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in Ockway Bay, noting that 16 were identified,but should be 600. Dr. Howes stated that the species are <br /> showing stress and that there is no habitat. <br /> Dr. Howes shared an image comparing existing conditions with buildout conditions, noting that <br /> conditions become worse and that any planning for sewer and nitrogen management must include the <br /> potential for buildout. <br /> Regulatory targets include restoration, particularly eelgrass that will ensure clear water, sandy bottom, no <br /> fish kills and no micro algae_ The lowering of nitrogen loads can be achieved by the following: <br /> Hydrodynamic Water Quality Alternatives-Increase the tidal exchange, improve mixing of the <br /> water, inlet management by widening the inlet <br /> Natural Attenuation Alternatives-Restore impaired systems, such as lakes and cranberry bogs to <br /> remove nitrogen; affordable option with effective results <br /> Watershed Nitrogen Loading Alternatives-Sewering by cluster or I/A; improve quality of <br /> treatment for existing sewers and sewer facilities; relocate discharge areas so it does not impact <br /> the estuary <br /> Examples of current activities: <br /> Annual Maintenance-Popponessett Bay inlet maintained at maximum flushing capacity to <br /> prevent loss of habitat; critical also for navigation; working with DEP on the request for dredging <br /> Willowbend-Bogs at end of course have been converted to ponds that will assist with nitrogen <br /> removal before discharging to Quaker Run <br /> Oyster Project-Shellfish Constable Rick York's oyster beds offer a denitrification process with <br /> positive effects <br /> Mashpee,Barnstable, Massachusetts Land-300+acres purchased south of Santuit Pond; hope to <br /> restore flow through the bogs in order to remove additional nitrogen from Santuit Pond <br /> Mr. O'Hara questioned dredging the base of the Mashpee River and whether it would improve the quality <br /> of the Mashpee River. Dr. Howes stated that it would be good for navigation and it could improve <br /> flushing and the sediment and the Town should consider it as an option. Regarding Mr_ O'Hara's <br /> question about moving forward with wastewater plans, Dr..Howes responded that decisions about <br /> discharge needed to be made before sewering plans could be finalized. Dr. Howes added that it was time <br /> to run additional scenarios, consider financing options and determine the best options for Mashpee. <br /> Monitoring of the bay must continued in order to assess improvements„ declines and compliance to the <br /> TMDLs. Mr. Klenert appreciated learning about cost effective alternatives that could be pursued now to <br /> improve the situation. Dr. Howes stated that wastewater will be critical for Popponessett and Waquoit <br /> Bay adding that improvements will show some immediate results. Waquoit Bay is likely to be brought <br /> back very quickly with sewering of the eastern portion. <br /> Jeff Gregg, GHD <br /> Mr. Gregg described GHD's approach to identify the needs of the planning area, which includes all of <br /> Mashpee and the Popponessett Bay and Waquoit Bay East watersheds, and evaluate alternatives, develop <br /> 4 <br />