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Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative StudyTown of Dennis, Massachusetts
David Young, P.E.Vice President
Elena Proakis Ellis, P.E.Project Manager
Project Overview to Board of SelectmenMarch 4, 2014
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Task Force
• Task Force Members:‐ Diane Chamberlain, Chair ‐ Dick O’Hearn‐ Stan Graveline ‐ Greg Stone‐ John Harper ‐ Frank Verny‐ Bob Mezzadri ‐ Remo Vito
• Water Quality: Suzanne Brock• Town Staff Support: Terry Hayes, Health Department• Consultant: CDM Smith
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Meeting Purpose
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
• Review why Dennis is undertaking this project
• Describe the Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
• Discuss Cape Cod water quality issues as they apply to Dennis
• Notify local residents and business owners of the importance of getting involved
Why is Water Quality Important to Dennis?
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
• Encompasses all water resources in town:– Drinking water (groundwater)– Freshwater ponds and beaches– Marine beaches, harbors, marshes, estuaries
• Important to property owners and visitors to protect:– Public health (drinking water and recreation)– Environmental resources and wildlife habitat– The ability to undertake planned growth– The local economy and property values
Why is Water Quality Important to Dennis?
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
According to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce:
• 60% of the assessed property values on Cape Cod are attributed to properties within 0.6 miles of shorelines
• This accounts for just 30% of Cape Cod properties
• Tax rates will not go down if these properties lose value
A reduction in coastal property values costs everyone!
Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Scope of Services:– Task 1: Evaluate Water Quality (estuaries, ponds, and wells)– Task 2: Recommend Options for Water Quality Improvements– Task 3: Evaluate Regulations, Bylaws, and Fees– Task 4: Identify and Evaluate Public Assets– Task 5: Estimate Recommended Alternative Costs– Task 6: Public Outreach and Education– Task 7: Committee Meetings
Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Options for Water Quality Improvements
– Conventional and alternative wastewater management (off‐site treatment, innovative/alternative on‐site systems)
– Non‐discharge technologies (composting or urine diverting toilets)– New technologies or treatment approaches (aquaculture using shellfish or seaweed (MBL), permeable reactive barriers)
– System alteration (natural attenuation, increased flushing)– Green infrastructure (low impact development, stormwater)– Non‐structural solutions (outreach, fertilizer education)
Project Schedule
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
The Water CycleWhat Potential Issues are Faced by Dennis?
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Cape Cod Population Growth
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Source: Woods Hole Research Center
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
Dennis Population Growth – Land Use Impacts
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Source: Woods Hole Research Center
Mass Estuaries Project ‐ Dennis Watersheds
• Five watersheds included in the Massachusetts Estuaries Project (MEP):– Swan Pond River – Final Report October 2012– Bass River (shared with Yarmouth) – Final Report April 2011– Herring River (shared with Harwich and Brewster) – Final Report
March 2013– Chase Garden Creek – report in progress– Sesuit Harbor – report in progress
• Quivett Creek is not part of the MEP
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Dennis Area Watersheds
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
MEP Results to Date – Swan Pond River
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
• Swan Pond River– Contains 3 subwatersheds:
• Swan Pond• Swan Pond River North• Swan Pond River South
– Requires removal of 100% of septic system nitrogen from all three subwatersheds under existing conditions
Swan Pond River Nitrogen Sources
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
MEP Results to Date – Bass River
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
• Bass River– Shared with Yarmouth– Contains 42 subwatersheds– Approximately half of subwatersheds are either entirely or
partially within Dennis– Required septic system nitrogen removal ranges from 0% to
100% depending on subwatershed water quality
Bass River Nitrogen Sources
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Wastewater Treatment Nitrogen Removal
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Opportunities for Public Participation
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
– CDM Smith and CWMTF are developing a Public Participation Plan
– Likely components include:
• Community Meetings
• Dennis website
• Local cable TV
• Direct mail
– We welcome your input and feedback!
Questions?
Town of Dennis ‐Water Quality Evaluation and Mitigation Alternative Study
Terry Hayes, Dennis Health Department – [email protected]
David Young, P.E. – [email protected]
Elena Proakis Ellis, P.E. – [email protected]