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Mashpee apply for the State Revolving Fund Zero Interest Loan to pursue the study, and the loan was <br /> received in 2001. The State soon initiated the Massachusetts Estuaries Project (MEP) and the Clean <br /> Water Act required Mashpee to wait for the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load)targets before <br /> proceeding with their efforts_ Mashpee became the second town on Cape Cod to be studied for the MEP. <br /> In 2001, Steams& Wheler(now GHD)was hired to develop a needs assessment to reach the targets, as <br /> well as provide a technology assessment to meet the targets. Five alternative scenarios were then <br /> developed to meet the targets. The scenarios were sent to SMaST to be assessed and run through the <br /> model to determine whether they met the nitrogen targets. The model run indicated that the targets could <br /> be met by one technology or another. <br /> Scenario I-No expansion of existing WWTF (wastewater treatment facilities); the addition of 4 new <br /> WWTF; 5 discharge sites and 380 I/A(innovative alternative) septic systems <br /> Scenario 2-Upgrade or expand existing facilities, as practical; add 4 new WWTFs; 4 discharge sites; no <br /> IA systems <br /> Scenario 3"Nitrex Based Decentralized Approach" includes 16 WWTFs; 16 discharge sites; all new or <br /> expanded on-site septic system flow treated with on-site Nitrex <br /> Scenario 4-"Fair Share Discussions" includes 3 new WWTFs; 3 discharge sites; approximately 130 new <br /> IIA septic systems <br /> Scenario 5-"Centralized Approach" includes 2 new WWTFs(1 each in Mashpee and Sandwich); convert <br /> all existing private Mashpee WWTFs, other than New Seabury, to pumping stations connected to a single <br /> centralized Mashpee WWTF <br /> More recently, the Commission and consultants have worked toward identifying two key scenarios that <br /> would most efficiently meet the targets with a primary focus of identifying discharge areas, while <br /> avoiding the Quashnet and Mashpee River watersheds and utilizing areas that would handle more <br /> wastewater such as New Seabury and the Shoestring Bay area. Once the discharge areas have been <br /> determined, the Commission will then identify the location for treatment facilities. <br /> Dr. Brian Howes, UMass-Dartmouth School of Marine Science& Technology <br /> Dr. Howes provided an overview to the Commission, highlighting the primary issues in Popponessett Bay <br /> and Eastern Waquoit Bay as nutrient loading and nitrogen loading. Although nitrogen is necessary, <br /> excessive amounts can cause decline in natural habitat and a sustainable level is needed to maintain the <br /> health of the estuary. Bacterial contamination has also been an issue, but nitrogen loading is the most <br /> critical issue and found worldwide. <br /> Dr. Howes noted that Popponessett Bay and Eastern Waquoit are within Mashpee, allowing the Town <br /> to focus on the individual estuaries without being negatively impacted by adjacent systems. Dr. Howes <br /> discussed the elevated nitrogen levels of 3 Bays and noted that water coming in from the tide of <br /> Nantucket Sound and the red line indicating the buildup of nitrogen from sub-embayments doubled the <br /> nitrogen concentration in the estuaries. The effects of the nitrogen create an over fertilization effect that <br /> produces more phytoplankton blooms and results in a loss of eelgrass. The EPA uses eelgrass as a critical <br /> management species. Dr. Howes added that eelgrass has been lost more recently in Eastern Waquoit Bay, <br /> suggesting that the system could be brought back quicker. Eelgrass in Popponessett Bay has been lost <br /> since the 1950s. U.S. wide eelgrass has been lost and southeast Massachusetts has seen more than a 50% <br /> 2 <br />