12/11/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 Discussion: (Public Comment solicited for each discussion - *3 minutes per comment) • Water Quality: Issues and initiatives (ongoing discussion item) • GHD: Grinder pump permitting for sewers project **Discussion by Mr. Colombo addressed a concern raised by a resident requesting his recusal from discussions and votes related to 0 Gunters Lane and adjacent conservation lands. Mr. Colombo stated that he consulted with the State Ethics Commission, the Town Manager, and KP Law regarding the matter. He reported that no conflict of interest exists and that,pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 23(b)(3), he filed a disclosure of appearance of conflict of interest, which is on file with the Town Clerk. Mr. Colombo stated that he would not recuse himself and would participate fully in the discussion and any resulting votes in his capacity as a Conservation Commissioner.** Marc Drainville of GHD,joined by Jared Meader, Wastewater Superintendent,presented an overview of the proposed grinder pump installations associated with the Town's ongoing sewer project designed to meet nitrogen TMDL requirements. The project involves a subsurface wastewater treatment and collection system located north of Wake Pond and is currently in the design phase. Mr. Drainville reviewed mapped resource areas, including the 150-foot buffer zones for nearby ponds, as well as a vernal pool within the project area. He explained that the only anticipated impacts would be within buffer zones,related to the installation of grinder pumps and utility service lines connecting individual homes to the main sewer infrastructure. The main sewer lines would be located within the roadway, with service laterals extending toward residences, some of which would enter buffer zones. The applicants requested concurrence from the Commission on the appropriate permitting pathway, noting their belief that a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) could be sufficient. Commissioners raised concerns based on prior consensus that sewer projects involving buffer zone disturbance should generally proceed under Notices of Intent(NOIs) and discussed the complexity of permitting work that crosses multiple private properties. It was clarified that, as part of the project, the Town proposes to install, own, operate, and maintain the grinder pumps on private properties. Mr. Meader explained that this approach allows costs to be included in the State Revolving Fund(SRF) financing, reducing the financial burden on individual homeowners—particularly given the long, narrow lot configurations that could otherwise require costly private installations. The work would extend close to residences, with homeowners responsible only for the final connection. Commission members discussed whether individual homeowners would need to file separate permits. Staff and consultants suggested a single NOI covering the overall project, with administrative approvals for individual grinder pump connections, particularly where work occurs within buffer zones or resource areas. This approach was viewed as balancing regulatory oversight with efficiency and minimizing unnecessary burden on residents. Following discussion, the Commission reached consensus (without a formal vote) to proceed with one NOI for the main sewer project, coupled with administrative approvals for individual grinder pump hookups. Commissioners further agreed that any individual connections involving sensitive resource areas or buffer zones should be brought before the Commission for review, and that sufficient site documentation or sketches would be provided for each property. 2