10/16/2025 SEWER COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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Town of Mashpee Sewer Commission t 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 Select Board may need to authorize the submission to NEPA. He expects the NEPA review process could take around four months, given the required comment and revision cycles. He emphasized that the update does not delay any ongoing work since the 2015 plan remains active. The new plan, once certified, would align the town's efforts with current infrastructure and paving projects coordinated with DPW. Mr. Drainville reminded the Commission that the town's long-term objective is to achieve 75% compliance with the TMDL for both the Popponesset Bay and Waquoit Bay watersheds within roughly 20 years. The official timeline begins once the town receives its Watershed Permit, which is expected within the next four to five years. The Chair asked whether the Watershed Permit would be a joint effort with other towns or specific to Mashpee. Mr. Drainville explained that it could be handled either way: the town may apply individually or collaborate under a shared permit. It was noted that neighboring townsBarnstable, Falmouth, and Sandwich—have engaged in intermunicipal discussions, and clarification was needed on whether those towns might be included in a shared application. Mr. Drainville stated that all towns share the same compliance deadline, likely around 2029 or 2030, though some may pursue earlier permitting. Ms. Fisher added that while the towns cooperate under Intermunicipal Agreements (IMAs), each communityBarnstable, Sandwich, Falmouth, and Mashpee—is pursuing its own individual Watershed Permit. The Chair expressed appreciation for that clarification, emphasizing that collaboration remains essential, but the permits will be filed separately for efficiency and accountability. Mr. Drainville noted that the Waquoit Bay initiative has already been included in the town's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) since the prior year. The next study will continue evaluating recharge potential for both major watersheds. Once Phase Two is complete, there will be no remaining identified recharge area in the Popponesset Bay watershed, making the identification of additional capacity essential. For Popponesset Bay, the team aims to increase recharge rates at the existing sand bed site by proposing higher infiltration rates to the state. Early assessments suggest there may be capacity for one or two additional recharge stages. For Waquoit Bay, the currently identified recharge site is located at a considerable distance from the treatment facility. Mr. Drainville hopes to locate a site closer to the plant. However, one significant challenge is the presence of a PFAS plume (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination). This plume, though not prohibitive,presents regulatory hurdles. The state has indicated that the town will need to demonstrate specific protective measures before locating a recharge site within the affected area.