01/09/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

8 Mashpee Select Board Minutes January 9, 2023 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Presentation and Discussion of Potential gB law Amendment Warrant Articlem_with„Regard to Horsepower and $Md Restrictions onMSantuit Pond:,,Departmentm,of Natural Resources Director_Ashle Fis uss & O'Neill Representatives: (continued) Discussion continued with respect to the external sources of phosphorus; 78%and the need to remove the failed septic systems, and cesspools. The Town is moving forward with this issue nearing compliance. Sewering is advancing. At the last Town Meeting funds were appropriated to develop a plan to inventory, assess, and recommend improvements to the Town's stormwater infrastructure, and amendments were made to the nutrient control bylaw. And,the Town with the current warrant article to prohibit engines in excess of 5 hp to reduce the resuspension of the sediments is making further advancements towards remediation. With regards to dredging, it was noted that portions of the pond can be dredged and spoils could possibly be used to create artificial wetlands for habitat restoration. In other areas,the spoils would have to be removed to an offsite location. This may prove costly even with grant funding. Through the Federal Clean Water Act grant funds are being sought in collaboration with the Tribe. It was recommended that long and short term objectives be itemized. There are no quick solutions. Several objectives include outreach to review homeowner practices,low impact development,fertilizer usage control and controls for other nutrients entering the pond, the maintenance and upgrade of septic systems and larger options such as limited dredging. The Select Board opened the discussion to solicit comment. Allen Waxman of Santuit Pond Way indicated he is strongly in favor of the 5 hp limit. As a member of the Mashpee Ponds Coalition and Friends of Santuit Pond Mr. Waxman submitted a detailed memo in support of the bylaw amendment. Mr. Waxman indicated Santuit Pond is very shall with an average depth of only 5 feet. The top 4" of sediment is laden with phosphorus. It is critical the sediment not be disturbed by the action of motor boats in order to prevent the release of phosphorus from pond sediments. Mr. Waxman noted that it is not unusual to place limitations on horsepower. Resuspension of the top layer is a critical problem. George Schmidt spoke on behalf of the Briant's Neck Association,owners of homes and cottages on the southern shore of Santuit Pond. The association members are in full support of the proposal to amend the Town's bylaws as referenced. The amendment itself makes it clear as to why the restriction is appropriate to assist in the restoration of the pond's water quality and promote public health. Brian Everett stated if boats with large motors are so harmful then why not limit all horsepower. The residents have suffered enough with past burdens for the recreational opportunities the pond has to offer. It was suggested the Town have more police presence to enforce the dawn to dusk rules at the landing. Trash receptacles are needed for the littering, and signage stating do not feed the waterfowl would help, these are contributors to the degradation of the pond.