07/18/2022 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Mashpee Select Board Minutes July 18, 2022 NEW BUSINESS Discussion of O ortunities to_Collaborate onmFundinfor Water)uaht: Imlroyement and O en Space Acgpji ition, (continued) In considering collaborative grant funding the Town may be able to provide support staff to assist the Tribe on joint issues pertaining to financial/environmental gains. Possible volunteers may offer assistance in grant writing as well. It was agreed that internal coordination would provide for the development of a joint list with specific skills to collaborate in matters of mutual interest such as water quality, the environment and natural resources, etc. It was noted the Town recently collaborated with the Tribe on Old Barnstable Road, and would continue joint efforts on commonly used roads in Mashpee to support transportation needs. In considering outside assistance there is funding that could be achieved to protect waters through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Save the Oceans Fund and the Land in Trust Fund, The Tribe is noted to be seeking to identify lands that would provide benefit in the long term. Discussion followed with respect to the Town's Wastewater Plan and the previous recommendation to modify Phase II to address the ponds, lakes and rivers. The Town has 5 potential phases to its sewering plan. The plan as is currently adopted remains in effect. Initial sewering in Phase I, collection and treatment is out for bid. An award of contract is scheduled to be issued on September 30, 2022 with anticipated operations beginning in the Spring of 2025. The current plan does not specifically address the nutrient loading in the freshwater ponds. Phase II is conceptual and it requires more evaluation. Changes from the initial plan adopted by the state would require additional approvals. There is concern the main target is nitrogen remediation within the bays, and not within the freshwater bodies that are impaired by phosphorus and other pollutants. There is a strong need to restore water quality in both types of water bodies. It was suggested the entities collaborate to address prioritized water bodies, how to remediate, how to fund, etc.