01/27/2025 SELECT BOARD Minutes (2)

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6 Select Board Minutes January 27, 2025 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS 2025 Watershed Management Plan Ui date,,Notice of Prpjqqt,,Chpe_,g Jared Meager, Wastewater Superintendent was in attendance with Mark Drainville update the Select Board and interested public on the Mashpee 2025 Watershed Management Plan. Adaptive management allows for a plan to pivot as things change such as progress, water quality monitoring,regulatory changes, and a re- evaluation of population growth and economic development. Currently, the Town approved Watershed Nitrogen Management Plan (2015) outlines a 5-phase approach to meet the nitrogen management goals in Popponesset Bay and Waquoit Bay using multiple strategies; municipal sewering and treatment, connection of new sewer to existing private facilities, shellfish propagation and the Adaptive Management Program which enables the plan to be adjusted. Recent regulatory changes include Title V revisions and new watershed permit regulations promulgated in July 2023 with TMDL's designated in Nitrogen Sensitive Areas. The Town of Mashpee has complied with the regulation to implement a 20-year watershed permit for each watershed designated as a Nitrogen Sensitive Area. Notices of Intent to apply for a watershed permit have been submitted for Popponesset Bay and Waquoit Bay with De Minimis applications for Three Bays, Green Pond and Boumes Pond (De Minimis exemption if controllable nitrogen load to watershed is equal to or less than 3%). All applications were accepted by Mass DER Watershed permit applications for the bays are required for submittal by 2030. The Watershed Management Plan goal is to meet 75% of TMDL requirements in both watershed in first 20-year permit. The remaining 25%of TMDL requirements in second 20-year permit. Mr. Drainville indicated the majority of Phase I projects are near completion. This involves the Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF)and Phase I collection system serving Popponesset Bay, the initiated shellfish propagation program, evaluations for connection to existing private facilities and the implementation of soft solutions for the restoration of the Quashnet/Moonakis River. Phase 11 WRRF upgrade and sewer extension in final design is anticipating construction in 2025. The shellfish propagation plan continues. The Town is moving forward with plan components; Alternative Nitrogen Management Strategies which include stormwater, fertilizer, shellfish propagation and wetland restoration projects. Conventional Nitrogen Management Strategy components include; nitrogen reducing I/A on site septic system program, municipal sewering and wastewater treatment. Stormwater and fertilizer management bring a Mass DEP 25%reduction allowance of nitrogen for best management practices and the fertilizer control bylaw.