08/21/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 The discussion then focused on controlling stormwater flowing down the driveway. Commissioners explored options such as constructing a berm at the street edge, creating swales, or using pervious materials at the end of the driveway to slow and disperse runoff before it reached the shoreline. Mr. Dibb noted practical limitations: about 12 feet of the driveway extended into the public right-of-way,requiring DPW or Highway Department approval for any berm installation, and regulations prohibited placing additional leaching structures within 25 feet of the septic system. Commissioners suggested a compromise: maintaining a mostly paved driveway for stability but incorporating a pervious strip of about four to six feet at the downstream end, near the shoreline, to absorb and disperse stormwater. Mr. Dibb agreed that this could be feasible but noted that final approval from the applicant and further design adjustments would be needed. 41 Seconsett Island Road—Hearing Continuance Consideration The Commission indicated that a continuance of the hearing might be necessary to finalize the design of the driveway and stormwater management system, including the pervious strip or alternative materials. Commissioners emphasized that aside from this issue, the project as proposed represented a significant improvement over the existing failing system, met regulatory requirements, and minimized nitrogen discharge given the lot's constraints. They noted that final confirmation of materials and minor design details would ensure both environmental protection and functional access while remaining within the bounds of feasible site modifications. Commissioners concluded the discussion regarding the septic system and driveway at 41 Seconsett Island Road. The consensus was that the project is essential to maintain the property's habitability and that any conditioning under the notice of intent should proceed. The main concern highlighted was protecting the leach field from erosion in the velocity zone, with gravel driveways posing a greater risk of scouring than runoff. A compromise was agreed upon: the driveway could remain mostly paved for stability, but a five-to six-foot pervious strip would be incorporated at the end closest to the shoreline. Additionally, tank covers would be anchored to prevent displacement during storm surges MOTION: To close and issue at 41 Seconsett Island Road with the condition of a five- to six-foot pervious strip would be incorporated at the end closest to the shoreline and tank covers would be anchored to prevent displacement during storm surges. Motion by: Richard Sahl Seconded by: Sandi Godfrey Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. (Steven Cook, Sarah Thornbrugh, Sandi Godfrey, Richard Sahl) 26