During the June 27 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco reported that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has paused implementation of stricter septic regulations for the foreseeable future along the south coast.
Lorenco did not go into details but added that there are plans to roll out stiffer regulations on nitrogen levels on Cape Cod and the Islands. The DEP’s proposal would have added tens of thousands of dollars to new and existing home costs with the average updated systems estimated at $50,000.
In August of 2022, MassDEP held a public meeting with Mattapoisett’s Board of Health that outlined the regulatory agency’s plans. At that meeting, the Board of Health heard from the DEP’s NSA (nitrogen-sensitive areas) team members that there will be only two paths cities and towns identified as nitrogen-sensitive areas can go: Either require homeowners not connected to public sewer upgrade their septic systems to include denitrification technology (systems that help to eliminate nitrogen from being discharged into the estuary system within five years of implementation) or apply for a townwide permit that gives the town 20 years to reduce nitrogen by monitoring levels for effectiveness of local strategies.
Mattapoisett rallied, as the Select Board sent a letter to the DEP pointing out the tremendous financial burden that such upgraded systems would force homeowners to bear. The Select Board also contacted state officials, asking for intervention from the Senate and House of Representatives. Combined pressure seemed to have worked.
In the meantime, Lorenco said the town would continue to seek grants that would be used to conduct local water studies in advance of any the state may elect to do in the future.
Coming before the Select Board was Amy Archer of Pare Corporation, the town’s consulting engineers for Phase 2a of the Mattapoisett Bike Path. Pare detailed various studies, including traffic and types of crossing equipment, as well as the conceptual design of the pathway from Railroad Avenue to Industrial Drive.
The 30-minute presentation acknowledged the fact that this section will not move forward until Marion’s connecting path-construction project gains traction.
Archer also estimated construction costs at $2,850,000 for one mile that is Phase 2a. She said that once Marion gets started, the Mattapoisett project will move towards the 25% design, a goalpost when seeking grant funding. She said that presently Mattapoisett’s Phase 2a is at 10% of conceptual design and that to reach 25% design would cost approximately $160,000.
The bike path is planned to continue on towards Route 6 from Good Speed Island Road by way of Railroad Avenue, cross Route 6 to Park Street and Park Place, eventually terminating at the state-owned park-and-ride across from Industrial Drive.
The crossing at Industrial Drive presents a number of challenges, but Archer believed those could be resolved by ensuring the users cross south of the entrance to the Industrial Park, not where the exit ramp from Route 195 is located.
Several meeting attendees voiced concerns over cyclists who do not ride in a safe manner, especially when crossing Mattapoisett Neck Road and Brandt Island Road. Lorenco said that patrol officers on bikes will be assigned to the bike path to help ensure the safety of riders and motorists alike.
Jeff Swift, whose residence is located near the railroad easement, the property being used for the bike path, voiced concern over additional water flowing in the direction of his home. Archer said the intent is to reconnect hydrologic systems along the easement.
Another resident asked if portable restrooms would be placed along the bike path. Lorenco said one would be installed at the sewer pump house on Good Speed Island Road attached to the chain-link fence.
The Select Board voted to have Mattapoisett designated a Purple Heart Community. Lorenco drafted a proclamation that the board approved. The text read by board member Tyler Macallister noted the town’s appreciation for those that sacrificed while in service to the country. The proclamation will be submitted to the Military Order of the Purple Heart for acceptance.
Lorenco reported that borings are being taken on Long Wharf, and the good news is that the construction team has reached, “very dense material.”
In other business, a malt-and-wine permit as requested by What the Taco, a food truck located in the Mahoney Lumber parking lot, was approved for submittal to the state’s licensing office. Also approved were expanded hours of operation and seating for 75 people.
Seasonal trailer permits were approved for Gregory Bartlett, 0 Silver Shell Avenue (July 1, 2, 3, 14, 15, 28 and 29) and for Diane Simonelli (July 30 through August 27) split between 0 and 1 Union Avenue.
Kevin Greiner was appointed as alternate building inspector, and former Marion Harbormaster Isaac Perry was appointed as Mattapoisett’s new harbormaster. A scholarship committee was formed with the following volunteers: John Oldham, Carole Clifford, Colin Everett, Teresa Nelson, Paul Criscuolo, Kate Brown and Deborah Fraine.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not immediately scheduled upon adjournment.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell