02/05/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 NOI 17& 23 Alma Road, Kevin W. Gaffney & Karen Flynn Trustees. Proposed swimming pool and cabana project. (Representative: Strong Tree Engineering) (cont. 1.22) 43- 3397 John McGrath, senior wetland scientist with Strong Tree Engineering, presented a Notice of Intent on behalf of Clancy Construction and the Gaffney Family Trust for proposed improvements. The project includes construction of an approximately 800-square-foot swimming pool, a 600-square-foot cabana with bathroom, and associated patio area located east of the existing dwelling. The owner previously purchased and combined an adjoining lot to accommodate the project. No increase in septic flow is proposed; wastewater from the cabana would be conveyed via a force main back to the existing septic system serving the house. Mr. McGrath described several wetland resource areas associated with the site, including wetlands to the west and south of the proposed work, an inland/coastal bank associated with the adjacent flood zone, and an isolated wetland confirmed to function as a vernal pool, where salamander egg masses were observed. Based on field investigations conducted throughout multiple seasons, the vernal pool was determined to be groundwater- fed. The applicant proposes to seek certification of the vernal pool to ensure it is formally mapped and protected. The proposed mitigation plan includes debris removal and ecological restoration near the vernal pool, replacement tree plantings at defined ratios, posting of"no dumping" and sensitive area signage, and installation of a wildlife passage structure beneath the driveway to facilitate amphibian movement between habitats. Additional mitigation areas include restoration of temporarily disturbed access areas and replanting with native vegetation. Stormwater runoff from the pool, cabana, and patio would be collected through trench drains and directed to two dry wells, with temporary construction access managed using mud mats or wood mats to minimize disturbance. Commissioners raised a number of substantive concerns, including the need for a waiver request for work within buffer zones, clarification of cumulative and permanent disturbance calculations, adequacy and detail of the mitigation and planting plans (including understory vegetation), stormwater design relative to high groundwater conditions, erosion control measures, and the scale and siting of the pool and cabana within a largely wooded area. Several Commissioners questioned whether the project could be reconfigured closer to the existing dwelling to reduce impacts and mitigation requirements. Additional discussion focused on the wildlife passage design, pool excavation depth in relation to groundwater, and the need for clearer construction profiles and stormwater details. Abutters expressed concerns regarding erosion, flooding, runoff, and visual impacts, particularly given that some neighboring properties are located at lower elevations and experience ongoing flooding. A letter from abutters documenting these concerns, along with photographs of roadway flooding, was read into the record. In response, the applicant acknowledged the Commission's comments and indicated a willingness to revise the plans,provide additional detail, and further evaluate design alternatives and mitigation. The applicant requested, and the Commission granted, a continuance to February 19, 2026, to allow time to address the outstanding issues and submit revised materials for further review. MOTION: To approve requested continuance for 17 & 23 Alma Road to February 19, 2026. Motion by: Sandi Godfrey Seconded by: Richard Sahl Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. (Steve Cook, Sarah Thorbrugh, Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey, Seana Pitt,Richard Sahl) 7