Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes
January 17, 2008
Present: Don Myers, Ed Baker, Beverly Kane, Ted Theis,
Ralph Marcelli, Richard York
Absent: Lyle Hasley
Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Myers at 7:02 p.m.
Town Hall, Conference Room #1
MINUTES:
Tuesday, October 11, 2007:
The minutes were deferred to the next meeting.
Thursday, December 6, 2007:
The minutes were amended as follows;
Page 4: fourth paragraph last sentence to read: Mr. Baker requested the Chair email to the EOC, the technology screening report, Chapter 7, non-wastewater, nitrogen reduction alternatives to be reviewed for future discussion.
With regards to the technology screening report, it was noted the file is too large to remit to the Committee electronically. A hard copy will be distributed to the EOC Committee at the next meeting.
Page 5: second paragraph to read: It was agreed that Lindsey 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.
Motion made by Mr. Baker to approve the minutes of Thursday, December 6, 2007 as modified.
Motion seconded by Ms. Kane.
VOTE: Unanimous.
Mr. Theis abstained.
COMUNICATIONS:
Public Comment: None at this time.
NEW BUSINESS:
Waterways Commission:
Due to scheduling conflicts, the Waterways Commission was unable to attend the EOC meeting. The WWC is scheduled to meet before the EOC in February.
OLD BUSINESS:
Updates from Members:
It was agreed that cost savings associated to the use of LED (light emitting diode) holiday lights at the Community Park would be reviewed and recommended to the Chamber of Commerce for use at the Mashpee Rotary as an energy saving initiative.
In an effort to save water usage and nitrogen loading mitigation, the concept of granting a one-time tax credit or abatement to residents purchasing a front loading washing machine was given consideration. It was agreed that more research would be conducted before this action is recommended for adoption.
Committee Resignation:
The EOC was in receipt of a resignation from Lyle Hasley.
Motion made by Mr. Baker to approve the resignation of Lyle Hasley from the Environmental Oversight Committee.
Motion seconded by Mr. Theis.
VOTE: Unanimous.
The resignation will be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for approval and advertisement to seek a representative to serve as a member-at-large.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update on Sewer Commission Meeting:
The Sewer Commission met last week to review wastewater management scenario’s prepared by the Town’s consulting engineer Stearns and Wheler. A report was presented to the Committee entitled Town of Mashpee, Popponesset Bay & Waquoit Bay East Watersheds Alternative Scenario and Site Evaluations dated December 2007.
The final draft is expected to be presented to the Sewer Commission at their February meeting. An additional analysis of an alternative technology referred to as the Nitrex decentralized approach will be reviewed at this time.
Given the magnitude of the sewer project, discussion followed regarding cost assumptions and financing options.
Review of Action Items:
Environmental Education:
An environmental management consulting group conducted a study on energy use at the Mashpee public schools. Several recommendations from the study include turning off outside lighting during the day and when exiting a room and adjusting thermostats to appropriate levels. The initial result of the study is a common sense approach to energy consumption in terms that were easily identified by the students. The EOC agreed to collect the data to develop a short form brochure to disseminate to the students. Information about the study would also be remitted to the Town Manager to promote awareness and incentive to save energy at additional Town owned buildings. It was noted the firm conducting the study guaranteed a cost savings that would equate at minimum, the cost of the energy
audit.
Cape Light Compact:
Representatives from the Cape Light Compact would be invited to attend a future EOC Meeting to discuss energy efficiency and usage reduction incentives.
*New Action Item developed: Town Energy Efficiency
Review of Action Items:
Mashpee High School:
Earth Tech, an environmental firm is conducting a review of the Zone II boundaries impacting the Mashpee High School discharge facility. Earth Tech is expected to facilitate a meeting with the Mashpee Water District to justify a re-delineation proposal of the Zone II boundaries. The MHS wastewater treatment facility lies within a Zone II boundary since the site was previously permitted as a future well site. The Water District is noted to be exploring options for the location of an additional well in the Turner Road area. The re-delineation will alleviate certification requirements and additional costs pertaining to the discharge permit issued by the Department of Environmental Protection.
Mashpee River Dredging:
The Waterways Commission is scheduled to attend the February meeting to discuss the Mashpee River dredging and modeling report.
Combine Water –Sewer:
The EOC briefly addressed the matter of financing as it relates to the funding of the future sewer/wastewater project impacting the Town and other Cape communities. The Board of Selectmen would be consulted regarding the best approach for funding in a fair and equitable manner. The assessment of betterments and obtaining a possible real estate tax deduction was considered. It was noted that low interest loans are available, but the requirements are not fully detailed.
Natural Fertilizers/Friendly Lawn Program:
The County-wide program is anticipated to begin in the spring. It is in the developmental stage and there is noted support from the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.
Review of Action Items:
Grant Applications:
The sewer/wastewater treatment facility was deemed a priority for grant funding. The use of grant writing skills from the County was considered with high regard. It was noted that town departments received regular updates with reference to available grants, but are often hindered due to limited staffing and grant writing skills.
Brochures and Handouts:
As discussed, energy audit information will be distributed to students.
Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan:
A draft Residential Stormwater Runoff Primer was presented to the EOC for review. The guideline was adapted from the University of Missouri Extension on How to Manage and Control Stormwater Runoff. The purpose of the document is to provide education and action guidelines for the reduction and treatment of stormwater runoff as it relates to residential properties. The goal is to achieve no “net loss” of precipitation from residential sites.
Members of the EOC were requested to review the document and conduct an assessment of their property as defined in the draft to control and reduce runoff from their homes. An action check list was contained in the report.
Santuit Pond:
The EOC remitted correspondence to the Town of Barnstable regarding the water quality of Santuit Pond. It was noted that Barnstable is focusing their work on the restoration of the bogs at the Santuit Pond Preserve. The Town of Barnstable at this time is not working on the phosphorus/algae problem. It was agreed the Board of Selectmen would be consulted regarding a Request for Proposal (RFP) to fund a study to determine the source of phosphorus pollution in Santuit Pond.
Upon further review, the Mashpee Cable and Advanced Technology (MCAT) Board would be requested to fund two water quality measuring devices to assist with the monitoring of the ponds.
Review of Action Items:
Create a Land Steward Program:
The “new” land steward program will be coordinated by the Conservation Commission. To date, there are 34 volunteers to assist in the monitoring of Town open space lands. An updated list of volunteers was presented to the EOC. An inventory of open space areas within the Town of Mashpee was also distributed. Coordination of the program is expected to begin in early February.
Stormwater Biofilter:
The above referenced matter relative to Clean Water Solution’s storm water biofilter is ongoing as a work-in progress.
Technology Applications:
At the last meeting, the EOC discussed the use of video equipment at the Transfer Station to monitor and improve the recycling program. A survey was also considered. To date, the DPW has not given input with respect to this recommendation.
Recycling:
The Mashpee Environmental Coalition included as a public service announcement, information on recycling in their winter brochure. It was noted that a sticker is not required for recycling activities.
Ashumet Pond Phosphorus:
No report.
Mashpee Pond Water Quality:
April meeting discussion.
Town Energy Efficiency:
A new topic, a work-in progress.
Future Meetings:
February 14, 2008 – Waterways Commission
March 13, 2008 – MHS Environmental Club
April – Water Quality of Ponds
Adjournment:
Motion made by Mr. Marcelli to adjourn at 9:11 p.m.
Motion seconded by Mr. Theis.
VOTE: Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
EOC Committee Secretary
| 
