A new Plan of Record was presented by David Davignon of Schneider Davignon Leone representing James and Sharlene Craig, 12A Aucoot Road on February 13 to the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission.
The changes from the original plan now call for a smaller footprint for a new residence, and a place for future septic upgrade. Davignon said the Craigs wondered if they should put in the newest type of denitrification system now in advance of new regulations being put forward by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Davignon counseled his clients to put in a qualifying Title 5 system but to wait before installing another type of system because, “It may not meet the regulations.” The updated plan was approved.
MassDEP has been rolling out their proposal to require denitrification systems in areas where nitrogen is at unacceptable levels. Mattapoisett as well as others in the tri-town area have sent letters expressing concern.
Mattapoisett’s letter reads in part, “The proposed regulations have prompted vast anxiety from our residents. Several residents are concerned about the cost, impact, and timing of this proposal. Approximately 70% of all homes within our community use standard septic systems. Many are struggling with the possibility of affording and installing a denitrification system, which is an expensive solution that not only fails to eliminate nitrogen entirely, but also uses more energy than a conventional Title 5 system while requiring annual maintenance. Additionally, many of the other nitrogen reducing solutions (such as permeable reactive barriers and LSTA treatment systems, etc.) being applied in other communities are in early experimental phases, leaving many to question whether a sustainable infrastructure option related to wastewater treatment is truly available at this time.
The Town of Mattapoisett is full of residents who understand the importance of watershed protection and the Town has been doing its part by purchasing vital parcels for conservation and supporting the expansion of stormwater and sewer improvements. We know that our community will continue to do its part to protect its waterbodies, but we contend that the current DEP proposal will hurt our residents in the pursuit of this common goal.
While we appreciate the extension of the public comment period, we believe more time and local collaboration is needed to properly inform residents and be better equipped to construct an appropriate plan as to how best to counteract the effects of nitrogen by not over burdening the residents of Massachusetts.” The letter was written by Town Administrator Mike Lorenco at the request of the Select Board. In a follow-up Lorenco said that the town is also pursuing grant funding to test waterbodies in the community in advance of testing by the DEP, “We don’t want to wait a year or more.”
In other business Requests for Determination of Applicability received negative decisions and were filed by Mary LaPointe, 4 Ocean View Avenue for the installation of a shed, and Chase Wingate, 2 Tara Road for a septic upgrade.
Notices of Intent being conditioned were filed by Kenneth Ackerman, 4 Grove Avenue for the construction of a two-story garage, Christopher Oliveira, 107 County Road for the construction of a single-family home, and, David Wilson, 15 Fieldstone Drive for the construction of a porch and deck.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for February 27 at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell