07/18/2005 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Prepared by: Don Myers July 18, 2005 DCPC Overview: The Mashpee Planning Board has outlined in the town-wide DCPC proposal that the purpose (response to Question 10) is to "plan and craft implementing regulations that will (1) address the problems caused by excessive nutrient loading to our water resources, and (2) pursue solutions for the restoration of our State-designated impaired waterways." The Board also states, "After exploring possible ways and means for moving these needed actions forward, we determined that the best tool available to us is the DCPC" In response to Question 9, regarding technical studies that are currently ongoing related to the proposed district, the Board cites several studies that the Mashpee Sewer Commission, Cape Cod Commission and State of Massachusetts has undertaken and are currently ongoing that relate(1)the removal of nitrogen from the watersheds, (2)waste water discharge, (3)total maximum daily nitrogen loading and (4)innovative practices in watershed-wide permitting and nutrient trading. The results of these studies are anticipated to help provide a framework and guidance to Mashpee regarding viable options in addressing some water resource issues. In response to Question 13 regarding what would be gained through the use of a DCPC, the Board response is"a cooperative effort among town boards and commissions, working under the structured and focused process that this DCPC provides, will result in establishing protective regulations and restoration measures..." In response to Question 16 regarding specific goals of the DCPC the Board has outlined 12 potential actions/options that may be taken. In addition to zoning by-law changes, the actions outlined entail changes and/or additions to Board of Health, Conservation Commission and Planning Board regulations. My Comments: I believe that the Mashpee Planning Board should be commended for the time, effort and thought that they have put into preparing this District of Critical Planning Concern nomination. The concerns and objectives highlighted in the nomination are worthy of the Town's utmost focus and attention. However, without a unified coalition of various town boards and surrounding communities working together toward a common goal and along with the technical insight and planning that is expected from the studies currently in processes that are outlined in the DCPC, I believe that the objectives of this nomination will fail to be accomplished.