Town of Mashpee
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes of Meeting
November 13, 2008
Present: Chair-Don Myers, Beverly Kane, Ed Baker, Ralph Marcelli, Ted Theis
Absent: Rick York
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order with a quorum at 7:00 p.m. by Don Myers, Chairman.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Motion made by Mr. Baker to approve the minutes of October 16, 2008. Motion seconded by Ms. Kane. All voted unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS
No public comment at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
Textron Funds
The Board of Selectmen has asked that the Environmental Oversight Committee recommend environmental projects in Mashpee to be considered for the application process. Mr. Baker drafted an email suggesting that funding be made available to finalize the road specifications for town roads as well as consideration for best management practices (BMP) for stormwater installation at several locations. Administrators of the funds are encouraging projects related to groundwater protection. The Santuit Pond Study, the proposed Blue Book and BMPs of stormwater runoff would all apply to the Textron Funds. The Committee discussed the necessity of seeking funds to conduct studies in all of the ponds, and Mr. Baker responded that many of the ponds have already had studies completed, such as John’s Pond and
Wakeby Pond. The Committee questioned further the location of these studies and why the studies have not been utilized to resolve the bacteria problem or issues with septic systems. Mr. Theis recommended that the studies that have been completed should be considered in order to resolve the ponds’ issues. The Committee noted that the difference with the Santuit Pond Study and ENSR’s proposal is that the problem will be identified and suggestions will be provided as to how to mitigate the problem. Ms. Kane wishes to apply for funds that would be used on action items. Mr. Theis emphasized that he feels that any request for funds for the Santuit Pond Study should also include the cost of remediation. Mr. Baker disagreed, stating his concern about linking the study with remediation in the event that remediation is cost prohibitive. If the town receives the money for remediation, but then can not follow through, it may not look good. Ms. Kane agreed. Mr. Marcelli disagreed and
felt that funds could be requested for remediation, and whatever amount is received could be put towards a partial remediation. Mr. Marcelli and Mr. Theis believe that there will be multiple issues requiring remediation, and the request should be left open ended.
The Committee discussed the current status of the Town Wide Road Specifications. Ms. Laurent has not yet met with Mr. Rowley to seek agreement between the Department of Public Works and the Planning Board. The Committee agrees that a single specification is necessary to provide stormwater protection and management and discussed the possibility of going ahead and writing the regulations without input from the DPW. The Committee discussed the necessity of BMPs for each new and manufactured road as the leaching pits that are being used are not as effective in eliminating the nitrates.
The Chair and Mr. Baker described the possible recommendations to request Textron funds that will pay for 1) the Santuit Pond Study, 2) The Blue Book, 3) BMP devices for stormwater runoff and 4) costs to finalize the Town Wide Road Specifications. The Chair suggested that the big comprehensive projects may not get as much attention as a number of smaller projects.
The Chair recommended that the Committee provide to the Board of Selectmen the suggested projects along with priority and approximate costs.
1) Santuit Pond Study-$60,000
2) The Blue Book-$30,000
3) Stormwater management devices in 3 locations-$75,000
4) Creation of Road Specification document-$15,000
Ms. Kane informed the Committee that the Orleans Blue Book can be found online at www.orleanspondcoalition.org, and is located by selecting “clean blue waters.” Ms. Kane believes that the Blue Book project meets the stewardship criteria and is an appropriate fit for the Textron funds. The Chair agrees that it is a good fit for their criteria. The Committee also discussed the value of incorporating the schools into creation of the book, particularly the artwork, and crediting anyone who contributes,
creating a true community project. The Committee agreed that they wish to have the book in print, but if necessary, the possibility of accessing the book online if printing funds were unavailable was also discussed.
Wastewater Plant Update
Mr. Marcelli announced that the EPA has approved the Zone 2 delineation as presented. The revised Zone 2 delineation shows that the Mashpee Public School’s wastewater treatment facility subsurface disposable beds are outside of the Zone 2 boundary. It was also noted by the EPA that Sandwich should be made aware that Zone 2 no longer extends into their town.
Mr. Marcelli shared photographs of the current condition of the plant. Due to the recent decision at Town Meeting, the town’s Grounds and Buildings Department will be taking over the Wastewater Plant in July 2009. Mr. Marcelli pointed out styrofoam located under the grates which has caused rusting and deterioration. The styrofoam is being removed. Trees in the background need to be trimmed because they are limiting air circulation. Finally, funding has already been approved by the School Committee to add three strands of barbed wire to prevent access to the area. Inspectors identified safety issues as the major concern at the facility. The town will be working on developing a comprehensive wastewater treatment plan. The School Committee was advised that this type of
plant was a poor solution for wastewater treatment because it is not properly circulated, causing deterioration.
Mr. Marcelli also reported the success of the revitalization of Quashnet’s courtyard, located near the library. Mr. Marcelli shared a “Volunteers Make it Happen” flyer that highlighted who worked on the project.
Land Stewards Update
Ms. Kane announced that her daughter resigned her role as an area coordinator, which leaves just one coordinator left. Ms. Kane indicated disappointment at the lack of communication with the Conservation Department noting a non-responsiveness to volunteer’s concerns. Mr. Baker added that Jim Leonard also resigned, and had requested that volunteers contact the Conservation Department directly. However, the volunteers continue to express their concerns to Mr. Leonard. A report of trash being found at the bog shared with Falmouth was reported and the DPW will be picking up the trash and installing a gate to close off the area. Mr. Baker has encouraged the Conservation Agent to maintain open communication with the volunteers as well as offering an occasional pat on the back. The
Environmental Coalition would like to manage the program again, and the issue will be discussed further at a meeting in January. Ms. Kane added that state law requires conservation areas to be cared for. The Chair asked if the Committee wishes to draft a letter of deep concern to Agent McManus, copying the Town Manager, the Conservation Commission and the Board of Selectmen, regarding what will be done to remedy the program, with a request to have a prepared response for the next Environmental Oversight Committee meeting.
Motion made by Mr. Baker to draft a letter to the Conservation Agent addressing the Committee’s deep concern about the program. Motion seconded by Mr. Marcelli. All voted unanimously.
ENSR
Mr. Baker liked the addition of wet weather monitoring at a cost of $4,250 but felt that the bog sampling would be a challenge since there would be no prior knowledge of a discharge. Mr. Baker also expressed interest in trying to fund the study so that it can be completed in one year and suggested seeking emergency funds from the Finance Committee since Santuit Pond is considered a health hazard by the Board of Health. Mr. Baker sent an email to the departments involved with the study, receiving a response from the Town Manager that suggested the scope of work had been changed by the Committee necessitating re-advertisement for the project. Mr. Baker responded that the Committee recommend to the Board of Selectmen to proceed with the original $51,500 proposal for the study, without including the extra
tests. The Chair asked about the timing of the study to which Mr. Baker responded that his preference was to initiate the study in April, rather than wait a full year. If the study could not begin until May, Mr. Baker would recommend that necessary testing be completed the following April. The Chair asked if any members had concerns regarding the abilities or scope of the proposal. Committee members felt that Mr. Mitchell was highly qualified, with strong recommendations. Mr. Theis expressed concern about remediation and the need for funding. The Chair added that he was impressed that funding options for remediation were included in the proposal. Mr. Marcelli added that he liked ENSR’s inclusion of what would be feasible and what would be cost effective for remediation plans. The Chair further inquired if the Committee believed that, through the evaluation process, the members felt that ENSR was the most qualified based on all
three proposals. Members confirmed that the proposals were reviewed based on technical merits and feel strongly that, based on the meeting with ENSR, they demonstrated an understanding of the problem and presented a sound approach to the problem. ENSR has also demonstrated significant history and experience in this area.
Mr. Baker made a motion to go forward to the Board of Selectmen and ask for approval for ENSR’s proposed $51,500 Santuit Pond Study and request that an article be put on the warrant. Motion seconded by Ms. Kane. All voted unanimously.
Mr. Baker questioned how the study can commence in April without Town Meeting and suggested that, due to the health hazard, perhaps funds would be available from the Finance Committee Reserve. The Chair asked how much early funding would be necessary since a figure would need to be presented to the Town Manager, Board of Health and Finance Committee. The Committee discussed concern in guaranteeing that the proposal will pass at Town Meeting. Mr. Baker felt that full funding of the project could be requested or should the proposal not pass at Town Meeting, any information collected with the emergency funding would reduce the cost of future efforts to accomplish the study. The study must occur at some point because Santuit is considered impaired according to the state’s 303D list under the
Clean Water Act. It was discussed that it if it is an immediate health issue, the full funds should be requested from the Finance Committee. It was suggested that April or May might be a more likely time for funds to be released if the Reserve has not already been tapped. The Chair feels that the Board of Health would need to make the request if it is considered a health hazard.
Mr. Baker made a motion to ask that the Board of Health make a determination that there is a current health hazard at Santuit Pond based on the water quality and, therefore, the source of the hazard needs to be identified and mitigation needs to be determined as soon as possible. Motion seconded by Ms. Kane. All voted unanimously.
Mr. Baker has volunteered to speak to the Board of Health and the Chair will ask to have it added to their agenda.
Action Items
Mashpee River Restoration-No change
Combine Water-Sewer-The Board of Selectmen has discussed exploring combining the Sewer Commission and Water District, but no action has been taken. The Committee questioned why there might be opposition and it was concluded that, at present, the current system is functioning. The Committee would like to re-visit the issue at the next meeting.
Natural Fertilizers-No change
Grant Applications-No change. The Town Manager had spoken with the County, who has offered the services of their grant writer. Ms. Kane indicated that more information should be provided about the process, such as who is responsible for researching grants. Ideally, a proposal should be submitted and a grant writer would know sources for funding. The Chair will contact the Town Manager for more information.
Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan- The Chair will follow up with Ms. Laurent regarding swale construction.
Recycling-A task force was formed to explore pay as you throw and curbside pick up as options for Mashpee. The task force will recommend to the Board of Selectmen to offer curbside trash pick up with mandatory recycling. The transfer station will be maintained on a limited schedule, such as 3 days per week, where pay as you throw. Substantial funds will be necessary and significant support from the town will be necessary to enact these changes. The second proposal would be a recommendation to offer pay as you throw at the transfer station and the final proposal would be to maintain the status quo with the current system. When asked, the Chair stated that the cost of dump stickers do not cover the costs of the operation. At present, 4,000 stickers are sold compared to 7,500
households. The town has a contract with SEMass until 2010 but costs are expected to double or triple when the contract expires. The Committee questioned why it would be cheaper to offer curbside pick up. The Chair responded that it would not cost less but the benefits are 1) improved recycling efforts, 2) reduced cost to homeowners who pay for private hauling, 3) limited number of vehicles traveling to the transfer station (currently 1,000 cars on an average day) reducing traffic and cost of time and gas of the individual. The transfer station would stay open to accept leaves and scrap metal, as well as trash overflow. Ms. Kane asked about people who are motivated by recycling at the transfer station, who may not continue with the curbside pick up. The Chair and Mr. Theis clarified that if residents do not have recycling in their bin, the trash will not be picked up. A public hearing will be held and the task force will
recommend that the town conduct a survey of its citizenship.
Mashpee’s Ponds Water Quality-MEC Pond Health Report is now available on the Mashpee Coalition website. A master copy has been provided to the Chair.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Motion made by Ms. Kane to cancel the December 11 meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Baker. All voted unanimously.
The Chair distributed the calendar of meetings for 2009 and made every effort to maintain the 2nd Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be January 15.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Mr. Baker to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Motion seconded by Mr. Marcelli. All voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer M. Clifford
Board Secretary
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