07/17/2025 SEWER COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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Town of Mashpee Sewer Commission t 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 Chair Harris emphasized that: • Phosphorus reduction was not originally included in the town's remediation targets or the DEP's nitrogen-centric mandates. • Thanks to innovative planning,the town is now expanding its reach to address freshwater ecosystem health as well. • The town elected to pursue a watershed permit system (rather than require each homeowner to install expensive innovative/alternative (IA) septic systems). • Under this permit system,the town has a 20-year horizon to reduce nitrogen loads by 70%, which is a significant long-term achievement that would otherwise fall on individual residents. Reflections on Progress and Inter-Municipal Collaboration • The issue of water impairment on Cape Cod has been documented since the 1970s,with Mashpee being no exception. • The town's major watersheds—Popponesset and Waquoit—are being addressed in succession, with active collaboration underway through inter-municipal agreements involving: o Mashpee o Falmouth o Barnstable o Sandwich • This cooperative approach is essential for effective environmental remediation across shared water bodies. Chair Harris remarked that while some ponds now experience temporary closures due to contamination, such as South Cape Beach, increased monitoring and testing now enables rapid reassessment and response. TransparencV and Commitment to Resident Concerns Acknowledging the public concerns raised earlier in the meeting, it was emphasized: • While the project brings major environmental benefits, it must be balanced against resident quality of life, especially those living near planned infrastructure sites. • There is a dedicated staff working continuously to ensure both the functionality of the treatment plant and the alignment of the project with resident needs. • The town remains committed to transparent decision-making, responsive communication, and continuous improvement. Clear Water Inspection Approval and Connection Status Clear Water Inspection Approval, which stemmed from the DEP letter dated June 8th. This letter formally authorized the town to: • Open the wastewater treatment facility • Allow licensed contractors to begin work • Enable homeowners to begin connecting to the sewer system Chair Harris asked Jared Meader(Wastewater Superintendent)for an update on actual connection activity. Mr. Meader reported: • There are 20 licensed contractors currently approved. • As of 20 minutes before the meeting,the town had received 63 permit submissions from residents.