06/05/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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0 Mashpee Select Board Minutes June 5, 2023 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS U:adate on Status of Cess °Dols- Sewer Connections: Health A gent„Zac yqryAeqbq, y; The Select Board met with Health Agent Zachary Seabury to review the 2023 Mashpee Cesspool Study. Per Town records there are 179 cesspools in the Town of Mashpee. This represents approximately 1.79% of the systems in Mashpee. Of the 179 cesspools, 103 are within 300' of a waterway and 43 of the 103 are within 100' of a waterway. Cesspools are defined as a pit with open jointed linings or holes in the bottom and/or sidewalls into which raw sewage is discharged with the liquid portion disposed of by seeping or leaching into the surrounding soils, and the solids or sludge being retained in the pit. In the Town of Mashpee there are more than 10,000 residential locations serviced by private septic systems, shared septic systems or sewer plants. This includes single family homes, multi -family homes, apartment buildings, assisted living buildings, etc. Regarding cesspools, to date the number has been decreased by ten, with several on the docket to be replaced. Regulations went into effect April 4, 2023. New regulations dictate under the Mashpee Code; Chapter 172 systems within 300' of waterways are required to be upgraded to an I/A system. This includes systems no longer being used, considered abandoned. The abandonment regulation is a state regulation. Mr. Seabury indicated the Town has been making great strides. Since the implementation of the regulations, there are no more Title V systems within the 300' buffer. Discussion followed with respect to the dire need to replace the cesspool systems to be mindful and to provide safe water quality for Mashpee residents. It was recommended the Town apply stricter standards requiring cesspool removals with home alterations. The suggestion was taken under advisement and will be reviewed with Town Counsel and the respective Building and Zoning Departments to review the legality of this recommendation. It was noted that any alternations made inside a home require a Title V septic review. Forcing an upgrade would require an opinion from Town Counsel. In considering Phase II of the Wastewater Plan, it is conceptual. Regulations cannot be forced in areas that would be designated for treatment under Phase II. It was agreed that an opinion would be obtained from Town Counsel regarding the above comments to include the authority of the Health Agent, ability to institute a total ban and removal timeframe. The Select Board expressed appreciation to the Health Agent for his efficiencies. It was noted there are funding opportunities to assist with the replacement of systems such as the Septic Loan Program offered by the County. Regarding the removal of phosphorus, a priority in fresh water bodies Mr. Seabury indicated phosphorus is more of a metal and more finicky than nitrogen. Studies have shown there is a bacterium that may consume the phosphorus. At this time the Health Department is conducting public outreach on the I/A systems. A brief discussion followed with respect to the installation requirements. Currently there are 20 licensed utility installers available. It is recommended that several quotes be secured as well as group quotes. All connections will be inspected by the Health Department to ensure correctness.