Watershed Nitrogen Management Plan

Mashpee is the fastest growing town on Cape Cod.  At the same time, it is located almost entirely within the watersheds of two shallow nitrogen-sensitive embayments, Popponesset Bay and Waquoit Bay.  The estuarine systems of both bays have shown significant signs of degradation attributable to excessive inputs of nitrogen.  The Town of Mashpee currently has no municipal sewer system. 

It does have a Sewer Commission with full authority, given funding to implement such a system.  As a community, we treasure Mashpee’s beautiful coastal ponds and estuaries, yet we are responsible for their poor water quality.  Excess nutrients – nitrogen , in particular – come from septic systems and wastewater treatment plants, surface runoff after rain storms or snow melt, lawn fertilizer, stormwater drainage system discharges, and other sources.  Nitrogen is present in the environment naturally; however, in excess, it is considered a pollutant.  More...