09/18/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 NOI 8 Taffrail Way, John Cullen. Proposed Septic System Upgrade and Mitigation. (Representative: Marsh Matters Environmental) 43- 3368 • Represented by Peter McEntee of Engineering Works with Mike Ball of Marsh Matters Environmental. The project proposed a septic system upgrade with mitigation.Mr.McEntee reminded the Commission that a prior RDA had resulted in a positive determination,requiring the NOI now under review. • He presented a revised plan based on Commission concerns from the earlier hearing. While the system component-treatment unit,pump chamber,and leaching system—remained in the same location,the design was modified to a singular treatment system and a drip dispersal leaching field to minimize grade changes and ensure uniform effluent distribution. The tanks were anchored with extended concrete bases to prevent flotation, addressing Mr. Colombo's earlier concerns about buoyancy. • Mr.Ball described the mitigation plan,which slightly exceeded requirements.Planting would include sweet pepperbushes in upland areas and high-tide bush closer to the wetland resource area, filling in understory and mulched areas around the house. Approximately 3,202 square feet of mitigation planting would be provided.Photos of the planting areas were submitted. • Commissioners asked technical questions. Mr. Colombo inquired about the three-foot minimum separation to groundwater noted in the plan.Mr. McEntee explained that this separation is allowed under the approved septic technology without a variance from the Board of Health. The drip dispersal system uses half-inch tubing with emitters that distribute small amounts of water uniformly, minimizing the impact on groundwater. He added that the design would require little, if any, grading changes to the topography. • The Commission also discussed landscaping around the leaching system, with Mr. McEntee noting his intent to establish a lawn mix prescribed by the Commission in the five-foot perimeter surrounding the leaching area and over the septic tanks. • Commissioners discussed whether the leaching system could be shifted farther from the 75-foot buffer of the salt marsh. Mr. McEntee explained that moving it would require another variance from the Board of Health and could interfere with the water service line. He also noted that reconfiguring the system would force it into an area with more trees, which he hoped to avoid. Commissioners accepted the explanation, acknowledging that the proposed location minimized tree removal. • Members praised the mitigation plan, which exceeded requirements by over 600 square feet, filling open areas currently covered in mulch and creating a stronger vegetated buffer. One tree, approximately eight inches in diameter, would need removal near the southern side of the soil absorption system,but this was offset by the surplus mitigation. When asked,Mr.McEntee confirmed the nitrogen reduction figure for the project would be 11.4 ppm. MOTION: To close and issue an Order of Conditions for 8 Taffrail Way including one condition requiring a one-year mitigation and monitoring contract. Discussion: Mr. Colombo asked about the anchorage of the septic system. Mr. McEntee further explained that the septic tanks were anchored with extended concrete bases — six-inch flanges around each tank— designed so that, even if fully submerged, the tanks would not float. Motion by: Richard Sahl Seconded by: Sandi Godfrey Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. (Steven Cook, Sandi Godfrey, Paul Colombo, Richard Sahl)