Approved
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Planning Committee
February 28, 2012
DPW Building
2:30pm
Members Present: Alex Hay, Ned Hitchcock, Curt Felix, and Hillary Greenberg
Staff: Christine Bates
Discussion on cultch in harbor
Curt Felix stated the Committee has requested $5,000 from SPAT for propagating cultch which would be a contribution from SPAT to the town. A grant application for $10,000 for additional cultch has been made to Mass Seagrant at MIT. Felix stated he had discussed the propagation program with Tim King and he was receptive and interested in the program. Felix stated there are 4 other grant opportunities the committee can prioritize for oyster and restoration funding. Felix had a meeting with Delahunt’s assistant and was told the Mashpee Wampanoags have a unique Federal status and are working on the same kinds of projects. Working together could help increase the prospects for both groups to obtain funding and suggested Wellfleet work with them. There could also be opportunities to
expand such a model into a Cape wide eco-system management program which would share money and information. A campaign needs to be set up for seed money and matching grants. Alex Hay stated we need to work with the Shellfish Advisory Board to encourage methods for increasing oyster populations in the harbor and felt there may also be opportunities with grants. Felix will be attending a meeting with the Shellfish Advisory Board and he will share information on water quality and how increasing populations of shellfish, specifically in Duck Creek could improve both water quality and shellfish harvests. One approach could be to increase the population in the propagation area and rotate other open areas that would also be more intensively clutched for on-going commercial harvest. This would create higher water quality and higher spat production which will also increase the population and future harvests. Based on water samples in September 2011,
there was too much food in the water not enough animals and consequently the dissolved oxygen was low. Curt Felix gave a mini-presentation of oyster reefs/locations. There was discussion regarding joining up with MA Audubon and Felix stated Bob Prescott may have other funding priorities for Audubon but will see what additional collaboration is possible. Agent Greenberg-Lemos suggested contacting Prescott to see if he would be interested in performing water quality testing in his cultch area.
Ideas for public information meeting for bathhouse
A joint meeting with the Board of Health will be held on March 28, 2012 at 7:00 pm. at the Senior Center. Agent Greenberg-Lemos will contact the newspaper to notify the public. The committee discussed who will speak and what topics will be discussed. It was determined special events at Mayo Beach may require additional porta potties, however, tight tank pumping and permanent porta potties will be a cost savings for the bath house project. Curt Felix will contact the Recreation Department to determine if the expense comes out of their budget and the annual savings might be. We will require the graphic from EPG with bullets on it which require some editing and finalization by March 13, 2012. The construction of the bathhouse will be “by right” according to the building
department and zoning bylaws. Should this get approved, the project will probably have to go out to bid for construction. Agent Greenberg-Lemos will contact EPG and request them to put in writing that the building can be built in order to close out the feasibility portion of the contract. Agent Greenberg-Lemos suggested that Tim King be responsible for putting the project out to bid for permitting, engineering and construction and get back with the committee to show the various designs of the building. The committee discussed the need for a review committee for project implementation if an affirmative decision is made by Town Meeting to move forward with the project.
Budget Discussion
We are waiting to hear from EPG for the needs assessment and budget dead lines. .
Grant Funding
Discussed previously.
Misc:
Curt gave a preview of his presentation to the Shellfish Advisory Board, which included water quality, providing data on nitrates, nitrogen, oxygen, etc.
Minutes will be reviewed at the next meeting.
Curt Felix moved to adjourn at 3:55 pm; seconded by Ned Hitchcock; passed 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Bates
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