06/28/2021 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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l Board of Selectmen Minutes June 28, 2021 Update on Cyanobacteria Blooms in Mashpee-Wakeby and Santuit Ponds: DNR Director Ashley Fisher: Ashley Fisher,Director of Natural Resources gave an update of the Cyanobacteria blooms and pond conditions in Mashpee-Wakeby and Santuit Ponds. Ms. Fisher indicated the causes of changes in water quality include; light, water temperature,the alternation of water flow, changes in ph, vertical mixing, nutrient loading, excess nitrogen and phosphorus, and trace metals. Attributing factors may also include the increased residency under COVID conditions as water usage has risen by 10%. Mashpee's freshwater ponds and saltwater bays are showing signs of poor water quality. This is common on the Cape and driven by excess nutrients entering the water from septic tanks, inadequate wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff and fertilizer uses on lawns and landscaped areas. Alerts regarding pond conditions are posted in the newspaper, on the Town's website and Facebook page as well as in the Mashpee Message. Town Manager Rodney C. Collins indicated it is extremely important to make the conditions of the ponds known with signage and by publicizing this information for full awareness. It was recommended the information be posted on the local cable channel 18 as well. The water temperature in June is 80.6 degrees. It is recommended that children and animals stay away from the water. The Town tests for saxitoxins and mycrosystins. All test samples are consistently taken from the same sites. Discussion followed regarding remediation methods to improve water quality. Recommendations include adherence to the Town's Nitrogen Bylaw by limiting fertilizer applications from April 15 to October 15. As an immediate action from a water quality perspective, it is highly recommended that all property owners on both the marine and fresh water sides of the ponds and saltwater bays refrain from fertilizer usage. This is also a recommendation of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod as every Cape town is struggling with this issue. The APCC conducts pond sampling, and provides public information via emails on tested conditions. Natural buffers and the planting of native species remove some of the contaminants that run down the shoreline to the pond. Bark mulch helps to remove nitrogen from the soils as well. It was agreed a Special Water Quality Alert would be posted and sent to residents of the ponds discouraging the use of any fertilizers, and assessments would be made on cesspools that have not had regular service. The Department of Natural Resources is working on a Town Meeting article to fund a study on Mashpee/Wakeby to review internal and external problems. It was agreed that increased awareness and communication would be consistent. The use of Robo calls and QR codes on flyers and mass mailing notices were recommended as an additional source of information. Existing bylaws will be reviewed by staff members and if required would be addressed at the October Town Meeting. Guidance and direction would be sought by the Sewer Commission who would be charged to develop a plan to restore water quality, in concert with the Towns of Sandwich and Barnstable.