02/12/2024 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Mashpee Select Board Minutes February 12, 2024 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS __ W ...Aml L ._1 _. _w_w._vw_...... w , _.w..... �...... do chool of Mashpee Water C"')uglily Monitorm Pro darn lj .,date: Ed Eichner wTMDL Solu ns,m 5 MarinemmScience and Technology (SMAST rtUniversi of MassachusettsmP; rriouth; (continued) Both the Waquoit and Popponesset Bays show the greatest level of nutrient related water quality decline in the tidal rivers and major tributary basins with less impairments in the main basins. In Waquoit and Popponesset Bays, monitoring results show impairments with total nitrogen concentrations greater than the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL's) required by MassDEP; targets set under the Clean Water Act. Oxygen depletion in the bottom waters continue to be a persistent impairment in both system and there is clear evidence that declines are due to nitrogen enrichment within the bay waters. Data tends to fluctuate in different weather patterns. It was noted the sampling is conducted 4x per year; taken in July and in August for consistency. It was recommended that a new baseline (water column data) of MEP assessments be developed. This would include ecosystem assessment parameters; benthic infauna, tidal ranges, DP/CHL moorings, etc. through continuing Mashpee Water Quality Monitoring Partnership activities which would help with future regulatory discussions, TMDL compliance and current conditions that exist. As part of the ongoing efforts, it is important to develop a nitrogen management plan for the restoration of these systems. The monitoring program goals are achieved through regular collection and analysis of water samples. Options for clean water in the absence of sewering include aquaculture initiatives, the floating treatment of wetlands and possible kelp farming. There are other potentials which require further trials. One of the best solutions is to expedite sewering, although the process is slow and costly. There is frustration in not meeting TMDL requirements with lack of funding and solutions for corrective actions. It was recommended that areas showing moderate impairment would most likely benefit from sewering and improved aquaculture. However, neighboring towns that have installed sewering around pond areas and have not seen the impact due to the slowness of groundwater travel. For now, it is best to stay of course with flexibility with respect to monitoring and community discussions as the town moves forward with its Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. It was disclosed the Mashpee/Wakeby Pond draft Management Plan is scheduled to be presented to the Select Board in April. The report will consider the impact on the degradation of Mashpee/Wakeby Pond in its entirety. There is work towards interlacing to address both the ponds and the oceans.