11/08/2021 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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4 Select Board Minutes November 18, 2021 Presentation and Review of Phase 1 of the Wastewater Management Plan: Sewer Commission Chair: (continued) Discussion followed with respect to the use of Willowbend as a discharge site in some of the green space areas. Discharge is often used for irrigation, and during the summer months additional water is required to irrigate the golf courses. It was noted if this is not an option,there are several municipally owned sites that could be utilized for this purpose. It is expected the Town would have the ability to self-sustain, but it is possible that other entities may be involved in this process. In reviewing the 2021 Clean Water Plan, it was recommended the Plan and related mapping be placed on the Town's website for public review. It was strongly recommended the Town develop a plan for sludge disposal. This is generally hauled to a licensed disposal facility in sealed containers. This is an issue that all Cape facilities need to address. A regional discussion was considered with involvement from state legislators. Comments were made regarding additional sources other than septic systems attributing to the degrading water quality. Each pond is different and not equivocal. Impacts include stormwater runoff and fertilizer usage. In some instances, the utilization of vegetative buffers at the edge of property lines should be encouraged and used as a method to attenuate phosphorus. It was agreed that every Town Board is a proponent and part of the solution to make clean water incrementally better. The issue should be reviewed by all Boards having jurisdiction to minimize the problem taking a stance to make a difference on environmental preservation. It was recommended the Town and Tribe work as a community cohesively on this issue. The Town should also advocate for land and water conservation for clean water, and in support of the fisheries. There are several new developing industries, such as offshore wind power on the Cape that should be tapped to support local infrastructure projects and areas most critical in need. Summary of Water Quality in Ponds and Bays: Department of Natural Resources: Ashley Fisher,Director of Natural Resources offered comment on the water quality in the ponds and bays. To begin discussions Ms. Fisher made note of a statement made by Dr. Brian Howes in July of the state of Mashpee estuaries "There is no good water quality left in the Town of Mashpee. Both Waquoit and Popponesset Bays support impaired habitats throughout their tidal reaches and remain below the water quality levels set by the MassDEP/EPA. This is consistent with the fact that the Threshold Nitrogen Level specified in the TMDL was not attained within any basin in 2019 and 2020, indicating that the impairments are caused by nitrogen enrichment."