08/08/2022 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 Mashpee Select Board Minutes August 8, 2022 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS: Presentation on Phosphorus in the Ponds: Natural Resources Director Ashle.,Fisher: (continued) Discussion followed with respect to dredging. The DNR is conducting a sediment analysis, however some areas cannot be dredged due to arsenic. The disposal of spoils is an issue, but would be favorable in some areas for habitat restoration. The County was noted to have a new method of dredging for freshwater. Town Manager Rodney C. Collins recommended that working group be formed with legal counsel to further review the Town bylaws for possible action in October. Andrew McManus Conservation Agent commented briefly on the discussion stating that fines are generally not effective. Although it may take a large effort to lobby at the state level, it may be worthy to gain approval for a criminal disposition statute. Regarding dredging Mr. McManus made note of a past dredging study of the Mashpee River on the benefits to improve water quality, circulation and to lessen the impact of nutrient loading. This effort is fruitless as it would then move the contaminant into Popponesset Bay. The disposal of spoils is also very expensive and the process requires state approvals when using existing conservation lands. Report on, the Red Brook Road Culvert: mmConservation Agent rAndrew McManus: The Select Board met with Andrew McManus, Conservation Agent to review the Redbrook Road Culvert Replacement project report prepared by the Horsley Witten Group for the Towns of Mashpee and Falmouth through their respective Conservation and Departments of Public Works. The report evaluated the cause of the culvert failure likely due to the burrowing activity of wildlife over time. It is recommended the existing culvert be replaced with an 8' wide open box culvert with no water control features. This would improve fish and wildlife passage and alleviate flooding. Driver and road safety is of paramount concern to both towns. The agreement includes the box culvert with associated bank restoration on either side of the culvert area. The project would also eliminate the flooding impacts in this area. There are multiple grant opportunities being sought to assist with the costs of planning, permitting and construction. The project requires collaboration with the respective abutting neighborhood associations, owners of the bog area. Town Counsel has advised the Town is within its legal right to address road safety issues. It was suggested the Town further prioritize restoration projects around the bog to advocate for indigenous plantings returning the area to its original state and function.