Upcoming Conversations about Mashpee's Clean Water Plan April 13, April 15 and April 22

Conversations about the Mashpee Clean Water Plan

Mashpee’s saltwater bays and estuaries are being choked by algae blooms that can lead to low oxygen levels, fish kills and other long-term environmental consequences. The source of the problem is excess nitrogen, primarily from septic tanks. Left unchecked, this pollution has serious ramifications for not only the Town’s environment but also its economy.

At the May 3 Town Meeting and at the May 8 annual Town Election Mashpee voters will decide whether to move forward with the first phase of the Town’s Clean Water Plan, which includes the construction of a wastewater collection system and treatment facility. Approval of another article at Town Meeting is necessary to qualify for a zero interest loan from the state. Combined with other sources of funding, including as previously authorized by voters, the loan makes it possible to pay for Phase 1 of the plan without an increase in property taxes. Other parts of the plan include the use of shellfish to help clean up the water and reduce the need for traditional sewers as well as the overall cost of the project.

Get the facts about the plan, how it is being paid for and what it means to you during a series of online forums over the next several weeks. The forums will include short presentations on what the plan includes, its cost and how it is being funded. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers.

2 p.m. Tuesday April 13 “What’s the plan?”

Anastasia Rudenko, GHD engineer

Donovan McElligatt, Mashpee shellfish constable

Andrew Gottlieb, selectman

7 p.m. Tuesday April 13 “How do we pay for it?”

Rodney Collins, Town Manager

Tom Fudala, chairman of the Sewer Commission

Andrew Gottlieb, selectman

2 p.m. Thursday April 15 “How do we pay for it?”

Rodney Collins, Town Manager

Tom Fudala, chairman of the Sewer Commission

Andrew Gottlieb, selectman

10 a.m. Thursday April 22 “What’s at stake?”

Richard Cook, shellfisherman Tom O’Neill, Realtor

Bill McKay, resident

Andrew Gottlieb, selectman

Registration is required. To register for the forums, email:  mashpeewaters@gmail.com

●    More on the Town’s Clean Water Plan: mashpeewaters.com

●    Special and Annual Town Meeting 7 p.m. May 3, 2021 at Mashpee Middle-High School

Town Meeting Warrant link: https://www.mashpeema.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3426/f/pages/may_3_2021_to...

●    Annual Town Election 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. May 8, 2021 at Quashnet School

Town Election Warrant link: https://www.mashpeema.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3426/f/news/mashpee_electi...