05/07/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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I Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Maslipee, MA 02649 MOTION: To continue 31 Nick Trail to May 21, 2026. Motion b Sandi Godfrey Seconded by: Seana Pitt Vote: Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Steve Cook,Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey, Seana Pitt NOI 68 Waterway, Robert C. & Beth Ann Junkin. Proposed demolition of the existing dwelling and reconstruction of a new flood compliant dwelling in the same footprint. (Representative: Cape & Islands Engineering, Inc.) (cont. 4.23) 43- 3413 The applicant's representative reviewed revisions made in response to prior Commission comments, including incorporation of record groundwater elevation data associated with the existing septic system, redesign of the proposed dry well system to provide greater separation to groundwater, reduction of lawn areas within jurisdictional areas, updated nitrogen loading calculations, removal of a proposed shed, and shifting of the proposed house farther from the water in order to offset the addition of stairs required for building code compliance. It was further stated that existing stone walkways would be reduced and replaced with a single walkway, while the existing gravel driveway would remain unchanged. Discussion focused extensively on lawn calculations, groundwater elevations, stormwater management, and nitrogen loading calculations associated with the project. Clarification was provided regarding differences between lawn calculations used for nitrogen loading analyses and calculations used for compliance with local lawn area limitations under Regulation 31. Questions were also raised regarding the basis for the groundwater elevation data used in designing the revised dry well system and whether sufficient supporting documentation had been provided. Commissioners requested additional drainage calculations and stormwater design information, including contributing roof areas, infiltration rates, design storm calculations, and drawdown analyses, noting that such information should become standard submittal material for future projects. Additional discussion addressed inconsistencies in the project narrative regarding whether the property was located within a Zone 11 wellhead protection area. It was stated that the narrative incorrectly indicated the property was not located within such an area, while GIS mapping confirmed that the property was located within a wellhead protection zone associated with the Town's drinking water supply. Concern was expressed regarding cumulative groundwater impacts and nitrogen loading levels in relation to local groundwater protection regulations. Discussion also addressed broader concerns regarding protection of drinking water resources, evolving regulatory standards, and the need for consistent application of nitrogen-related review criteria among projects appearing before the Commission. Commissioners further discussed deficiencies in existing site landscaping and previously approved mitigation plantings associated with an earlier 2007 approval for the property. It was stated that portions of the previously approved planting plan had not been implemented and that existing conditions included minimal vegetation and an unauthorized fire pit and seating area adjacent to the bulkhead. Discussion occurred regarding requiring restoration of the prior approved planting areas as a condition of approval. Additional discussion addressed whether certain drainage and planting issues could be addressed through conditions or whether further information should be provided before the Commission made a decision on the application. Further discussion focused on how the Commission should evaluate cumulative adverse impacts, consistency among prior project approvals, and balancing environmental improvements against existing noncompliant conditions. It was stated that while the proposed project represented a substantial improvement over existing conditions, Commissioners remained obligated to evaluate whether the applicant had demonstrated compliance with local regulations governing cumulative adverse impacts to groundwater resources. It was