Town of Mashpee
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes of Meeting
June 12, 2008
Present: Don Myers, Ted Theis, Rick York, Ed Baker, Ralph Marcelli
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Don Myers, Chairman.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Motion made by Mr. Baker to accept, as they currently exist, the meeting minutes of April 10, 2008. Motion seconded by Mr. Theis. All voted unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Report from Rick York, regarding the state of the bay and ponds
The Mashpee River is currently choked out with algae mats. Waquoit Bay, which received news coverage in past years, is also suffering from an algae mat that has floated to the surface. The algae create problems with navigation as well as impacting the ecology of the bays and shellfish. The algae mat in Waquoit Bay is measuring about ½ mile long and 30-50 feet wide. This is the beginning of the season so the problem could get worse.
The Shellfish Department is moving towards its goal for the aquaculture/nitrogen mitigation project in the Mashpee River. One half million oysters were harvested last year which is half way to the goal of one million oysters. This number of oysters would remove half a ton of nitrogen which is 10% of the target cleanup of the river. The oysters have prevented the river from deteriorating to the point when micro algae killed fish and crabs in 2005.
Some areas in the state have been closed due to bacteria and red tide. However, Mashpee has not been closed as no red tide is present although seasonal bacterial closures exist as usual because the water is warm enough in the bay this year to prevent red tide. The shellfish are in very good shape.
The Shellfish Department will continue to work toward meeting its goal to harvest 1 million oysters in two years by continuing to seed this year. The Department is utilizing three methods to achieve the goal. Oysters are set on pieces of shell at the hatchery, called spat, and bagged and then placed in the river. Once they grow, they are then placed on trays, the technique which has been most successful. Oysters have also been placed on the bottom to create natural beds, but this has not worked as successfully. Finally, the Department has begun to place single oysters on trays in the river last year. The Department was able to start 300,000 single oysters early in May. Tomorrow, the Shellfish Department will be receiving 470 spat bags which will be placed in the river with
the help of the DPW and 14 Americorps volunteers. Another 400 bags will arrive at the end of the month, which is twice as many oysters as in the past, resulting in 800 bags total. Another 1 million single oysters will also arrive. If the production levels match the previous year, it is expected that 1 million oysters will hold the line on the Mashpee River to clean up the nitrogen.
Mr. York was asked about the harvesting and whether or not shellfish permits have increased. Mr. York indicated that shellfish permit sales had increased. Many first timers are coming out to take advantage of this new resource. Children’s programs have been added as well. Anyone interested in a shellfish permit can obtain one from the Town Clerk or Mr. York can be contacted for more information. Additionally, the town’s website has many details regarding shellfish permits.
Mr. York also noted that Santuit Pond is in bad shape. The proposal for improved monitoring needs to go to the Mashpee Cable and Advanced Technology Board for approval. Santuit is the most impacted pond, others are in better shape.
Ted Theis- Fertilizer Friendly
With the recent changes in the Cape Cod Commission, progress has been somewhat stalled and the feeling was that it should be looked at again after the fall.
Don Myers-Transfer Station
It was noted that recycling has been moved to the front of the Transfer Station.
Ralph Marcelli-Education
Mr. Marcelli reported that the permit application to re-delineate zone 2 is moving forward. The contract with Earth Tech has been amended and although it is costly at $15,000 -$16,000, the funds are available from the school.
The Environmental Club has been very active and has worked directly with the KC Coombs 2nd graders to educate them on environmental issues by sponsoring a day of environmental activities at the end of May. Among the activities, students learned about animals, competed in a recycling race, learned about native plantings, recycled paper into confetti, had a soil search and played web of life. The Club has been working hard, and has been a valuable asset to the town. Members are planning a possible butterfly garden and hope to beautify the area with native plantings. The Committee hopes that the Club will continue to grow and expand its membership.
OLD BUSINESS:
Status of Land Steward’s Program
Conservation Agent Andrew McManus was due to send out welcome packets to volunteers. Mr. Baker knew of one volunteer who had been in receipt of the packet by mail today. Mr. Baker expressed concern about the land parcels being so large and how one individual assigned to a parcel would be able to cover the entire area, such as the Mashpee Woodlands. Mr. Baker was involved with some initial, tentative assignments, such as a volunteer living near the Mashpee Woodlands River and another in the Pirates Cove area, who could share the parcel. Maps are available on the town’s website which define the parcel areas, but mapped portions for parcels large enough for multiple stewards need to be added delineating individual areas.
The Committee was in agreement that they would like more information shared regarding the Program and suggested inviting Mr. McManus to the next Committee meeting. The town hired a part time Conservation Agent to ensure the Land Steward’s Program is in place. Committee members would like to learn more about whether or not all of the lands have been assigned. Chairman Myers indicated that he believed about 25 volunteers signed up at the initial meeting in order to cover the largest tracts of land. Additionally, the Boy Scouts were waiting to hear back about availability so that they can assist in the Program. It was suggested that the Boy Scouts be in contact with Elizabeth Lindhold and Andrew McManus. Additionally, Mr. Baker indicated that there were approximately 200 people,
formerly of the Mashpee Environmental Coalition, willing to help in any way that they can.
Chairman Myers suggested that there may not be an overabundance of volunteers and that there was more than enough work available, and anyone interested in helping should contact the Conservation Agents. It was also suggested that the same tracts of land could be assigned to multiple people to divide and conquer. Mr. Theis would like to ensure that an initial walk through take place for all of the lands while the weather is good. Mr. Baker would like to see that the Vinhaven property also be included on the list for the Land Steward’s Program.
The Environmental Oversight Committee is in agreement that the Conservation Agents are very interested in getting the job done. As a new program, it would be expected that it might go through some growing pains as the process is identified.
Request for Proposals-Santuit Pond Diagnostic Study
An updated copy of the draft RFP was distributed to Committee members. Mr. Baker finalized many of the details and the Committee is now seeking feedback from the scientific community. Chairman Myers reviewed paragraph 3 of the document, which was a response to concerns expressed by the Cape Cod Commission. Mr. Baker indicated that, historically, the analyses of the pond has been very text book and does not accurately reflect the current situation. It is felt that Santuit Pond would benefit from water quality measuring recording devices to better understand the conditions of the pond during the summer and would help to determine what is happening during the day and during the night.
Members of the Committee discussed water levels in the pond and how it affects erosion and phosphorus levels in the pond. The deeper pond means there is less water turnover, thereby keeping the nutrients in the pond longer. A shallower pond, with greater water turnover, means that phosphorus would be limited. However, lower water levels could result in a changing shoreline. Scientists are needed to determine how to move forward. More study is needed to identify what problems exist in Santuit Pond.
Chairman Myers read through the proposed deliverables, essentially, what is causing the problem, how to fix the problem and what is the cost. The timeline was also discussed, which is aggressive in order to have it ready for the October warrant to authorize the work and funding. Committee members discussed whether or not to include an end date but determined that it was not necessary. A correction was noted at the bottom of the page regarding the proposal deadline, which should read September1, 2008 rather than August 1, 2008.
Motion made by Mr. Baker to approve as amended the draft RFP for the Santuit Pond Diagnostic Study for submission to the Board of Selectmen. Motion seconded by Mr. Theis. All voted unanimously.
Chairman Myers will submit the draft at the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting as part of his liaison report and request that the Board of Selectmen consider it to be included on the agenda for the next meeting. Should the Board come to an agreement regarding the RFP, it would be requested that it be included on the October warrant.
Ed Baker-Review of Action Items
Mashpee River Dredging
The Waterways Committee is now meeting monthly, but there seems to be no action anywhere. Chairman Myers will discuss further with the Board of Selectmen.
Combine Water-Sewer
This issue had been put on hold to gain a better understanding from Mashpee voters their views on the issue. Committee members felt that many of the issues that were on the table had been resolved during the last Town Meeting.
Motion made by Mr. Baker to request that the Board of Selectmen consider the benefits to Mashpee residents of combining water and waste water treatment under a newly defined Water-Sewer District. Motion seconded by Mr. Theis. All voted unanimously.
Natural Fertilizers/Friendly Lawn Program
The Program must be reorganized due to changes in the Cape Cod Commission.
Grant Applications
There have been no changes regarding the Committee’s suggestion that the town increase its efforts to obtain grant funding in support of environmental sustainability. Presently, department heads receive the information and would be responsible for any grant writing. Most government entities have someone in place to write grants, rather than having a department head distracted from doing his or her job. Grant writers may work on a commission or with an advance. There are many types of grants available, not strictly government, and someone dedicated to identifying grant possibilities will be able to locate available funds.
Motion made by Mr. Theis stating that the Committee recommends the Board of Selectmen investigate the employment of a full time grant writer for the town. Motion seconded by Mr. Baker. All voted unanimously.
Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan
Beverly Kane is working on the Plan. The biofilter has not yet been tested and not yet installed. The paving of Quinaquisett Ave. and storm drain project should have been installed during Spring 2008 so the Committee would like to ask for an update from Catherine Laurent. Additionally, the Committee would like an update for the Sampson Mill Rd./Santuit River evaluation.
Santuit Pond
The Committee discussed the need to clarify the origin of discretionary funds, such as from Comcast, and suggested as a possibility that the town annual report be modified to include the amount of the funds and where/for what they are expended.
Technology Applications
Still awaiting action. There was discussion regarding the use of cameras to study usage of the recycling area.
Recycling
Mr. Baker had been in contact with residents of the New Seabury area who have been trying to find a private hauler who will offer recycling. Private haulers should be required to offer recycling at no additional charge but most private haulers are not offering it. Chairman Myers will be in contact with the Department of Health to inquire further as to whether or not the town is enforcing recycling.
Pond Water Quality
Need to learn more from Mr. York. Ponds are being monitored from May until October.
Future Meeting Dates
July 10
August 14
September 11
October 9
Announcements
Mr. Theis announced the upcoming dedication of a new flagpole at the rotary this Saturday. The VFW Color Guard will be raising a larger American flag. Future plans include the addition of two smaller poles for the flags of the Wampanoag Nation and Massachusetts.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT:
Motion made by Mr. Baker to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Motion seconded by Mr. Theis. All voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer M. Clifford
Board Secretary
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