08/12/2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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3 Board of Selectmen Minutes August 12, 2019 NEW BUSINESS Discussion of Existing Nitrogen Management Plan: Sewer Commissioner; GHD Representative: (cont'd) The third related and necessary approach is Land Management Strategies. This can be accomplished with land use/zoning, open space, recharge and water resource sites and conversion from seasonal to year round use. Mr. Gregg indicated the features of the Plan consider future growth. Public sewers are required to meet TMDL requirements and to clean the bays. The Plan does not sewer all of Mashpee. The Plan recommends phasing this project to spread-out costs, observe management and minimize disruption. This allows for the assessment of progress and overbuilding. Sewering can be reduced, but not eliminated by using shellfish. It is recommended the adaptive approach be phased, and concentrated on areas where nitrogen removal can be achieved before the next steps are taken. In discussing the matter of sewers, the use of Permeable Reactive Barriers was discussed. The individual upgrade of home sewers was also considered. On average, the installation cost could range from$15,000 - $20,000 with a yearly maintenance fee of$350. Results pertaining to individual systems were noted to be about 19% and would be difficult to monitor. The Plan is predicated on sewering improvements, the use of existing facilities and adaptive management practices including the shellfish component. Mr. Gregg continued his overview stating the focus of Phase I Mashpee River (Popponesset Bay) watershed will encompass a five-year period initially projected from 2017—2021. Projected figures are based on 2017 values. The Quashnet River (Waquoit Bay) watershed focus is considered under Phase 11 of the Plan. This would include connection to JBCC. There are five major phases of the planning period that would most likely be split into smaller phases based on design and construction schedules. If the shellfish component of the program works as projected and if the Town does not grow as estimated, the Plan would be limited to Phase 11 with other adaptive managements. The Town has received necessary approvals from the Cape Cod Commission to complete Phase I and Phase 11. The project is within compliance with MEPA as well. Therefore, the phasing can be altered with decisions on the transmittal. Joe Lyons, Sewer Commission recommended the Town focus on Phase I for efficiency as the Mashpee River is severely polluted. There is hope the Quashnet River (Waquoit Bay) will recover with a minimum amount of work. (Mashpee owning 15% in comparison to the Town of Falmouth) Sewer Commissioner Tom Fudala agreed with the Phase I approach as this is a dense and populated section of Town, and the most efficient area to begin to sewer. Mr. Gregg added that in sensitive watersheds it is highly important to manage nitrogen. The site adjacent to the Transfer Station was selected as on optimum location with the ability of Town-owned land for a wastewater treatment facility.