GENERAL FAQs
| Why is Mashpee building a sewer system? | Federal, State, and County regulations require municipalities to control the pollution of their water resources to not only ensure human health but to support the long-term economic well-being of our communities. The water quality in Mashpee has degraded over time. Existing private septic systems are unable to sufficiently handle wastewater to levels that prevent the hazardous pollution of our community's water resources. For additional information see The Comprehensive Watershed Nitrogen Management Plan 2015 (CWNMP). |
| What are the goals of the CWNMP? | The goals of the CWNMP are to achieve clean water through: 1) reduction of nutrient loading (nitrogen and phosphorus) from septic/cesspool seepage; 2) enhance stormwater management; 3) restore the quality of aquatic habitats for shellfish and other aquatic wildlife; 4) safe recreational use of water bodies; and 5) healthy ecosystems. |
| What is Mashpee's plan for the sewer construction? | The formal plan for improving water quality in Mashpee was approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Agency (MassDEP) under the Massachusetts Estuary Project (MEP) in 2015 and partially funded by unanimous town meeting vote in 2021. The five-phase plan includes a shellfish propagation component, but the construction of a wastewater collection system along with a new Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) serving Mashpee neighborhoods has been determined essential to meet water quality goals. The groundbreaking for the WRRF occurred December 8, 2022, after which construction of lateral lines to connect properties north and south of Route 28 ensued. |
| Where is the WRRF being constructed? | The WRRF is being constructed on a cleared site within a wooded multi-acre lot next to Mashpee's Transfer Station. Vehicle access will be from Carlton Drive, near Ashers Path East. A wooded buffer zone will be maintained around the facility to help shield it from general public view. |
| Will the whole Town have to be sewered? | No, but within the next 25 years it is hoped that the majority of homes in Mashpee will be connected to the sewer system. This phased project approach will be continuously expanded until the septic pollution in our waterways is demonstrably reduced to acceptable levels. The goal of the Town's sewer system would be to achieve at least 75% reduction of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of nitrogen into Mashpee's tidal water resources. |
| What will happen to those properties that cannot be sewered? | It is possible that the Town could require replacement of the Title V system with Innovative/Alternative systems. |