09/12/2016 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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10 Board of Selectmen Minutes September 12, 2016 Discussion of October Town Meetine Warrant Articles: Wastewater Plan. Jeff Gregg-(GHD): (continued) In the process, alternatives, no action alternatives, more centralized approaches, and decentralized approaches have been reviewed. Short-term initiatives within Phase I of the Plan include the evaluations of the Moonakis River a shared watershed, the shellfish aquaculture component, and the new facility adjacent to the Transfer Station referenced as Site 4 for treatment and recharge. Other possible options include the Wampanoag facility and the regional component which would utilize Joint Base Cape Cod. Mr. Gregg explained the shellfish aquaculture component should restore water quality and meet TMDL targets in certain sites. However, there are sites within the Mashpee River watershed and Quashnet River where the habitat is not conducive to shellfish. GHD evaluations will not be able to achieve TMDL compliance with shellfish alone. Traditional technologies are thus required without realizing the results of the shellfish. However, the Board remained cautious as a major concern is funding requirements without fully understanding the need. In comparing other towns faced with the mandate to manage nitrogen, it was noted the Town of Falmouth has a targeted wastewater management plan. In the Little Pond area, the sewering phase has begun. This phase is self-funded through the betterment process. Non-traditional methods include shellfish aquaculture and the adaptive approach to widen the inlet within Bourne's Pond. In the Town of Mashpee, Phase 1 capital costs are projected to cost $40,000,000. The matter was debated. It was noted that revised plans have increased the shellfish component of the Plan. The Board questioned the timing of this process agreeing the Town may be premature in designing a collection system that may not be required. And further, how the Town would appropriate funding for a $40 million dollar project. It was agreed that a great deal of time and effort has been incorporated into the Plan for the past sixteen years. As a board, the Selectmen determined that it is time to methodically review the Plan in its entirety to bring forth a proposal to the voters in the spring. Selectman Gottlieb as proponent of the wastewater/clean water article stated he would withdraw the article proposed for the October warrant with understanding this matter would be further considered for the spring town meeting.