08/08/2022 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mashpee Select Board Minutes August 8, 2022 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS: Presentation on,Phos horus_in the Ponds: Department of NaturalA Resources Director Ashley Fisher: (continued) Santuit Pond will be treated with an herbicide this spring to eradicate the invasive plant species. The cranberry bog restoration is also ongoing. It is also anticipated the sewering of the Santuit Pond watershed would occur in Phase II of the Wastewater Plan. Remediation measures also include dredging and an Order imposed by the Board of Health for properties within 300' to conduct an onsite septic inspection, and to pump their system. Of the 118 properties 90 are in full compliance as of December 2021. It was been determined the sources of phosphorous on Santuit Pond derive from internal nutrient cycling (78%), stormwater runoff (13%), septic systems (5%) and cranberry bogs (3%). Mashpee/Wakeby Pond shared by the Towns of Mashpee and Sandwich is the largest freshwater lake on Cape Cod. It is comprised of 729 acres. The deepest point is 90'. The pond areas are fed by groundwater and drain into the Mashpee River. The water quality is deemed moderate with minor elevations of cyanobacteria on the Mashpee side. The Sandwich side has consistent elevations. There is evidence of a visible scum layer. A diagnostic study is anticipated to begin this summer. John's Pond is comprised of 323 acres. In 1980 a diagnostic study revealed algae blooms with large masses in shallow areas. Water transparency has declined. In addition to algae blooms and pollutants there is concern regarding motorboats and pond levels. The study contained a quote "a community designated as not requiring a sewage system". However, septic leaching was found to be at high levels in 1975 to date due to soil type. There are also high PFAS levels in the pond. There has been ongoing concern from the Select Board to address the pollution within Mashpee ponds and lakes and there is a need to strongly advocate for a more comprehensive and collective approach to remediate nutrient loading in both the salt and fresh waters. It was agreed the bylaws must be enforced and there should be stricter rules and fines governing buffer zones, cesspools and the use fertilizer. It was noted the DNR has sponsored articles proposed for the October warrant on the Nitrogen Control Bylaw, as well as Wetlands Bylaws regarding Fertilizer, Flood Zones and Buffer Zones. There is also an article for the restriction of horsepower on Santuit Pond, The DPW Director has articles proposed for the Stormwater Asset Management Plan and the Planning Board has also presented articles on the Floodplain Zone Overlay and Floodplain Management. Ms. Fisher was asked if there are natural approaches to address nutrient conditions in the pond such as aquaculture and aquaponics. It was noted the capabilities are limited and based on the size of a pond. In smaller shallow areas certain plants may assist in capturing pollutants.