Environmental Oversight Committee
February 12, 2009
Town Hall, Conference Room #3
Meeting Agenda
Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes: Thursday, November 13, 2008
Communications & Correspondence:
Public Comment
WEBNERR Meeting – 3/3/09
Public Hearing - Trash & Recycling Options – 3/16/09
Old Business:
Santuit Pond Diagnostic Study
Mashpee Blue Book
Review of Action Items
New Business:
Identify Key Objectives for 2009
Agenda Items for March 12, 2009 Meeting:
Mashpee Blue Book
Land Steward Program
Town Manager, Conservation Agent
Meeting Adjournment
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes
February 12, 2009
Present: Don Myers, Ed Baker, Ralph Marcellis, Ted Theis,
Jim Leonard, Rick York
Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Myers at 7:01 p.m.
Town Hall, Conference Room #3
MINUTES:
Thursday, November 13, 2008:
Motion made by Mr. Baker to approve the minutes of
Thursday, November 13, 2008 as presented.
Motion seconded by Mr. Theis.
VOTE: Unanimous.
Mr. Leonard abstained.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Public Comment: None at this time.
EOC – Vacancy:
One vacancy exists in the at-large position that will be duly advertised
for representation to the seven member EOC Committee.
OLD BUSINESS:
Santuit Pond RFP Update:
The Town is in the process of completing the grant application to secure funding for the Santuit Pond Diagnostic Study through the state Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for funds recovered from the Textron Systems Corporation, Natural Resource Damages Assessment and Restoration Program Fund.
Under the guidelines of the grant, the proposed project must restore, replace, and/or acquire the equivalent of natural resources or natural resource services relating to groundwater that was injured by the release of hazardous substances from and/or at the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR).
Through this grant opportunity, the Town is seeking funding to cover the costs associated to the diagnostic study, work to be performed by the ENSR Corporation of Sagamore Beach, MA. The12-14 month project is estimated to cost $52,000.
In conjunction with the EOC Committee, the Selectmen’s Office is working with the Planning, Health, GIS and Conservation Departments to draft the project proposal narrative for the Natural Resource Damages Fund – Groundwater Restoration Project application. The deadline for the grant submission is March 11, 2009.
A draft article is also being prepared for the May 2009 Special Town Meeting warrant to secure funding to procure the services of ENSR if grant funding is not attained. To date, the exact amount of funding to be requested for the warrant appropriation is not known, but will be verified at the next EOC Meeting. The ENSR Corporation submitted a proposed cost of $51,100 for their services.
An in-depth discussion followed regarding the project proposal as described by ENSR for the diagnostic study of the 164 acre shallow kettle hole pond. The pond suffers from nutrient over-enrichment and is listed in the Clean Water Act “Massachusetts Integrated List of Waters” in Category 5, waters requiring a TMDL. Pollutants needing a TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) are nutrients and noxious aquatic plants.
It was agreed that ENSR would be consulted regarding the proposed scope of activities and costs required for field testing during the month of April. The Committee related concern with respect to the timing of attaining grant funding and/or Special Town Meeting appropriation for the project proposal. Grant awards are estimated to be announced in March 2009. If the procurement of funds from the May Special Town Meeting warrant are required, monies would be secured after the May 4, 2009 Special Town Meeting. The Committee agreed on the importance of obtaining groundwater sampling in one season. Requesting a reserve fund transfer from the Finance Committee was also considered as a funding resource.
The matter will be further reviewed at the next meeting after consultation with ENSR.
Mashpee Blue Book:
In response to the Selectmen’s request for environmental projects to be considered for Textron funding, the EOC Committee recommended the development of a project entitled; the Mashpee Blue Book. The document in its infancy stage is envisioned for the preservation of Mashpee and to promote awareness of the environment. Components under consideration include subjects contained in the list of EOC action items such as environmental education, storm water management practices, recycling initiatives, the use of natural fertilizers and the friendly lawn program The concept was considered by the EOC after review of The Orleans Blue Pages – A Guide to Protecting Cape Cod Waters. The 58 page guide booklet contains topics such as water conservation,
landscaping with native plants, drought tolerant plants, and other resources. The guide booklet can be reviewed on the website: www.orleanspondcoaliton.org
At their last meeting, the Selectmen noted the document as proposed is Mashpee specific and considered incorporating additional information pertaining to the MMR in an effort to secure grant funding to aid in the distribution of the document to all Mashpee households. Upon discussion, the EOC agreed to customize the Mashpee Blue Book to solely encompass the environmental scope of Town of Mashpee and not the MMR.
It was agreed the EOC Committee would take the initiative to begin the process for the development of the Mashpee Blue Book and review topics to be considered for the table of contents at the next meeting. Brian Kerl of the Mashpee Enterprise having publication experience would be invited to assist in the process. It was also agreed the Mashpee School Superintendent would be consulted with respect to the participation of the schools into the creation of the book.
Additional organizations to be consulted regarding the proposed Mashpee Blue Book include the Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod and the Americorps Cape Cod, a residential service program dedicated to addressing the natural resource management and disaster preparedness/response needs of the Cape Cod community. It was noted Americorps Cape Cod is accepting proposals for group service projects. There is not cost for their service. The Mashpee Environmental Club would also be requested to give input into the document. It was noted that local retiree’s may be able to offer their time and expertise to assist in the organization and compilation of the new document.
In an effort to offset costs, the following initiatives were also considered for the new guide booklet; paid advertisement, the use of electronic mail via the Town’s website, and printing a limited amount of complimentary copies to be disseminated in the schools, post office and high traffic stores.
Additional Textron Funding Projects:
Other grant funding projects that were proposed by the EOC for Textron funding is Best Management Practices (BMP) for stormwater installation. Stormwater management devices are proposed in three locations for a cost of $75,000.
The creation of a road specification document for all Town roads was also considered for a projected cost of $15,000.
OLD BUSINESS:
Review of Action Items:
Environmental Education:
The Town is expected to assume responsibility of the Mashpee High School wastewater treatment plant at the end of June.
Potential activities and preliminary work associated to the Mashpee Blue Book will be discussed with the School Superintendent and Mashpee Environmental Club. The possibility of incorporating the document into the school curriculum and/or serving as a senior project was also considered and will be further discussed at the next EOC meeting.
It was noted the Mashpee Environmental Coalition (MEC) has contributed an additional $100 to the Mashpee Environmental Club.
Mashpee River Restoration: No change.
Combine Water-Sewer: No change.
Natural Fertilizers/Friendly Lawn Program: No change.
Grant Applications:
The Town is pursuing grant funding from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs received from Textron as part of the settlement reached with the munitions manufacturer for its role in tainting the groundwater of the Massachusetts Military Reservation and surrounding communities. An application to conduct the Santuit Pond Diagnostic Study is being submitted.
The Town Manager will be consulted regarding grant assistance services from Barnstable County, and if they are assisting in the Santuit Pond grant narrative.
Brochures and Handouts: Action Item Closed.
Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan: No change.
It was agreed the Department of Public Works would be consulted regarding the construction of swales along Quinaquisset Avenue, Lantern Lane, and Sampsons Mill Road.
At the last meeting it was suggested the stormwater “Homeowners Primer” be incorporated in the new Mashpee Blue Book.
Charles Rowley, the Town’s consulting engineer has completed the road specifications report. However, it has not been reviewed to form by the DPW Director. The EOC will request an advance copy of the draft for review.
Santuit Pond:
The Santuit Pond is the subject of the Textron grant application.
Presently, the Town is working in collaboration with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe monitoring and measuring the water chemistry and algae blooms of the pond with an automated water quality parameter measuring device. It was noted the draining of Santuit Pond has allowed for increased information regarding the hydrology of the pond, its flushing and drainage into the estuary. The lowering has also reduced some of the nutrients and there is a potential for some mitigation as nutrient levels are phosphate enriched. Results are anticipated to be reported later this year.
Land Steward Program:
The Committee related concern with respect to the lack of leadership with the Land Steward Program. The Conservation Department was previously designated by the Board of Selectmen to coordinate the volunteer program.
It was agreed that Andrew McManus, the Conservation Agent and Joyce Mason, the Town Manager would be invited to attend the March EOC meeting to further review this matter.
It was noted the Mashpee Environmental Coalition (MEC) is willing to manage the program to ensure its success.
Stormwater Biofilter: Action Item Closed.
(Included with Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan)
Technology Applications: No Change.
Recycling:
The Board of Selectmen have scheduled a Public Hearing on Monday, March 16, 2009 to discuss trash and recycling options. Three scenario’s for the handling of trash and recycling are considered as follows; curbside collection, the pay-as-you-throw/save-as-you-throw program or maintaining general status quo.
A non-binding referendum question is intended for the May 2009 annual ballot to consider the three categories.
Ashumet Pond Phosphorus:
The Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE) in conjunction with the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) Installation Restoration Program (IRP) has recently confirmed their willingness to fund training and associated equipment needs for pond water quality monitoring. Funds are reimbursable. It was suggested the EOC request the Selectmen re-consider participating in the program.
Action Items:
Mashpee Ponds Water Quality:
The MEC Pond Water Quality Report is now available online at the Mashpee Environmental Coalition website; www.mashpeemec.us.
Use of Textron Mitigation Funds: Closed, deemed complete.
NEW BUSINESS:
Identify Key Objectives for 2009:
Creation of the Mashpee Blue Book
Santuit Pond Diagnostic Study
Land Stewardship Program
Mashpee River
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:
WEBNERR Meeting:
On Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., WEBNERR
has scheduled a workshop session on global warming entitled “Plan to Protect”. The meeting will be held at the Hyannis Golf Course on Route 132. A full synopsis can be found on the website; www.waquoitbayreserve.org.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
Board Secretary
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