02/26/2024 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

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➢ Committee Updates: Water Quality Updates ■ Ashley updated the committee on the School of Marine Science and Technology updates in regards to Mashpee's annual estuary sampling program. Bottom line there was no new news,and our waters are still suffering from over enrichment. Ashley mentioned that in some of the sampled areas shellfish seeding efforts are showing to keep at least the current levels consistent over the past 4 years,even though there was no improvements noted. She mentioned that at the very least shellfish are helping to keep those areas nutrient levels consistent,in their absence we would probably see further degradation. Those areas were Hamblin Pond,Jehu Pond,Little River, Great River,and Waquoit Bay. She also explained how shellfish removed nutrients by way of their feeding and food selection process(nutrient intake and denitrification).Each animal can remove between 0.5 g and 1.0 g of Nitrogen(N). She mentioned future analysis will be needed to quantify the programs N removal from each area. Sediment sampling and individual animal sampling will be conducted. ■ Ashley mentioned that there is many shellfish activities planned for Popponesset Bay/ Those activities include: More floating aquaculture gear, a possible partnership with the Nature Conservancy to construct a thriving oyster reef for Tribal harvest, and transect word for population density. ■ Ashley would like to ask the group to help in the public outreach portion of the Town's Shellfish Propagation Program. She mentioned because there will be more floating gear in the water,the public may have many questions or concerns. She explained the floating gear structures and the number of oysters you can grow in one three tier floating structure. CPC Submission: Open Space and Recreation Plan — Timing and Staffing Constraints ■ Ashley mentioned that there will be some staffing constraints early in the new fiscal year. If the CPC article is approved at Town Meeting,the RFP would not be able to be drafted until January of 2025. Staff hope to complete both the Local Comprehensive Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the Housing Production Plan prior to starting another comprehensive planning process. ■ The EOC generally agreed with this time frame understanding the funding will be available for a three year period. Mrs. Zollo (Alex) mentioned the planning process should only take about a year to a year and a half to complete.Alex mentioned there is a need to complete the plan due to important parcels that are coming up for sale. ■ Ashley explained the state guidance document for Open Space and Rec. Planning. There is a comprehensive guidance book available for completing a plan in its entirety. ■ Mrs.Malone(Anne)mentioned that all of the current town plans are taking a lot longer than we originally thought.