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 The team has been evaluating potential recharge sites and treatment facility locations. A preliminary assessment was completed on one high-priority property, but further fieldwork has been delayed due to access rights issues. The team is actively working to resolve those limitations so site analyses can proceed. He reported that a grant application has been submitted to the state for funding this work. A similar grant awarded last year supported recharge evaluations. The program allows retroactive reimbursement for work performed within the same fiscal year, though awards are often delayed until spring, leaving only a few months for completion before the fiscal year closes in June. The spring Town Meeting also included an article supporting this study. The main challenges ahead include mounding issues for Popponesset Bay and, for Waquoit Bay, both mounding and PFAS contamination. To illustrate the issue, Mr. Drainville presented a map showing town-owned properties with potential for recharge, overlaid with contamination data. The pink areas represent confirmed PFAS plumes, while yellow zones indicate presumed plumes. He noted that most identified sites fall within these zones. Although not a"showstopper,"the town must convince state regulators that any chosen site can safely and effectively accommodate recharge. He concluded this portion by emphasizing that addressing these environmental challenges is an active component of the ongoing study and will shape the next phase of the town's wastewater strategy. Discussion on PFAS Plume and Regional Impact Mr. Drainville continued his discussion on the PFAS plume, explaining that the contamination originates primarily from Joint Base Cape Cod. He noted that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)has not yet established a formal review or approval process for addressing PFAS-related recharge projects, which has created uncertainty and delays. Because of this lack of a defined path forward, his team began exploring alternative sites located outside of the PFAS plume area, even though those sites are significantly farther away. He emphasized that while the PFAS contamination presents a clear challenge, it is not considered a"showstopper." The work can continue,but it will likely require additional time and coordination to obtain state approvals. Commission Discussion on Water Quality Challenges and Recognition of Efforts Chair Harris acknowledged the magnitude of the challenges facing the town in addressing clean water issues. She commented that whether the issue lies with the available sites, the environmental conditions, or the recharge process itself, the complexity of balancing environmental integrity and project practicality remains immense. Ms. Harris stated that these