10/13/2020 WATERWAYS COMMISSION Minutes

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rejected due to bacteria levels. Other areas are also affected but sufficiently less allowing the Office to approve along with a caution issued. DNR Director/Shellfish Constable Report. DNR: Ashley reported that she received a letter of concern relative to Article 12 on the Town Warrant which adds a clause banning personal watercraft on Ashumet Pond. She will write a response for the BOS. Ashley further reported that the heavy boat traffic on Santuit and Ashumet Ponds are having an adverse effect on the water quality of both lakes. She believes we will soon need to have a conversation on boating traffic relative to water quality soon. She is having water testing done now to identify the presence of any harmful elements. Her office is working with the Tribe to do a feasibility study for dredging on Santuit Pond to address the bottom sediment that might be contributing to algae blooms. Ashley stated that the Pond is seriously compromised and its shallow depths do not help. She further stated that Ashumet, Mashpee/Wakeby and Santuit all show presence of blue/green algae and she is seeing alarmingly high bacteria counts and that is a concern relative to the ponds becoming toxic and the possible effects on humans. There has already been a report of a dog getting ill from exposure. Shellfish: The past month of September was mainly focused on planting of the Town's quahogs in Mashpee waterways. All 11 million quahogs were sized and evaluated based on size and healthiness to determine the style and location of planting i.e. large healthy stock goes to less sheltered areas and smallest ones go under nets in more sheltered areas. Planting should be completed by mid October. Donovan also reported that the Town's Finance Committee approved the transfer of funds for the emergency procurement of a new vessel for the Division. This replaces an old vessel that was retired because of safety concerns. Lastly, two seasonal Assistant Harbor Masters were transfered to the Shellfish Division after their harbormaster duties were completed to offset staffing issues within the Shellfish Division. Their extension is until December. Committee Reports: Mashpee/Wakeby and John's Pond and fresh waters: Don MacDonald reports a meeting of the Association was held and reported that water levels were good. But there is concern about the algae bloom. It was also reported that there is a need during the season for the Harbormaster to have access to a dock for occasional tie ups. Don will check with the Association to see if any private dock owners would allow Harbormaster access. Water Quality: Nothing to report beyond that which has been discussed in prior sections. Barnstable County Coastal Resources: The dredge schedule remains the same as reported last month. It will begin on 3/1/21 (or sooner) with the Poppy Approach Channel which currently appears to be on schedule. We will also be looking at the inner channels to see if there is need for dredging there. Sewer Commission: Nothing to report.