06/25/1998 BOARD OF HEALTH Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES June 26, 1998 2 BOARD OF HEALTH Mr. Babcock commented, "I represent the Water District as Vice-chairman." "We have no interest in this regulation because our standards for nitrates are so much higher that we have never come anywhere close to achieving them in the water supply or in the individual wells." "In other words, we do not take action until we get a figure which is twice what you are talking about." Mr. McQuaid stated, "I spoke with several professionals in the field and I was led to believe, as Mr. Babcock said, that there is no current alternative septic system technology that can beat the 5 m.g.l.'s." "They won't even guarantee reaching 10 m.g.l.'s." "What they do say is that they try to reduce the total nitrogen to anywhere from 60% to 80%." "Depending on the nitrogen loading in the influent that could be anywhere from 80 m.g.l.'s to 160 m.g.l.'s." "Reducing that from 80 m.g.Us to say 10 m.g.l.'s will not get you even 10 m.g.l.'s." "So, the idea of this regulation requiring testing at the effluent pipe of the denitrifying system to meet 5 p.p.m. or less seem unattainable with the technology that is available today." Mr. Cram stated, "Am I correct in understanding at this point that we do have only one complex within the town of Mashpee that would currently meet these standards?" Mr. McQuaid responded, "That correct." "And that's a full scale wastewater treatment plant that serves Stratford Ponds." "They started out at 22 p.p.m. and are now down to below 5 p.p.m.." "That is a very expensive system that handles a multitude of condominium units." "We're not talking about a commercial building on Route 151." Mr. Ball commented, "What about Mashpee Commons." "According to the files they have reached 2.7 p.p.m.." Mr. McQuaid stated, "Again, you're talking about a huge complex." Mr. Ball commented, "What about the "99" Restaurant they're at 4.09 p.p.m.." "They're up and down but they're trying to achieve 5 p.p.m. and under." Mr. Baker commented, "I am in favor of the proposal." "There are technologies that can get below 5 m.g.Us." "There is an expense involved." "Groundwater quality should be protected." "We have had shellfish closures and extensive algae growth." i Mr. Duschman relayed, "I can't understand why this is before the Board of Health." "There is a small portion of the town that is dedicated for commercial use." "We need to address the residential systems." "Let's get our priorities straight not just focus specifically on commercial development." "They are bringing in clean industry."