09/04/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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7 Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 w$XJI:YYF.µ'1 NOI 55 Redwood Circle, Edward & Rudite Pilpel. Proposed addition to existing dwelling, 43- remove septic system and replace with Title IV IA system,remove and rebuild retaining 3352 wall, and mitigation plantings. (Representative: BSS Design Inc.) (cont. 8.7) • Commissioners raised several concerns. Ms. Thornbrugh stressed that the application cannot move forward until Natural Heritage review is complete and questioned whether all disturbances had been properly accounted for under Regulation 33. She also raised concerns about mitigation placement, asking why no plantings were proposed along the pond side of the property. Mr. Bunker responded that the formal mitigation plan focused on the river, while the pond- side plantings were characterized as remedial rather than mitigation. He acknowledged that further justification may be necessary and agreed to add supporting language to the waiver request. • Ms. Thornbrugh requested that any waiver submission include a clear explanation if mitigation along the pond side is not pursued. Mr. Bunker noted that earlier filings may have stated the lawn would remain unchanged,but agreed to provide more justification in the waiver language. Discussion also turned to nitrogen compliance and septic upgrades. The proposed I/A system is expected to reduce nitrogen levels from approximately 35 ppm to 19 ppm, nearly a 50 percent reduction, which commissioners noted was a meaningful improvement given the property's proximity to both the pond and the river. • It was confirmed that the project would result in an increase in roof coverage, a slight reduction in paved surface, and a net decrease of roughly 200 square feet of natural vegetation. Commissioners suggested that this reduction could be offset by converting a portion of the lawn into natural vegetative cover. Ms. Thornbrugh further raised questions about Regulation 33's requirement for a 100-foot naturally vegetated buffer in riverfront areas, noting the regulation's language that vegetation must be "left undisturbed or provided." While the applicant's representative argued that the provision was intended for undeveloped sites, he agreed to strengthen the waiver justification to address the Commission's concerns. • The Commission also inquired about future potential connection to a municipal wastewater system. The applicant stated that such work could likely occur within an already disturbed area, such as the driveway, thereby minimizing regulatory impacts. Drew recommended particular focus on stabilizing the riverbank,which has shown erosion despite past restoration efforts. • At the conclusion of discussion,the applicant requested a continuance to October 9 to allow time for Natural Heritage review and further refinement of mitigation plantings and waiver justification. MOTION: To grant the continuance to October 9,2025. Motion by: Sarah Thornbrugh Seconded by: Sandi Godfrey Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. (Steve Cook, Sarah Thornbrugh, Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey) Page 17