11/08/2021 BOARD OF HEALTH Minutes

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Select Board Minutes November 18, 2021 Summary of Water Quality in Ponds and Bays: Department of Natural Resources: (continued) DNA Director Ashley Fisher discussed her memorandum of November 5, 2021 regarding the State of Mashpee Waters. Results of sampling show no high-water quality in both Waquoit and Popponesset Bays. The ponds are unchanging, declining and impaired. Ms. Fisher indicated the Town has been proactive with stormwater improvements and shellfish aquaculture. Eel grass has disappeared and shellfish habitat is scarce. Some of the areas have been reclassified as conditionally approved (seasonal) to shellfishing. Harvest areas have been reduced. The Mashpee River was noted to be impaired and declining due to nitrogen pollution. The TMDL's are nearly three times the acceptable levels. There is stress and loss to benthic animals, and reported Blue crab die -off. Algal blooms are increasing resulting in little to no water quality and fish kills. Sampling results were revealed and are outlined in the memorandum. Most recent data is reflective of a continuing negative trend in all ponds. Contaminants include Mercury, PFAS, Sulfates, Nitrogen and Phosphorus. The fish are not safe to eat. The ponds were ranked in terms of worst impairment as follows; Santuit Pond, Ashumet Pond, John's Pond, Wakeby side of Mashpee Wakeby and Mashpee side of Mashpee Wakeby. With the increase in year-round residency the impacts would be realized in the 2020 data to be compiled in the spring of 2022. Presentation by the Board of Health on Regulations Governing Septic Systems and Cesspools, Report on Counts, Enforcement Authority and Enforcement Strategy Glen Harrington, Board of Health Agent gave an update on the Regulations Governing Septic Systems and Cesspools as well as counts, enforcement authority and strategies. Information with respect to this regard is outlined in memorandums dated November 4, 2021 and November 8, 2021. Mr. Harrington also presented an overview of the status of Santuit Pond as it pertains to inspection and pumping's for the 121 abutters of properties within 300' of the pond. It was disclosed that compliance order letters were issues on September 9, 2021. Seventeen certified order letters were returned undelivered. Of the 121 affected properties, 27 have fully complied with the order to inspect and pump. Two properties have fully complied satisfying the pumping requirements, but are considered automatic failures as they are utilizing cesspools.