1/6/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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7 Board of Selectmen Minutes January 6, 2020 Update on Condition of Santuit Pond and Proposed Short Term Steps to Improve Water Quality: Department of Natural Resources Director Richard York, Conservation Agent Andrew McManus, Health Agent Glen Harrington: (continued) There is no evidence of juvenile or adult herring. The screen mesh to be constructed will prevent native species from entering into the bog. The pond averages 6' with a depth of 8' in the deepest locations. A drop in the pond of 5-6" would allow the pond to recharge, and hopefully achieve the goal of removing phosphorus from the pond. It was noted that it would be impossible to flush the pond with normal exchange. The flooding of the pond may support the Solar Bee circulation and flow process. Weekly monitoring is being conducted and would continue in this process. To improve upon the water quality of Santuit Pond, a privately owned 7-acre active cranberry bog and surrounding upland properties are being considered for purchase. Additional goals related to the 13.78 acre properties would allow for freshwater wetland restoration,the creation of wildlife habitat and open space for passive recreation. The purchase of the Chopchaque Bog would also improve water quality in Shoestring Bay to mitigate phosphorous and reduce nitrogen loading. The use of Community Preservation Act funding was defined as a funding source and permissible use of funds. In considering the goals of the project, it was agreed applications would be prepared in request of CPA funding at the May 2020 Town Meeting. Additional remediation measures include the restoration of the Town landing at Santuit Pond which includes stormwater runoff improvements and fertilizer reductions. Glen Harrington, Board of Health Agent made several recommendations to address the algae bloom at Santuit Pond. With the jurisdiction of the Board of Health and as recommended by the AECOM study of the pond, septic inspections of the abutting properties will help determine if any of the systems are failing and not treating septic waste properly. A list of abutters within 300' of the pond has been compiled. A longer solution would include the septic inspection of all septic systems within the Santuit Pond Watershed. Funding from the Barnstable County Community Septic Loan Program is available, and there are additional mitigation monies from the Cape Cod Commission for use to reduce nitrogen in Mashpee. Discussion followed regarding potential incentives and subsidy to present to the public before inspections are conducted and notice is provided of failure. The funding source for the cost of the septic system inspection was considered, but not fully identified. There are no private roads around the pond. Other actions to consider include a survey of water run-off at specific locations, vegetative swales, catch basins, and public outreach regarding the use of fertilizers, laundry soaps and other phosphorus- containing products for those properties within the Santuit Pond Watershed. Advisory signage is now posted at (3) locations in the area of Santuit Pond. It was also noted that sewering of the Santuit Pond area is also listed in the Local Comprehensive Plan. There is a need to continue with the Solar Bee circulators, the fertilizer bylaw, and to utilize the bog treatment approach.