12/9/2015 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

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Environmental Oversight Committee Minutes December 9, 2015 Fertilizer Bylaw and MDAR State-wide Plant Nutrient Re ations: Discussion of im lementation enforcement, promotion & education of residents and professional com anies including notice to COLA: The new Mashpee Nitrogen Control Bylaw creates the provision for an advisory committee to work with the Board of Selectmen, Board of Health and/or the Conservation Commission to review matters associated to the implementation and education of the regulations to be enforced by the Board of Health and Conservation Commission. It was agreed the EOC would work on this endeavor in January. It was noted that fall fertilizer applications must be completed on or before October 30th, and no fertilizer may be applied before April 14th unless the dates are officially adjusted to allow for unusual weather conditions. With regards to lawn nutrient regulations imposed under the Town bylaw, it was recommended that a standard form be developed which would require a submittal under an Order of Conditions when a project comes before the Conservation Commission. This would be further defined and may include a report from the turf suppliers that verifies a type of grass that is treated. It was noted that a new grass seed mix is now available for sensitive sites. The seed mixture includes the adaptable, resilient wavy (or coastal) hairgrass—a native grass species, native creeping red fescue and sheep fescue. Colonial Seed from Connecticut is now making the seed mixture available. The mix creates a lawn like condition that is not required to be mowed on a weekly basis. The wavy hairgrass grows acceptably in relatively poor, sandy soils and tolerates shade and full sun conditions. The seed is relatively expensive, although money is saved on the maintenance requirements for this type of turf. It was noted the seed for wavy hairgrass is collected on Cape Cod and in Rhode Island, Quashnet River Restoration: Update: The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has recently conducted a River Alignment feasibility study at the Quashnet bogs. Maggie Payne, an interpretive mapping specialist, has used ground penetrating radar to map the northwest side of the river, and has conducted other mapping at the western side of the bog to assess river realignment. The study has shown there is an adequate depth of sand. The goal of the project is to realign the Quashnet River to improve flow and to improve trout passage. In the distant future, it is projected the Quashnet Bog will become a wetland mosaic with a lot of tree growth, similar to the appearance of the Red Brook bog. To interconnect with the Quashnet River alignment, funds are available to study the John's Pond fish ladder. The last study in 2010 was a requirement from the Office of Dam Study. Information was obtained to identify the causes of the sand shoaling, and the erosion on the stream side embankment that is worsening each year. Charlie Rowley, the Town's consulting engineer, has reviewed the site and validated the 2010 report. A lot of the sand is coming in from the side embankments. To rectify this situation, different erosion control measures are considered, one of which is to dig deep and completely replace the walls. Funding is available, and the DPW would most likely do what is required. The structural integrity of the fish ladder is optimum, but this has been a constant maintenance issue with erosion. paaP R