09/18/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 NOI 80 Summersea Road, Jennifeer Lieban. Proposed Septic System Upgrade (Representative: Falmouth Engineering) 43- 3365 • Represented by Mike Borselli of Falmouth Engineering. He explained that the proposal was limited to replacing a failed system with a Title V-compliant system including an innovative/alternative (IA) denitrifying component. The lot contained a three-bedroom house with a detached garage and no lawn; all surfaces were bark mulch, naturalized areas, or gravel driveway. • The existing leaching pit failed due to proximity to groundwater and because such designs are no longer permitted. The proposal included removing the old leaching pit and 1,500-gallon tank, replacing them with a new leaching system, new 1,500-gallon tank, and denitrifying IA system, all within previously disturbed areas between the house and road. The Board of Health had already approved the plan,including relief to reduce the front yard setback to five feet,moving the system farther from the wetland. Nitrogen loading calculations showed that the IA system would reduce discharge from 15 ppm (a compliant Title V system) to just over 5 ppm, a two-thirds reduction. • Mr. Borselli acknowledged that his earlier plan version had omitted a limit of work line but confirmed that it appeared on the submitted plan. Commissioners complimented them for catching the issue. He concluded that the design placed the system as far from resources as possible and would deliver significant water quality benefits. • Commissioners expressed broad support, noting the reduced nitrogen loading as a major benefit. • Mr. Sahl asked about erosion controls, and Mr. Borselli confirmed hay bales would be used rather than silt fencing. Rich also asked whether disturbed vegetation would be restored, and Mr. Borselli confirmed it would be replaced with similar ground covers and mulch. • The Commission briefly discussed whether staking was necessary. Mr. Kent explained it was at the Commission's discretion, though in straightforward cases like this, leeway was often granted. Commissioners agreed it was not critical here. MOTION: To close and issue an Order of Conditions for 80 Summersea Road with conditions including hay bales and erosion controls and vegetation restoration. Discussion: The commission confirmed conditions for the project requiring hay bales around the limit of work, replanting with mulch and ground cover, and restoring the front shrubs rather than lawn. It was recommended that the area be replanted as a horticultural bed, consistent with its current state,especially since the property is for sale. Motion by: Richard Sahl Seconded by: Sandi Godfrey Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. (Steven Cook, Sandi Godfrey, Paul Colombo, Richard Sahl)