Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes
December 6, 2007
Present: Don Myers, Edward Baker, Beverly Kane,
Ralph Marcelli, Richard York
Absent: Lyle Hasley, Ted Theis
Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Myers at 7:00 p.m.
Town Hall, Conference Room #1
MINUTES:
Thursday, October 11, 2007:
Agenda topic, next meeting.
Thursday, November 8, 2007:
The minutes were revised to reflect on page four and five. The amended submission was disseminated to the EOC Committee and Town Clerk.
Motion made by Mr. Marcelli to approve the minutes of November 8, 2007 as amended.
Motion seconded by Mr. Baker.
VOTE: Unanimous.
Mr. York abstained.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Bill Martiros, Cranberry Avenue indicated that he was advised by the Board of Selectmen to attend the EOC Meeting to garner information regarding the water quality of the Mashpee ponds. Mr. Martiros stated that there has been little information on John’s and Ashumet Ponds since the 1978 study.
In response, the EOC agreed to devote the February 14, 2008 meeting to discuss issues regarding the water quality of the ponds.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Mr. Baker distributed a Pond Health Project interim report prepared by the Mashpee Environmental Coalition (MEC) dated November 2007 that would be a topic of discussion at the February meeting. The report encompasses pond data collected during the past five years. It provides a preliminary review to assist with the definition and health of the Mashpee ponds.
Mr. York indicated that he has compiled water quality data that would be posted on the Town’s web site for additional review. Also, further information on the treatment and control of measures pertaining to aquatic weeds would be discussed at the February water quality meeting.
It was agreed the monitoring of water bodies may become a future focus of the volunteer stewardship program.
NEW BUSINESS:
David Delvecchio – Director of Information Technology:
David Delvecchio, the Town’s Director of Information Technology (IT) was in attendance to discuss the innovative use of technology for environmental monitoring.
Mr. Delvecchio distributed information to the EOC relative to emerging technologies and trends in video surveillance. Recent technology advancements have transformed surveillance software to actively scan through video connections to monitor and detect activities that are event driven or by continuous monitoring.
Wireless IP video connectivity has improved to expand the scope to increase the range and transfer rate of wireless signals.
Mr. Delvecchio discussed the flexi-video, a transportable wireless unit that is self contained and has the ability to be deployed within minutes. There is a wireless link for local or remote access that is supported by battery backup. Multiple monitoring station options are also available for the comprehensive video unit.
Discussion followed regarding the use of video surveillance as a crime prevention measure and for environmental review purposes. The use of video surveillance technology was considered a beneficial effort for the Transfer Station to assist and improve recycling measures. It was agreed the potential for video connectivity would be further discussed with Catherine Laurent the Assistant Director of Public Works.
With regards to the video monitoring of recyclables at the Transfer Station, it was noted a base station is in place at a site location near the Department of Public Works facility. The core base structure is within range for wireless IP video connectivity at the Transfer Station. It was noted the band encompasses a 60 degree wedge of area at a distance of approximately seven miles.
In addition to the review of environmentally sensitive lands, the use of video surveillance was considered as a beneficial option to observe wildlife activities, water quality issues and tide information, etc.
Definitive cost estimates for recommended video surveillance technology would be further reviewed by the IT Director to ensure its compatibility. With further information and authorization, it was agreed a future proposal would be submitted to the MCAT to request funding.
Updates from Members:
The Mashpee Environmental Club attended the School Committee’s November meeting. The newly formed club has initiated several projects which include the sale of energy efficient light bulbs, increased recycling bins, and replacing styrofoam containers with bio-degradable products. The club recently conducted a clean-up at the Popponessett Spit and will participate in clean-up projects on Earth Day during spring break. The Mashpee Environmental Coalition contributed $100 to the Environmental Club to assist in their endeavors. It was agreed the Mashpee Environmental Club would be invited to attend a future meeting of the EOC.
The EOC meets on the second Thursday of the month with the exception of January 17, 2008. Agenda topics were defined for the following meetings;
January 17, 2008 – Waterways Commission
February 14, 2008 – Water Quality of Ponds
March 13, 2008 – Mashpee Environmental Club (tentative)
The Water Quality of the Ponds was included as an additional action item of the EOC. Items of note include the Mashpee River dredging, a topic to be discussed in January with the Waterways Commission. The EOC was in receipt of correspondence from Jim Hanks, advisor to the WWC dated November 20, 2007 relative to dredging scenarios.
The action item relative to combining the Water District and Sewer Commission is awaiting results from the final plan that would recommend both facilities and management options. Cost estimates would be more definitive with the completion of a facilities plan next summer. Mr. Baker requested the Chair email to the EOC, the technology screening report Chapter 7, non-wastewater, nitrogen reduction alternatives be reviewed for future discussion.
Discussion followed regarding the Mashpee High School wastewater treatment facility. It was noted there are pending issues relative to the certification requirements pertaining to the discharge permit issued by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Earth Tech, an environmental firm is currently reviewing the potential to revise the Zone II boundaries impacting the MHS discharge facility.
With reference to the action item relative to the Town-wide stormwater management plan, it was noted the Planning Board is expected to discuss this topic at their December meeting. Of particular note is an upcoming seminar sponsored by the DEP regarding regulatory revisions to stormwater management. Ms. Kane indicated that she will attend one of the presentations to explore topics of discussion which include amendments, jurisdiction and legal requirements.
It was agreed that Lindsay Counsell of the Town of Barnstable would be consulted to discuss if any Barnstable effort was anticipated or in process related to the Santuit Pond algae/phosphorus problem. The updated information would be disseminated to EOC members via email.
With regards to the formation of a Land Steward Program, the application for the program provided by the Mashpee Environmental Coalition was disseminated to members of the EOC. A list of Land Steward volunteers to date was also distributed. The Conservation Commission is taking the leadership role to determine the action that should be taken by the volunteer group. It was noted the Conservation Commission is moving forward with the intent to cover all lands within Mashpee under the Land Steward Program. The EOC recommended the program begin as soon as possible to maintain the volunteer group and initiate the monitoring program.
As discussed, the use of video equipment will be presented to the DPW for use at the Transfer Station to assist in monitoring and improving the recycling program. The Board of Health is noted to be enforcing recycling with the private haulers who are up for license renewal in January.
Two EOC members are presently working on information to be presented to the MMR regarding the phosphorus in Ashumet Pond. The report is expected to be completed this month and will be presented to the Town Manager prior to submission to the MMR.
Next Meeting:
Thursday, January 17, 2008 – 7:00 p.m.
Conference Room #1 – Mashpee Town Hall
Agenda: Waterways Commission
Mashpee River Dredging, Modeling Report
Adjournment:
Motion made by Ms. Kane to adjourn at 9:08 p.m.
Motion seconded by Mr. Baker.
VOTE: Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
EOC Committee Secretary
| 
