MASHPEE ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 9, 2015 - 6:30 P.M.
MASHPEE TOWN HALL – OCKWAY BAY ROOM
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
April 21, 2015 (Rick, Drew & Michael)
October 14, 2015
COMMUNICATIONS
NEW BUSINESS
Montgomery County is first major locality in US to restrict pesticide use on lawns: MEC board votes to develop a coalition to pursue this type of regulation in Massachusetts
OLD BUSINESS
Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan: Update
Land Steward Program: Update from Katelyn Cadoret, Assistant Conservation Agent
ACTION ITEMS UPDATE
Pond & Estuary Water Quality Monitoring: Update
Mashpee CWMP: Update on final approval and implementation
- Moonakis River Hydrodynamic Study by SMAST: approval and funding update
- Estuary Restoration/Shellfish Propagation - Update
- Fertilizer Bylaw and MDAR State-wide Plant Nutrient Regulations: Discussion of implementation, enforcement, promotion & education of residents and professional companies, including notice to CCLA
Quashnet River Restoration: Update
CORRESPONDENCE
Invitation to the new Assistant Conservation Agent, Katelyn Cadoret
DISCUSSION
MEETING ADJOURNMENT; Next meeting scheduled for 6:30 PM on January 13, 2015
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes
December 9, 2015
Present: Michael Talbot, Dale McKay, Andrew Gottlieb, Richard York, Joseph Cummings, Andrew McManus
Attendees: Katelyn Cadoret, Assistant Conservation Agent
MINUTES:
April 21, 2015:
The minutes were amended to reflect on page one:
Under Estuary Restoration/Shellfish Propagation, second sentence remove the word: submitted, and insert the wording; grant proposal.
Under Quashnet River Restoration Update, second sentence to remove the wording: radar to assess the proposed realignment, and insert the wording; ground penetration to assess sand and ground peat depth.
Motion made by Mr. York to approve the minutes of April 21, 2015 as amended. Motion seconded by Mr. Talbot.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0-3.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Talbot, yes Mr. McKay, abstained Mr. Gottlieb, abstained
Mr. York, yes Mr. McManus, yes Mr. Cummings, abstained
Opposed, none
October 14, 2015:
Motion made by Mr. Gottlieb to approve the minutes of October 14, 2015 as presented.
Motion seconded by Mr. McKay.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0-1.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Talbot, yes Mr. McKay, yes Mr. Gottlieb, yes
Mr. York, yes Mr. McManus, abstained Mr. Cummings, yes
Opposed, none
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes
December 9, 2015
NEW BUSINESS
Proposed Ban on Single Use Plastic Bags:
It was noted that six Cape and Island towns and sixteen towns and cities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have imposed a local ban on the use of single use plastic bags. As a “green” community, is it time for Mashpee to ban single use plastic bags as well? Members of the EOC discussed the elements regarding single-use plastic bags and their effects on the environment.
To regulate the use of plastic bags, the Town of Mashpee would be required to place an article on the Town Meeting warrant in May or October. And, it was further agreed that local businesses would require time to prepare for this type of restriction by using paper and/or re-usable bags.
Motion made by Mr. Gottlieb to pursue writing a bylaw proposed for the May Town
Meeting warrant in the interest of restricting single use plastic bags in the Town of Mashpee.
Motion seconded by Mr. McKay.
VOTE: Unanimous. 6-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Talbot, yes Mr. McKay, yes Mr. Gottlieb, yes
Mr. York, yes Mr. McManus, yes Mr. Cummings, yes
Opposed, none
It was agreed the matter would be an agenda topic of discussion at the January meeting. A brief discussion followed with regards to the use of bio-degradable and/or re-usable bags. This included discussion by both Rick York and Drew McManus that plastic bags are commonly found as trash in conservation and other areas.
This concern would be discussed with the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce.
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes
December 9, 2015
Montgomery County is first major locality in US to restrict pesticide use on lawns: MEC board votes to develop a coalition to pursue this type of regulation in Massachusetts:
Montgomery County in Maryland voted in October to restrict the use of pesticides in lawn care as a way to protect the health of Montgomery County Residents. Other small towns in the United States, and several major provinces in Canada, have passed similar regulations on lawn pesticides, but Montgomery County was the first major population area in the United States to pass such regulations.
In response to this action, it was noted the Mashpee Environmental Coalition (MEC) board of directors unanimously voted to develop a coalition to promote such aesthetic/cosmetic lawn pesticide regulations for the Commonwealth of MA. Seventy-eight percent (78%) percent of pesticides used on the Cape are applied to lawns; another 9% is applied to golf courses.
For comparison, it was noted Eversource applies less than 1% of all pesticides in Cape Cod on its rights-of-way, and the herbicides used are generally less toxic than herbicides applied on Cape lawns by professionals and homeowners. It was noted that 70% of the residents of Canada have lived with similar regulations that have been in place for years.
OLD BUSINESS
Town-Wide Stormwater Management Plan: Update:
No report.
Land Steward Program: Update from Katelyn Cadoret, Assistant Conservation Agent:
Members of the EOC welcomed Katelyn Cadoret, the new assistant Conservation Agent. Ms. Cadoret gave an overview of some of the projects she has been working on over the past few months in her new position. This includes her work helping to manage conservation lands and the Land Stewards Program.
Of note and importance are the three pollinator gardens located in the area of Jehu Pond, Pickerel Cove and in the Mashpee Community Garden located on Route 130. Last month, a team consisting of Ms. Cadoret, volunteers from the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, the Mashpee Environmental Coalition, and the Land Stewards Program, including EOC members Dale McKay and Michael Talbot, cleaned and weeded the garden areas and removed or treated invasive species in preparation for the upcoming winter season.
Pollinator gardens are used by a wide host of animals, birds and butterflies. The gardens support the health of bees and other pollinators which pollinate approximately 70% of crops. Ms. Cadoret explained there have been difficulties with respect to the survival rate of bees due to the use of pesticides, several introduced mite pests, and as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation.
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes
December 9, 2015
Land Steward Program: Update from Katelyn Cadoret, Assistant Conservation Agent:
(continued)
Ms. Cadoret indicated the AmeriCorps volunteers are continuing to assist the Conservation Department in creating trails and building more kiosks. Volunteers will be assisting with the construction of bat boxes. The houses will help to mitigate habitat loss and create a safe haven for the bats to roost during the day. Ms. Cadoret noted that bat species have been severely affected in the country with white nose syndrome, an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has killed as many as 90% of some bat species. Populations of bats in Mashpee and Martha’s Vineyard have been found free of the deadly white nose syndrome.
The Conservation Department has recently applied for a Habitat Management Grant for the Simon Lowe Conservation Area—a rare, frost bottom habitat formed by the glaciers.
With regards to the Land Steward program, reports are being regularly received from volunteer stewards. It is the plan of the Conservation Department to have a collective meeting to assess the current list of stewards for active involvement. The program has created a good presence in some conservation areas, offsetting activities such as illegal dumping and vandalism. Dog walkers have also provided awareness to these activities on a regular basis, especially in the John’s Pond area. EOC member Michael Talbot offered to conduct a talk on a particular land management issue to be determined and as it pertains to the Land Steward program. Ms. Cadoret indicated the program is doing well on the land management aspect, and flyers are under development for the upcoming season.
ACTION ITEMS UPDATE
Pond & Estuary Water Quality Monitoring: Update:
Although the 2015 water quality monitoring is in need of some further analysis and interpretation, it was reported that, overall, the ponds are in good condition. In particular, the clarity of the Santuit Pond has increased beyond the projections of the impact of the SolarBees. The level of improvement may even remove Santuit Pond from the eutrophic category.
George Reichenbacher, who coordinates the pond monitoring program for MEC, recently wrote an article for the Mashpee Enterprise; MEC publishes a column on an environmental issue each month. Mr. York had some issues with the conclusions, so Mr. York was asked to use his expertise as a marine biologist to write this column on the condition of Mashpee’s ponds in the Mashpee Enterprise. In response, Mr. York indicated his schedule is very demanding at this time, but it may be considered at a later date.
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes
December 9, 2015
Pond & Estuary Water Quality Monitoring: Update: (continued)
With regards to the declining population of the Sea Run Brook Trout in the Santuit River, it was noted that a coalition in Newburyport, the Sea Run Brook Trout Association, has indicated concern about the decline in this unique population of the native brook trout and may possibly conduct testing and other studies regarding this. Mr. York noted that the pond testing done through the PALS Program is providing valuable data in this effort to determine why the population has declined. Environmental and anthropogenic factors possibly effecting the deterioration include water temperature, nitrogen loading, competition with herring, the clearing of vegetative habitat, and the use of pesticides.
In discussion, it was reported the Mashpee River estuary has the highest nitrogen levels in Mashpee. With nitrogen loading, there has been a loss of eel grass, but no fish kills were reported anywhere in Mashpee resulting in significant mortality.
The Mashpee River was sampled this week and there is presence of a thick algae bloom in the river. With the warmth of the fall, and a higher than normal water temperature, the algae bloom has been rapid. Algae bloom in the winter does not present a negative impact on fish because the cold water holds more dissolved oxygen. Variations such as this are attributed to weather patterns and are a possible effect of global warming.
Moonakis River Hydrodynamic Study by SMAST: Approval and Funding Update:
As an update, it was reported that the Town of Falmouth has voted to appropriate $10,500 for the hydrodynamic study of the Quashnet/Moonakis River to be conducted by SMAST. Mashpee will be contributing as well. The Cape Cod Water Quality Collaborative has also committed $20,000 in grant funds. Additional contributions include $500 offered by the Mashpee Environmental Coalition and $2,500 from the Citizens from the Protection of Waquoit Bay. The project will be administered by the Massachusetts Estuaries Project and managed by the Town of Falmouth. The total cost of the study is $43,000.
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes
December 9, 2015
Estuary Restoration/Shellfish Propagation – Update:
The Estuary Restoration and Shellfish Propagation project is on target. All Town Meeting articles related to the implementation of the CWMP have passed without objection. The Shellfish Constable/future Natural Resources Director is now finalizing the continued implementation of the project for next season. This includes the ordering of seed and implementing the oyster reef project in conjunction with the Tribe in Shoestring Bay. Plans are ongoing to construct smaller, sample reefs to gain knowledge on the inner workings and management of the planned larger reef. It was noted the Mashpee Tribe received $200,000 from the EPA to install the oyster reef. Mr. York indicated he has been reviewing a lot of literature with respect to this to ensure the success of the
project. The EPA has announced an additional funding round, up to $1 million for aquaculture. The Town is expected to collaborate with the Tribe acting as the lead agency on this endeavor. Additional funding if attained would possibly merge the oyster reef project associated with the original grant. The application is due in mid-January. It is hopeful that grant writing assistance would be obtained from the Town of Mashpee to support this initiative.
Additionally, it was reported that a crab trapping pilot program has been introduced for predator control in an effort to protect the shellfish seed. It was re-iterated the Shellfish Department/future Natural Resources Department is in need of a Water Quality Technician (a position created at the October Town Meeting) in addition to Seasonal Waterways Assistants. Currently, the Shellfish Constable has also been assuming responsibilities associated with the vacant Harbormaster position, and is in need of departmental support in this area.
Mashpee CWMP: Update on Final Approval and Implementation:
With regards to the Popponesset Bay watershed permit, the initial focus permit under the Clean Water Act, the Town of Mashpee has requested an extension of the watershed permit until May 20, 2016.
Financing of wastewater management expenditures over the next five years is under consideration. In reviewing the debt obligations of the Town, as debt service is resolved, it is recommended that monies be remain constant, and set aside to save for future wastewater and other capital debt responsibilities.
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes
December 9, 2015
Fertilizer Bylaw and MDAR State-wide Plant Nutrient Regulations: Discussion of implementation, enforcement, promotion & education of residents and professional companies, including notice to CCLA:
The new Mashpee Nitrogen Control Bylaw creates the provision for an advisory committee to work with the Board of Selectmen, Board of Health and/or the Conservation Commission to review matters associated to the implementation and education of the regulations to be enforced by the Board of Health and Conservation Commission. It was agreed the EOC would work on this endeavor in January. It was noted that fall fertilizer applications must be completed on or before October 30th, and no fertilizer may be applied before April 14th unless the dates are officially adjusted to allow for unusual weather conditions.
With regards to lawn nutrient regulations imposed under the Town bylaw, it was recommended that a standard form be developed which would require a submittal under an Order of Conditions when a project comes before the Conservation Commission. This would be further defined and may include a report from the turf suppliers that verifies a type of grass that is treated.
It was noted that a new grass seed mix is now available for sensitive sites. The seed mixture includes the adaptable, resilient wavy (or coastal) hairgrass—a native grass species, native creeping red fescue and sheep fescue. Colonial Seed from Connecticut is now making the seed mixture available. The mix creates a lawn like condition that is not required to be mowed on a weekly basis. The wavy hairgrass grows acceptably in relatively poor, sandy soils and tolerates shade and full sun conditions. The seed is relatively expensive, although money is saved on the maintenance requirements for this type of turf. It was noted the seed for wavy hairgrass is collected on Cape Cod and in Rhode Island.
Quashnet River Restoration: Update:
The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has recently conducted a River Alignment feasibility study at the Quashnet bogs. Maggie Payne, an interpretive mapping specialist, has used ground penetrating radar to map the northwest side of the river, and has conducted other mapping at the western side of the bog to assess river realignment. The study has shown there is an adequate depth of sand.
The goal of the project is to realign the Quashnet River to improve flow and to improve trout passage. In the distant future, it is projected the Quashnet Bog will become a wetland mosaic with a lot of tree growth, similar to the appearance of the Red Brook bog.
To interconnect with the Quashnet River alignment, funds are available to study the John’s Pond fish ladder. The last study in 2010 was a requirement from the Office of Dam Study. Information was obtained to identify the causes of the sand shoaling, and the erosion on the stream side embankment that is worsening each year. Charlie Rowley, the Town’s consulting engineer, has reviewed the site and validated the 2010 report. A lot of the sand is coming in from the side embankments. To rectify this situation, different erosion control measures
are considered, one of which is to dig deep and completely replace the walls. Funding is available, and the DPW would most likely do what is required. The structural integrity of the fish ladder is optimum, but this has been a constant maintenance issue with erosion.
Environmental Oversight Committee
Minutes
December 9, 2015
Quashnet River Restoration: Update: (continued)
A brief discussion ensued regarding the FS-1 treatment plan expected to close in a few years. It was noted that funding may be available to assist the Town with additional studies associated to the realignment of the Quashnet River.
CORRESPONDENCE
National Wildlife Refuge MOU:
Forthcoming is the Board of Selectmen’s approval of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) anticipated to be executed in January. The Town of Mashpee through the Agreement receives funding for prescribed burning and restorative habitat.
It was noted that Town Counsel has incorporated amendments into the revised document that is deemed simple and non-binding, but beneficial.
Motion made by Mr. McManus to recommend the Town Manager request the Board of Selectmen to execute the MOU with the National Wildlife Refuge as referenced.
Motion seconded by Mr. McKay.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Talbot, yes Mr. McKay, yes Mr. Gottlieb, absent for vote
Mr. York, yes Mr. McManus, yes Mr. Cummings, yes
Opposed, none
Adjournment:
Motion made by Mr. York to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.
Motion seconded by Mr. McKay.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Talbot, yes Mr. McKay, yes Mr. Gottlieb, absent for vote
Mr. York, yes Mr. McManus, yes Mr. Cummings, yes
Opposed, none
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
EOC Committee Secretary
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