12/02/2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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8 Board of Selectmen Minutes December 2, 2019 Discussion of Santuit Pond and Strategy to Address Condition: Health Agent Glen Harrington, Conservation Agent Andrew McManus, Department of Natural Resources Director Richard York: (continued) Management options for Santuit Pond include dredging and artificial circulation/aeration to maintain oxidation within the bottom levels of the pond. For several years, the Solar Bee circulators reduced the problem and restored fish populations. The Solar Bees are running, but they are not effective with the bloom. With heavy rains; 6-7" in 2017 the cyanobacteria concentration increased dramatically. (Did this occur after a drought?) With increased rain input,the algae blooms are recycling. Mr. York indicated it is important to control the inputs, and it is wise to harvest the algae after strong rain events. It was noted the water table is currently 1.7' above normal. The Town was noted to have installed an asphalt berm and infiltration basin to capture all stormwater run-off from Timberlane Drive and Lantern Lane. Surface runoff encompasses 5% of the load. In considering the timeframe for dredging, Chuck Green offered comment noting the Army Corps of Engineers has funded a$500,000 dredging study which may take upwards to two years, with peer review required before a final decision is made. Sewering is also a prerequisite for the dredging project. If the dredging is recommended it is an$8 m. project requiring contributions from the Town of Mashpee and Wampanoag Tribe as well as federal funding sources. Mr. York indicated the Town is reviewing the Algix; bloom harvesting products. There is a company harvesting in the United States and in China. The firms are turning the foam into shoes and other products. This is a possible and viable solution although costs are not fully known. There are several species of cyanobacteria in the pond and there is concern the dominant species, may in fact be a different species, and the composition of these species can be altered daily as well as monthly. It is important to convey the toxicity risk to the public. Mr. York indicated the floating film can be far more toxic than the pond water. In fact, the clear period after a bloom may be the most toxic period. As the Town awaits results of the study, ways to move forward for remediation was discussed. It was recommended that a strict enforcement be administered to prohibit the use of phosphorus; soaps and fertilizers. It was agreed that potential articles be considered for the May Town Meeting to provide resources which includes possible CPA funding to control/reduce the nutrient contributions emanating from the watershed.