3/29/2011 SEWER COMMISSION Minutes

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to the watershed. The greater benefit of this recommendation would be a cap to future fertilization of municipal properties, should current practices change. For golf courses, a 40%reduction in nitrogen load can be achieved for this source if the loadings to rough areas are limited to one lb N/1,000 sq. ft. If possible,this would mean the overall nitrogen load from golf courses would be reduced from 8.3%of the controllable load to Pleasant Bay to 4.8%. As mentioned above, each course could be given flexibility in how fertilizer reductions take place, provided, overall, that a 40%reduction is achieved. While it is difficult to calculate nitrogen reduction from changes in home lawn fertilization behavior,HW estimates that if approximately one third of residents reduce their applications from an average of three lbs/1,000 sq. ft.to a maximum of one lb/1,000 sq. ft as a result of the education and outreach campaign,then nitrogen fertilizer applications to residential areas could be reduced by approximately 20%. Nitrogen loads associated with future buildout are based on the MEP model's estimate of 2,468 additional residential properties, and assumptions on current fertilizer practices. This corresponds to a potential added nitrogen fertilizer application of 13,325 lbs/year, or 2,665 lbs leached per year. Successful implementation of a lawn size limit on new development could potentially reduce that future load by 1,332 lbs per year. Deed restrictions would be needed to ensure long term reductions. 6.0 POTENTIAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES A series of potential opportunities to fund the implementation strategies have been identified through the research conducted as part of this project. Brief descriptions are provided below along with web links for further information. 6.1 NEW ENGLAND GRASSROOTS ENVIRONMENTAL FUND Source: http://,grassrootsfund.org/ The New England Grassroots Environmental Fund(NEGEF)provides grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 to organizations in New England that are conducting community-based environmental work, have less than two full-time staff or their equivalents, and have an operating budget of less than $100,000. The goal of the grant program is to support community work that will strengthen the role of local citizens in solving environmental problems or developing sound environmental policies. Qualifying community programs should identify a significant community need and clear plan for translating the need into action. 6.2 MASSACHUSETTS ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST Source. http•//www mass gov/?paizelD=eoeeatenninal&L=4&LO=Home&L1=Grants+%26+Technical+ Assistance&L2=Grant+%26+Loan+ProoTams&L3=Massachusetts+Environmental+Trust+%28 MET%29&sid=Eoeea&b=terminalcontent&f=eea met met grant programs&csid=Eoeea Pleasant Bay Fertilizer Management Plan 41 Horsley Witten Group, Inc. Final Report December 2010