01/22/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 disturbance within the golf course easement is unavoidable. The revised plans now explicitly identify restoration areas within the easement,requiring replanting with native shrubs following construction. Plan Revisions and Site Improvements Mr. Ball explained that revisions included: • Addition of retaining wall elevations to better illustrate grade changes and visual impacts; • Inclusion of all proposed hardscaping (stairs,retaining walls) on the stamped site plan; • Addition of erosion control details; and • Clarification of restoration planting within areas disturbed during construction. Stormwater management improvements include two Coltec recharge systems designed to handle runoff from the roof and hardscaped areas, representing an effort to mitigate impacts associated with new development. Septic System and Nitrogen Concerns Commissioners raised significant questions regarding the proposed IA septic system,particularly whether the specified treatment unit met the required 19 mg/L nitrogen standard. One commissioner noted that the system model identified in the plans appeared to be a secondary treatment unit not approved for denitrification, and that a different model (e.g., DN-rated system) may be required. Additional concerns were raised regarding the nitrogen loading calculations, including whether assumptions related to driveway surface area and roof runoff were accurate. The applicant agreed that clarification from the system designer would be necessary and acknowledged that plan revisions might be required. Lawn Coverage and Regulatory Compliance A major issue discussed was lawn coverage within Conservation Commission jurisdiction. The narrative indicated that approximately 37% of the regulated area would be lawn, substantially exceeding the 10% maximum allowed under Regulation 31. Commissioners expressed concern that: • The percentage appeared inconsistent with what was shown on the plans; • Accurate calculations were needed; and • Any lawn area exceeding 10%would require a formal waiver request, including demonstration of compelling need, alternatives considered, and compensatory mitigation. While staff acknowledged the unusual context of a wetland bordered by an active golf course, commissioners emphasized that reduced lawn area minimizes nutrient inputs and cumulative impacts, regardless of surrounding land uses. Public Comment An abutter, Karen Blumberg of 22 Slice Way,provided detailed public comment expressing concerns regarding: • Stormwater runoff and erosion, given the steep slope between properties; • Potential dust and disruption during construction; • Adequacy of erosion controls; • Loss of privacy and vegetative screening compared to existing conditions; and • Desire for mature plantings, rather than small container stock, to maintain neighborhood character and reduce visual and environmental impacts. Staff suggested that a more detailed planting plan and additional narrative addressing runoff and erosion would be beneficial when the application returns, and noted that peer review could be considered to address grading and drainage concerns. 6