08/28/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 Alternative nitrogen reduction measures were discussed, including nitrogen-fixing ground cover, such as clover or legumes, as substitutes for traditional lawns. Mr. Kent noted that while clover fixes nitrogen, the effect is temporary and depends on regular maintenance and overseeding, which homeowners are unlikely to do reliably. As a result, septic system management remains a more significant factor in nitrogen control than vegetation. He also addressed other alternative systems like composting toilets and greywater systems. While these have been successfully implemented in larger institutional buildings (e.g., libraries and visitor centers), current Massachusetts regulations do not permit tight tanks or composting toilets for residential use within green watershed areas. Mr. McManus highlighted that for such systems to be feasible on a larger scale, sufficient maintenance infrastructure and disposal services must be available. Mr. Colombo suggested that the Commission invite Brian Horsley of MASSTC to a future quarterly meeting. He explained that Mr. Horsley had recently given a presentation at a Citizens for Protection of Aquia(n) Bay meeting, which Mr. Colombo attended about three weeks earlier, and that the presentation had been "eye-opening" in terms of new developments in wastewater and nitrogen-reduction technology. Mr. Colombo highlighted that one of the most promising innovations Mr. Horsley is involved with is urine diversion systems. He emphasized the significance of this approach, noting that approximately 85% of nitrogen in wastewater originates in urine. By diverting urine before it enters the septic stream, most of the nitrogen problem could effectively be eliminated. Mr. Colombo stated that if urine diversion were widely implemented, "we'd be all set" and nitrogen limits would become far less of a concern. However, he cautioned that while the technology exists and pilot programs are already underway including one in Falmouth the state has been slow to act. Regulatory approval and broader adoption have not kept pace with the urgency of the problem, which he described as "not happening quick enough." He reinforced the value of having Mr. Horsley present to the Commission, since he could share up-to-date information on pilot programs, emerging technologies, and possible pathways for local application. Mr. Colombo also recalled that urine diversion had been discussed at the Save Waquoit Bay Annual Meeting a couple of weeks earlier, further underscoring that this is not an untested or fringe idea but a developing area with credible scientific support. Discussion • Commissioner Status: Status for Full-Time vs Associate Member The Commission reviewed the current composition of its membership, focusing on the distinction between full- time and associate members and the implications for voting, quorum, and project review responsibilities. Commissioners noted that full-time members are expected to attend all meetings,participate actively in project deliberations, and hold full voting rights, whereas associate members are typically called upon to fill in when full- time members are absent and may have more limited engagement in subcommittees or decision-making processes. It was clarified that associate members do have voting rights when acting in place of full-time members, but their engagement should include sufficient orientation and training to ensure that votes are informed by Commission standards and regulatory guidance. Commissioners agreed on the importance of clear communication regarding expectations, responsibilities, and procedural rules for both full-time and associate members to prevent confusion during meetings or project deliberations.