Mashpee Environmental Oversight Committee
Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2010
Selectmen’s Meeting Room
Present: Chairman John Cahalane, Ed Baker, Mary Waygan, Rick York, Ted Theis
Also Present: Beverly Kane
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm with a quorum by Chairman Cahalane.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Mr. York recommended the addition of “dissolved oxygen relative to” in the 2nd complete paragraph located on page 3 so that the entire sentence reads as follows: “The Sonde also provided information about dissolved oxygen relative to average wind speed and a chart noted the lowest concentration of oxygen occurring during low wind events.”
Mr. Baker made a motion to accept the minutes of April 8, 2010 as modified. Ms. Waygan seconded the motion. All voted unanimously.
It was noted that committee members may be required to vote by roll call in November when the revised Open Meeting Law comes into effect.
COMMUNICATIONS
None at this time
NEW BUSINESS
Committee Renewal/Reorganization
Chairman Cahalane reviewed the final report that established the Environmental Oversight Committee, which is a continuation of the Blue Ribbon Committee. The EOC was expected to continue unfinished work of the BCVC to include the protection of resources in the Mashpee River and wildlife preserve, addressing nitrogen issues, environmental education and issues of enforcement. The Committee consists of 7 representatives from Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, Shellfish Commission, Water District, the School Department and the Public At Large. Selectman Cahalane recommended the creation of a mission statement and consideration of a new EOC membership and presenting the information to the BOS for their approval. The Chair noted the challenge of maintaining membership with representatives from the
School Department and the Water District. Committee members discussed previous members. Ms Waygan noted the benefits of Water District participation. The Chair recommended making the membership open ended by adding At Large positions, in order to ensure a quorum, but attempt to encourage representatives from the Water District. Mr. Baker also suggested the addition of the Conservation Commission. It was recommended that Committee membership include Board of Selectmen Chair, Planning Board, Shellfish Commission and 4 At Large positions. Chairman Cahalane added that EOC members from other Committees also have alternates who could then report to the Committee. Interest was also expressed about including the Sewer Commission, but it was noted that the Commission was very busy. The Chair will present the information at the next BOS meeting.
Chairman Cahalane provided a copy of the original mission to Ms. Waygan who will scan the document and forward it to Committee members. It was recommended that members consider what they wish to include in the mission statement and discuss the content at the next meeting.
Recycling Regulations
Ms. Waygan wished to discuss the topic since, at the last BOS meeting, so many residents expressed their interest in improving Mashpee’s recycling efforts. Ms. Waygan questioned whether the EOC had a role to play in assisting Mashpee with its efforts to improve. Chairman Cahalane suggested that the topic be a consideration as members review the mission statement, adding that the Board of Health has been addressing recycling along with a recycling sub-committee. The sub-committee plans to host an educational forum to further discuss pay-as-you-throw. Mr. Baker suggested that the EOC support the various groups with their efforts to promote recycling in town.
Zero Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizers
Mr. Baker referenced AECOM’s technical report highlighting sources of nutrients, including runoff and phosphorus from lawn fertilizers. Mr. Baker noted that phosphorus free fertilizer is available at many large stores, at no additional cost, and that communities throughout the United States have introduced legislation aimed at reducing phosphorus. The Friends of Santuit Pond have submitted legislation to the local state representatives and senator to mandate use of zero phosphorus fertilizer. Mr. Baker suggested that the BOS be asked to contact Reps. Patrick and Perry and Senator O’Leary, advising them of Mashpee’s support of the legislation. Chairman Cahalane questioned whether the legislation could be utilized for a local by-law. Mr. Baker expressed his interest in seeing
it as a Capewide effort. Committee members discussed enforcement of a zero phosphorus fertilizer local by-law and noted the need to educate residents and the many landscapers working in Mashpee. Chairman Cahalane added that a recent survey indicated that 80% of the respondents supported use of zero phosphorus fertilizer. The Chair suggested involving the Conservation Commission and Mr. Theis suggested that ConsCom could also assist with enforcement. It was recommended that the issue be added to the list of action items.
Mr. Theis made a motion to make the issue an action item. Ms. Waygan seconded the motion. All voted unanimously.
Wastewater Funding
Chairman Cahalane suggested that EOC discussion about wastewater funding should hold off until the Sewer Commission and Finance Committee begins to address the issue. Mr. Baker expressed concern about the topic and wishes to encourage organizations to begin addressing wastewater funding as soon as possible. The Chair responded that committees have begun to discuss the issue, including the Board of Health who recently discussed de-nitrifying systems. Mr. Baker suggested the possibility of using an account such as the Community Preservation Act. The Chair felt that the Sewer Commission and Finance Committee should lead the discussion and Mr. Baker suggested that those committees be invited to periodically update the EOC with their plans. The Chair added that the next Board of Selectman meeting
will be a joint meeting with the Sewer Commission.
MASHPEE BLUE BOOK
Ms. Kane reported that the art contest was a success and that the Mashpee Environmental Coalition funded the $250 prize money for winners of the front and back cover, as well as the 10 honorable mentions. All 66 entries have been scanned and the winning images can be viewed on the MEC website at www.mashpeemec.us. The website has recently been updated by Mr. Baker. The remaining 54 images will be rotated on the website. The Mashpee Enterprise provided coverage for the contest.
Since the $15,000 to fund the Blue Book has been eliminated from the town’s budget, funding is being sought elsewhere. MEC and Ms. Waygan have been investigating grant opportunities and Chairman Cahalane has been in contact with the BOS. Ms. Kane announced that the MEC will spearhead a petition article for the October town meeting to request $15,000 for the project and is hoping for support from the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Waygan distributed a copy of grant funding resources from Phil Burt of the County Resource Office, a copy of which is attached. Ms. Waygan suggested forwarding the list to the BOS for their support to pursue the grants. Mr. Burt has the background information from the Textron Grant and is ready to pursue the grants. Ms. Waygan will forward the information to
Town Manger Joyce Mason and Chairman Cahalane will follow up. Mr. Burt may wish to speak with Ms. Kane about the project and letters of recommendation may be needed.
Ms. Kane intends to have the book completed by the end of the year with plans to distribute it to residents as well as to provide copies to schools, the library, Town Hall and to visitors. Committee members discussed the importance and benefits of people learning to care for the environment and the ways in which household measures can help save money in the town. Mr. York’s oyster project was sited as an example of a method that helps reduce nitrogen in the area where they are located.
OLD BUSINESS
Santuit Pond
-Mr. York reported that, during recent sampling, he noticed the pond’s appearance was improved over the previous year during the same time and currently appears to be clear. Blue-green algae have appeared at the landing and Mr. York expects a bloom during the summer. The Chair reported that Ms. Waygan forwarded the Committee’s study results comments to Ms. Mason, which will then be forwarded to AECOM. The Chair questioned whether or not the Committee would authorize the outstanding payment of $16,400 to AECOM with the final amount to be paid upon delivery of the final report.
Committee members discussed issues related to the dam as a result of recent heavy rainfall. Mr. York reported that the Santuit Pond dam had been selected for the Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project. Mr. Baker expressed his concern about the height of the water level, adding that pond water is flowing overland to an adjacent cranberry bog and maintaining the area as a pond. Chairman Cahalane read a letter from Conservation Agent Andrew McManus in response to Mr. Baker’s letter and stating that Santuit Pond was 3” below the normal level and that no additional boards could be pulled without threatening juvenile herring. Mr. York confirmed that the grant was needed to rebuild the structure because fish were dying further adding that the contract would be signed soon, requiring the
work to be completed by December 2011. Mr. Baker suggested that screening would be an immediate solution along with the creation of a resting pool at the bottom of the dam. Mr. York agreed that a temporary structure could be an option but that the dam needs to be properly rebuilt. Mr. Baker also expressed concern that a higher pond level will result in pond damage, adding nutrients to the water and reducing the separation between the septic infiltration devices and the ground water. Mr. York noted that Weston & Sampson inspects the dam and submits reports. The Chair questioned who served as contact for the project and Mr. York responded that Mr. McManus was the Herring Warden responsible for maintaining the ponds for the herring. Mr. York further stated that, due to heavy rains, the pond had increased in volume but that it was now 4 inches lower. It was suggested that Mr. McManus be contacted for more information.
Regarding the AECOM study results, the Chair suggested final decisions about recommendations be delayed until the final draft of the report is received. EOC comments have been forwarded to AECOM. Mr. Baker did not feel that recommendations would change in the final report. Mr. Baker recently attended a Santuit Friends meeting where support was expressed for the Solar Bee system but questioned the effectiveness of the bubbler system due to the need for electrical service. The group also agreed that dredging would be too expensive and alum was not favored. Santuit Friends also expressed frustration regarding the fertilizer legislation. Ms. Waygan suggested that external loading and internal loading were both issues needing to be addressed. Mr. Baker added that the report will not
endorse the Solar Bee system as a 100% solution meeting target and issues such as lawn fertilizer and runoff needed to be addressed. Mr. York noted that if the phosphorus input was cut in half, it would result in reducing the bloom by half. If the phosphorus is reduced by 80%, it will result in a clearer lake. Sources of phosphorus must be reduced.
It was suggested that, once in receipt of the final report, the EOC should be in contact with Catherine Laurent of the Department of Public Works to discuss methods that will address the issues. In addition, the Committee will discuss the addition of necessary regulations or by-laws, such as the state legislation to eliminate the use of phosphorus in fertilizer. The Chair suggested that the issue be addressed locally while it is being considered at the state level. Ms. Waygan agreed, noting that a local regulation would legitimize and support the state effort.
Stormwater
Mr. Baker discussed the Planning Board’s Subdivision Regulations and the expectation that Mashpee adopt the same regulations for re-built and converted roads. Ms. Waygan reported that more discussion was needed at the Planning Board. The Planning Board has received a report from the Road Taking Sub-Committee. It was anticipated that the Planning Board would suggest to the Selectmen that their regulations should set the standard for roads being taken by the Town. Committee members discussed the need to utilize best management practices as roads are updated and improved. Mr. York reported that grants had been awarded to Mashpee to utilize BMPs, such as with Meetinghouse Road. The Coastal Resources Grant, now in the review process, would include a stormwater project to improve
Mashpee Neck Road at Shoestring Bay. Ms. Waygan announced that Board of Selectmen hearings would occur on June 28 regarding road takings and comments from the Environmental Oversight Committee regarding BMPs and other issues could be made at that time.
Action Items
Environmental Education-No change
Mashpee River Restoration-No change
Combine Water-Sewer-Funding to be discussed with appropriate departments and committees
Grant Applications-Ms. Waygan has been working with the County Resource Office.
Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan-Discussed above
Santuit Pond Study- Discussed above. Mr. Baker will contact Santuit Friends to discuss a local regulation that will include landscapers in town.
Land Steward Program-No change
Technology Applications-No change
Recycling-No new information, many groups are working on the issue.
Water Quality Monitoring-Program has been initiated for 2010.
Mashpee Blue Book-Seeking funds to produce the document.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chair recommended that a representative from the Mashpee Wampanoag Natural Resource Environmental Department be invited to attend future meetings for cooperative discussion and future collaboration. It was suggested that Chuck Green be invited to attend, who has previously been involved with the Committee. It was also suggested that Quan Toby be invited to attend. Committee members discussed current collaboration on the water quality monitoring project and Mr. Baker requested a copy of the Memo of Understanding. Mr. York reported that the Mashpee Wampanoag Natural Resource Environmental Department is also seeking federal funding for solutions for Santuit Pond.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Theis made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Waygan seconded the motion. All voted unanimously. The meeting ended at 8:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer M. Clifford
Board Secretary
| 
