8/10/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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6 Board of Selectmen Minutes August 10, 2020 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Discussion of Santuit Pond: Department of Natural Resources Director Ashley Fisher: Ashley Fisher, Director of Natural Resources was in attendance on behalf of the Board of Health Agent to update the Board on the conditions of Santuit Pond. The shoreline of Santuit Pond was observed with a visible surface of scum which is the action to prompt this advisory. The pond has been posted with State DPH cyanobacteria signs advising the public not to swim and to keep pets from consuming the surface water. The Board of Health has been working on a program to inspect the septic systems within 300' of the pond. As an option for failed septic systems, phosphorous removal septic stems are proposed, however, there may be additional costs associated to the implementation and complications with area homeowners who have previously paid to upgrade their systems. Soil testing was also considered to identify the elevated phosphorus areas. It was disclosed that many lakes and ponds on the Cape are experiencing this occurrence largely due to septic systems, fertilization too close to water bodies, storm water and road utilization problem areas. There is a dire need to target the sources. On a regulatory basis more restrictions need to be imposed as well as outreach and education on the pollution sources. Encouraging measures include the use of drought tolerant plants and native species as well as living with less fertile lawn areas. Although the Town of Mashpee has adopted a Fertilizer Control Bylaw, it is difficult to regulate and to develop good practices. Residents living near the water need to be willing to accept lawn species that do not require watering and fertilization. Citizens should be encouraged to minimize the size of their lawn, and to add the minimal amount of fertilizer. Impacts will lessen if residents alter their property management practices. To date, no Cape town has a managed program to protect their lakes and ponds. In further considering the situation with Santuit Pond it was recommended that an advisory letter be mailed to residents within 300' of the pond. It was agreed the Town Manager with the assistance of the DNR and Board of Health develop this letter. It was noted the Town has made some strides with dredging, the Solar Bee water circulators, and grant funding has been received for storm water run-off projects. It was further recommended the requirements of Title V be reviewed for adequacy, and that priority watershed areas have enough buffer to protect the interest of clean water and public health. In addition, it was recommended the Board re-visit the plan previously developed by the DNR, Conservation Commission and Board of Health to review the action items associated to water quality improvement measures for Santuit Pond. This matter will be regarded highly by the Selectmen at their next meeting.