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Environmental Oversight Committee <br />Minutes <br />December 9, 2015 <br />Estuary Restoration/Shellfish Propagation — Update: <br />The Estuary Restoration and Shellfish Propagation project is on target. All Town Meeting <br />articles related to the implementation of the CWMP have passed without objection. The <br />Shellfish Constable/fidure Natural Resources Director is now finalizing the continued <br />implementation of the project for next season. This includes the ordering of seed and <br />implementing the oyster reef project in conjunction with the Tribe in Shoestring Bay. Plans are <br />ongoing to construct smaller, sample reefs to gain knowledge on the inner workings and <br />management of the planned larger reef. It was noted the Mashpee Tribe received $200,000 from <br />the EPA to install the oyster reel. Mr. York indicated he has been reviewing a lot of literature <br />with respect to this to ensure the success of the project. The EPA has announced an additional <br />funding round, up to $1 million for aquaculture. The Town is expected to collaborate with the <br />Tribe acting as the lead agency on this endeavor. Additional funding if attained would possibly <br />merge the oyster reef project associated with the original grant. The application is due in mid- <br />January. It is hopeful that grant writing assistance would be obtained from the Town of Mashpee <br />to support this initiative. <br />Additionally, it was reported that a crab trapping pilot program has been introduced for predator <br />control in an effort to protect the shellfish seed. It was re -iterated the Shellfish <br />Department/future Natural Resources Department is in need of a Water Quality Technician (a <br />position created at the October Town Meeting) in addition to Seasonal Waterways Assistants. <br />Currently, the Shellfish Constable has also been assuming responsibilities associated with the <br />vacant Harbormaster position, and is in need of departmental support in this area. <br />Mashpee CWMP: Update on Final Approval and Implementation: <br />With regards to the Popponesset Bay watershed permit, the initial focus permit under the Clean <br />Water Act, the Town of Mashpee has requested an extension of the watershed permit until May <br />20, 2016. <br />Financing of wastewater management expenditures over the next five years is under <br />consideration. In reviewing the debt obligations of the Town, as debt service is resolved, it is <br />recommended that monies be remain constant, and set aside to save for future wastewater and <br />other capital debt responsibilities. <br />Pava 7 <br />