04/16/2026 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) The Commission briefly discussed ongoing water quality efforts. Staff noted that restoration projects and related initiatives remained ongoing.No further discussion occurred. • GHD to present Phase 3 soil boring Marc Drainville of GHD presented a request for permission to conduct a single soil boring on a Town-owned parcel within the Waquoit Bay watershed to evaluate its suitability as a future effluent recharge site. He explained that the site, identified in the 2015 Comprehensive Wastewater Plan, consists of four parcels and would receive treated effluent from a proposed nearby wastewater treatment facility, with flows pumped to the recharge location. Mr. Drainville stated that the purpose of the soil boring is to evaluate subsurface conditions and determine whether the site is appropriate for recharge, including analysis of underlying soils, groundwater elevation, and potential groundwater mounding that may occur when effluent is introduced. He noted that additional factors, including wetland resource areas and environmental constraints, would also be evaluated as part of the broader feasibility review, and that the boring is one component of that process.He explained that access to the site would be gained using existing dirt roads and trails, including areas near sandy clearings and along an existing path adjacent to the Joint Base boundary. No live trees would be removed, and only minor clearing of fallen trees within existing roads and trails may be necessary to allow access. Mr. Drainville further explained that, if the site proves suitable, the recharge system would consist of discharging treated effluent into a subsurface sand bed designed to allow infiltration directly into the ground, with no standing water. He indicated that discharge rates would be well below the soil percolation capacity. He also noted that the groundwater table at the site is approximately 50 feet below grade, and that the proposed soil boring would extend to a depth of approximately 65 feet to fully evaluate subsurface conditions. Public Comment Sue Dangle, Chair of the Mashpce Freshwater Ponds Committee, introduced herself and Diane Phillips and stated that the Committee is preparing a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) application for a diagnostic study of Johns Pond and Moody Pond. She explained that the study is intended to evaluate hydrology and water quality conditions in the area, noting that Johns Pond does not currently have an active diagnostic assessment and that the proximity of Moody Pond makes a combined study appropriate. Ms. Dangle stated that the Committee plans to attend future meetings periodically to remain engaged with the Commission and requested its support for the forthcoming CPC application. In response to a question from the Commission, Ms. Dangle indicated that the proposed study would be generally supportive of the GHD soil boring effort by helping to better understand hydrology and effluent movement in the area. She noted that such studies are typically coordinated through the Town's water quality program and performed by the School for Marine Science and Technology at UMass Dartmouth. Ms. Dangle also stated that the Committee supports the proposed soil boring and will be submitting a letter of support for an upcoming Notice of Intent related to aluminum sulfate treatment at Ashumet Pond. MOTION: To approve soil boring for GHD at the site. Motion bv: Sandi Godfrey Seconded by: Richard Sahl Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. (Steve Cook, Sarah Thornbrugh,Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey,Richard Sahl, Seana Pitt) 2