08/21/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 regardless and would provide additional information where possible,but he might not be able to produce the full set of long-range sea-level data requested within the short time frame before the next hearing. 8 Taffrail Way—Discussion of Mitigation and Continuance The discussion shifted to site vegetation and mitigation planning. Commissioners noted that significant plantings, including poison ivy, shrubs, and a large evergreen, would need to be removed to install the system. Mr. McEntee acknowledged this and agreed to provide a more detailed planting and mitigation plan for the areas between the septic system and the buffer zone, ensuring no roots interfere with the leaching system. The Commission and Mr. McEntee agreed that a continuance of one hearing, set for September 4th, was appropriate to allow for these revisions. Commissioners reiterated that while future sea level rise and flooding should be considered, current decisions must primarily comply with regulatory language and existing conditions. Mr. McManus noted that applicants should know whether they are proceeding under an RDA or if an NOI would be required. Mr. Larsson emphasized that Reg 25 requires consideration of scientific data, such as the Morris Data Viewer and Cape Cod Commission baselines, to evaluate flood risk, noting that anchoring tanks and related structures may be necessary to prevent future failures. Commissioners discussed the distinction between speculation and scientific probability,highlighting the importance of proactive design measures. Consensus among the commissioners determined that, given the variances requested and the proximity to resource areas, a Notice of Intent(NOI) would be required for this project under Reg 25. This decision overrode the original RDA filing, meaning the applicant must return with an NOI for review. MOTION: For a positive determination for RDA and a NOI is required at 8 Taffrail Way. Motion by: Sandi Godfrey Seconded by: Sarah Thornbrugh Vote: Motion passed. Aye: Paul Colombo, Sarah Thornbrugh, Sandi Godfrey Nay: Steven Cook, Richard Sahl) RDA 183 Monomoscoy Road, Karen Grossman. Proposed I/A septic system upgrade. (Representative : Engineering Works, Inc.) The current system was identified as failing, and a new system was proposed. The property is located in flood zone AE, elevation 11, with the backyard above flood elevation. The site lies outside the 150-foot buffers to Hamlin Pond and the Great River salt marsh but within 150 feet of the coastal bank on the Great River. The proposed system is a gravity system with a sledgehammer configuration. Variances were requested from the Board of Health for distances between the soil absorption system, septic tank, and cellar wall; there was no reduction in groundwater separation. One twin oak tree would need to be removed, and Ms. Thornbrugh confirmed that the compelling need for the project was a failed cesspool. This project is also filed under the new Regulation 25, and exceedance levels had been calculated for this property as part of the assessment. The commissioners reviewed additional technical details for the 183 Monomoscoy Road septic system project. Mr. McEntee noted that while the site's flood elevations were not as severe as Taffrail Way, water depths could reach approximately three feet, with spot grades ranging from 12 to 13 feet, compared to the flood elevation of I I feet. The system itself would sit at roughly 12 to 12.9 feet. He also explained that the 8