09/18/2025 SEWER COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Sewer Commission t 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 September 11, 2025, Resident Workshop Mr. Drainville summarized the workshop, noting a 40-minute presentation followed by over 50 resident questions covering topics such as the site layout, collection system, sidewalks, and groundwater flow. Only one comment was received,which was a commendation for the quality of the information provided. Additional sessions were scheduled for September 25, 2025, October 2, 2025, and October 16, 2025,with the intent of keeping residents fully informed as the project progresses. SRF Application and Upcoming Town Meeting Commissioners were reminded of upcoming deadlines, including the SRF application due October 3 and the town meeting article scheduled for October 20. It was confirmed that the article had already been prepared, submitted to the Select Board, approved, and reviewed by town counsel, ensuring procedural compliance ahead of the town meeting vote. Watershed Management Plan Update and Paving Coordination Attention then shifted to the watershed management plan update and the associated Notice of Project Change, which serves as a Massachusetts DEP requirement.The update builds upon the 2015 plan, and a draft was presented earlier in the year to gather feedback. Comments were primarily focused on Great Neck Road South and the need to coordinate with the Department of Public Works (DPW) on paving. Since road paving is performed annually with limited Chapter 90 funds, avoiding unnecessary disruptions is a key priority. Meetings with DPW Director Catherine Laurent were planned to ensure sewer construction is phased to avoid tearing up newly paved roads. A revised phasing map was presented, highlighting proposed changes. Originally, Phase 3 was scheduled for the Waquoit area, but due to recent paving, it is now being shifted to a light green area (on phasing map) in the central portion of town. Phase 4 is slated for the Great Neck Road South area,while Phase 5 would return to Waquoit.These adjustments respond both to the Sewer Commission's requests and the town's paving schedule,with further coordination meetings to be held with DPW. Watershed Permit Requirements and Timetable The Commission then reviewed the requirements for a watershed permit, which are closely tied to the watershed management plan. Mashpee previously submitted a Notice of Intent to file for a watershed permit, which exempted the town from entering a penalty phase.The official permit application is due by 2030.The updated plan reflects a new state requirement to achieve 70% nitrogen removal within 20 years, compared to the original 30-year timeline outlined in the 2015 plan. It was explained that progress will be reviewed every five years, beginning with the current assessment associated with the completion of Phase 1.The next formal review will likely be due around 2030, though it may occur earlier depending on construction progress. Commissioners expressed enthusiasm at the accelerated nitrogen removal schedule, acknowledging that ongoing monitoring would allow course corrections, as necessary. Waguoit Bay Recharge Evaluation Three separate studies have been underway for the past nine months. 1. The first concerns the Waquoit Bay Watershed Recharge Evaluation.A potential new site for effluent recharge has been identified, and the town secured grant funding to assist with the evaluation. Access rights are currently being sought,though challenges remain since the property is landlocked and requires tree clearing for direct access. Alternatives, such as entry through the military base, are being explored.