08/21/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 The Chair asked Mr. McEntee several clarifying questions about site grading. The Chair observed discrepancies between the proposed finished grade elevations—listed around 6.8 feet—and higher spot grades noted at 7.6 and 8.3 feet, as well as a lower point at 5.57 feet. Mr. McEntee explained that the site contained a natural swale sloping down toward an existing shed. While he had originally hoped to raise the shed and eliminate that depression, the homeowner insisted on leaving it in place. To manage the grade difference, Mr. McEntee proposed installing two eight-inch railroad ties as a small retaining structure, with approximately twelve inches of visible height, to step down toward the shed. He noted that the leaching field could be adjusted slightly closer to the BioClear unit if conditions in the field allowed, but he avoided drawing that adjustment on the plan because he did not want to compromise the unit's structural integrity. When asked whether the wall already existed, Mr. McEntee confirmed it did not—it was a proposed feature. The Chair then asked if the wall could be raised higher to increase the overall grade and elevate the leaching field. Mr. McEntee responded that he had intentionally kept the wall low to maintain an even slope and reduce the risk of breakout at the end of the leaching area. A higher wall would require additional reinforcement or deadmen supports, which he could not place beneath the leaching field. The Chair suggested that adding an additional lift of tiesraising the wall from two to three courses—might help, but Mr. McEntee replied that doing so could increase the breakout elevation and potentially cause effluent to escape through the wall, given its proximity to the leaching system. He reiterated that maintaining stability and avoiding breakout was his priority. The Chair agreed and thanked him for clarifying. MOTION: For a negative determination at 68 Whippoorwill Circle. Motion by: Richard Sahl Seconded by: Sandi Godfrey Vote: Motion passed. Aye: Steven Cook, Sandi Godfrey, Richard Sahl Nay: Sarah Thornbrugh, Paul Colombo RDA 8 Taffrail Way, John Cullen. Proposed Septic System Upgrade. (Representative: Engineering Works, Inc.) Peter McEntee of Engineering Works presented the next application on behalf of John Cullen for 8 Taffrail Way. He described the property as having severe space constraints, with the only feasible location for the new system being where the existing one currently sat. A nearby water service line limited placement options further. Mr. McEntee explained that the Board of Health had reviewed the proposal the previous evening and granted approval, contingent upon minor plan revisions. The revised plan would relocate the leaching field slightly—about three feet closer to the front property lineto maintain at least a fifty-foot setback from the top of the coastal bank. Additionally, the secondary treatment technology would change from a two-compartment tank to either a MicroFAST or Singulair system, depending on availability and site fit. The applicant requested a 25%reduction in the required leaching area and a two-foot reduction from groundwater separation both allowable under the Board of Health's innovative/alternative (IA) system provisions. Mr. McEntee noted that the homeowners were under contract to sell their house and were under significant pressure to complete the upgrade before closing. He emphasized that the redesigned layout would move the leaching field farther from the resource area while preserving surrounding trees. Only one six-inch oak near the leaching area would need to be removed,while a larger fourteen-inch oak at the corner could likely remain. With the proposed two-foot reduction,he anticipated a 6