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