08/23/2021 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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8 Board of Selectmen Minutes August 23, 2021 Discussion with Regard to Santuit Pond Report: Health Agent Glen Harrington: (continued) The Board of Health provided a sample letter regarding inspections and pumping addressed to abutters within 300' of Santuit Pond. The letter gives notice of the nutrient problems from abutting septic systems and orders of compliance to inspect on-site septic systems, and maintenance pumping requirements. An on-site septic cesspool system is considered an automatic failure and is required to be upgraded to a Title V system per the Mashpee Board of Health Regulation. Septic systems inspected within two years prior to the notice would be exempt from inspection and systems pumped within the past three years would be exempt from this notice. Systems identified as failed shall be upgraded with a timeframe to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Failure to perform the orders shall subject homeowners to fines and/or court actions. Phosphorous entering the ponds/lakes and water sources through discharges or groundwater has been a long- standing problem causing algae and cyanobacteria blooms. The AECOMM Report estimates that 5% of the phosphorus derives from septic with 87%recycled within the pond. There are questions regarding this estimate as the report was compiled at the end of a drought, in less than normal conditions. Additional funding has been proposed to re-evaluate the percentage of phosphorus and sediments. Board of Health member Brian Baumgaertel asked for more definitive guidance on the sewering and the timeline of the phases. It was noted that currently each sewering phases is planned to roll on a 5-year basis. As the Town reviews the status of the ponds and lakes collectively the sewer planning may be subject to modification. The sewering was initially designed for nitrogen remediation within the estuaries. With further information and examination on the source, it may be more beneficial, financially advantageous and in fairness to reconsider the sewer options in Phase II of the project scope. It was agreed that more conversation is necessary as this is only on piece of the puzzle in terms of pollution. Other sources include fertilizers, and a long-standing practice of cutting and removing trees/plants in proximity to the shore lines. Required buffers,treatments such as PRB's, solar bees, I/A systems (Innovative/Alternative septic systems), dredging, and the use of new technologies may offset conditions. Many of the new technologies are promising,but there is a need for governmental requirements and support as well as residents who are willing to participate in test grant approaches. Grants are available to provide subsidies. The Barnstable County Community Septic Management Program provides loan with a 5% interest rate to be paid over 20 years in installments. There are also tax credits and home repair programs. Mitigation funds are available from the Cape Cod Commission from prior DRI projects. It is estimated that $211,791 is available for denitrification, and$32,000 for public outreach. The Board was requested to vote to authorize use of said funding. Motion made by Selectman Gottlieb to authorize the use of Cape Cod Commission mitigation funding as referenced. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Weeden,yes Selectman Gottlieb, yes Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes Opposed, none