as density and sensitivity to the watershed were considered. The areas of concern were prioritized and ranked. The Mashpee River watershed was selected as the main focus due to its condition and close proximity to infrastructure. The next most difficult site to manage is the Quashnet River watershed which is depicted as Phase II of the project proposal. Regarding comparison, it was noted that nitrogen levels in the Town of Mashpee are watershed dependent. All Cape communities have similarities with at least one area requiring 100%nitrogen removal, and all have water quality conditions such as flushing that need to be addressed in later phases.