Needs Assessment Report
• Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan • Town of Falmouth, MA
Little Pond, Great Pond, Green Pond, Bournes Pond, Eel Pond, and Waquoit Bay Watersheds Needs Assessment Report
October 2007
Prepared for Town of Falmouth DPW
COMPREHENSIVE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROJECT
NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT
TOWN OF FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
Prepared for
TOWN OF FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
Prepared by
STEARNS & WHELER, LLC Environmental Engineers and Scientists 1545 Iyannough Road Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601
August 2007
Project No. 7104510
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
COMPREHENSIVE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROJECT NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT TOWN OF FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
BACKGROUND
The Town of Falmouth (Town) is performing this Comprehensive Wastewater Management Planning (CWMP) Project to provide a comprehensive strategy for wastewater treatment and recharge of the treated water for the next 20 years and with consideration of buildout for the planning area. A primary goal of this Project is to build upon the past wastewater planning and nutrient management efforts to complement the work of the Massachusetts Estuaries Project (MEP) and allow efficient implementation of wastewater and nutrient management solutions. The main focus of the Project is to identify and prioritize sewer service areas for the Little Pond, Great Pond, Green Pond, Bournes Pond, Eel Pond and Waquoit Bay watersheds. These watersheds comprise the project planning area and are illustrated on Figure ES-1.
The project planning area extends into the Towns of Mashpee, Sandwich, and Bourne. It also extends into the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). Project team members are coordinating efforts with the other towns and the MMR.
This CWMP Project is a major component of Falmouth’s town-wide effort to improve water quality, protect public health, and enhance the Town’s economic vitality by comprehensively managing its wastewater and other nutrient sources. The Project evaluates potential sites (Town- wide) to recharge the treated waters from the existing and/or new wastewater treatment facilities in Town. Other Town wastewater management efforts (outside this CWMP Project) include:
• Implementation of sewers for the New Silver Beach area.
• Upgrade of the existing Falmouth WWTF to an enhanced nitrogen removal facility.
• Sewer connection of Falmouth High School.
Town of Falmouth ES-1 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
• Completion of MEP evaluations for Little Pond; Great, Green, and Bournes Ponds; Quashmet River and Waquoit-East area; Oyster Pond; and West Falmouth Harbor.
• Ongoing and planned MEP evaluations for Magansett Harbor, Rands Harbor, Fiddlers Cove, Silver Beach/Wild Harbor, Quissett Harbor, Salt Pond, Inner Harbor, and the western portion of the Waquoit Bay system.
• Planned implementation of sewer service in the West Falmouth Harbor and Snug Harbor area.
The Town has made significant progress on the Town-wide wastewater management components.
This Needs Assessment Report completes the first of four phases of the CWMP Project. The Needs Assessment provides the framework and necessary background information to complete the second phase of the Project, where alternatives to remedy wastewater problems will be developed and evaluated (screened) for overall feasibility. The last two phases of the Project will consist of a public education/participation program, a detailed evaluation of feasible alternatives, a recommended plan of action, and draft and final Environmental Impact Reports in accordance with state requirements.
The Needs Assessment Report utilizes existing information and future estimations of land use and water usage to project future wastewater flows and loadings for the design year 2030. Wastewater issues and specific problem areas of the planning area were identified and evaluated. Regulatory requirements and institutional considerations relating to wastewater management were incorporated into the evaluations.
WASTEWATER PLANNING HISTORY
Previous wastewater facility plans and environmental impact reports have recommended sewer extensions and wastewater system improvements in several portions of the planning areas, as listed below.
1. The 1981 Wastewater Facilities Plan recommended that portions of Falmouth Heights and the Maravista Peninsula be connected to the Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Facility
Town of Falmouth ES-2 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 (WWTF) as a second phase of sewering in Falmouth. These areas (Phase II areas) were never sewered due to limitations at the Falmouth WWTF.
2. The 2001 Wastewater Facilities Plan recommended sewering in the West Falmouth Harbor watershed (west of Route 28 with a focus on the Snug Harbor area) to address water quality problems in West Falmouth Harbor. The 2001 Wastewater Facilities Plan also recommended sewering portions of North Davis Straits from Jones Road north to Maravista Avenue to connect several large wastewater generators and to address failing septic system problems in that area. These sewer extensions have not yet proceeded due to the unknown ultimate sewer system buildout in the Little Pond and Great Pond areas. The sizing of the sewers in the North Davis Straits area will be affected by additional adjoining area that may be sewered in the future. Also, the 2001 Wastewater Facilities Plan recommended improvements to the WWTF to expand treatment capacity and to improve the treatment quality for nitrogen removal. These improvements were completed in 2005. The 2001 Wastewater Facilities Plan also recommended sewer extension to the Falmouth High School (to be completed by the end of 2007) and a portion of Scranton Avenue.
3. The 2001 Ashumet Plume Nitrogen Offset Program recommended that engineered nitrogen mitigation efforts (sewers) be focused around Perch Pond and the middle portions of the watersheds to Great, Green, and Bournes Ponds. These recommendations have not proceeded.
4. Wastewater planning evaluations in 2003 developed sewer coverage options and a SewerCAD model for portions of the West Falmouth Harbor watershed and portions of Maravista Peninsula, Davis-Straits area, and the Little Pond watershed. The SewerCAD model of the Maravista, Davis-Straits, and Little Pond areas will be expanded and further developed to pick up potential sewer areas in the other portions of the planning area.
5. Several MEP technical reports have evaluated nitrogen limitations of the estuaries for the following planning area watersheds:
a. Quashnet River, Hamblin Pond, and Jehu Pond in the Waquoit Bay system (Waquoit-East watershed).
b. Great/Perch Pond, Green Pond, and Bournes Pond watersheds.
Town of Falmouth ES-3 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 c. Little Pond watershed.
The nitrogen limitations of these marine estuaries have been clearly identified in the technical reports and have been repeated in subsequent Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) reports on the total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for these areas. The TMDLs (once approved by USEPA) will become the regulatory limit on the amount of nitrogen that can be discharged in the watersheds of these marine estuaries, and will be enforceable by the MassDEP.
The technical reports and the TMDL reports indicate the marine waters have exceeded their nitrogen limits (and their nitrogen assimilative capacity), and significant amounts of nitrogen must be removed from the watersheds to attain nitrogen concentration threshold values established in the reports. One wastewater nitrogen removal scenario has been identified in each of the technical and TMDL reports to reach the threshold; and this suggested scenario has been used as the basis of the expected regulatory TMDLs. The suggested scenarios would require large percentages of wastewater nitrogen from the watersheds as indicated in Figure ES-2. This large level of wastewater nitrogen removal indicates the need for sewer extension in this area.
FALMOUTH WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY (WWTF)
The Falmouth WWTF is located in West Falmouth off Blacksmith Shop Road east of Route 6. On average, it receives and treats 439,000 gallons per day (gpd) (0.44 mgd) of wastewater from the centralized collection system and 26,000 gpd (0.03 mgd) of septage from all of Falmouth. It utilizes a sequencing batch reactor and tertiary denitrification filtration treatment system, and effluent sand beds and spray irrigation fields for treated water recharge into the ground. This treatment system was completed in 2005 and replaced the previous aerated lagoon treatment system. The new treatment system has demonstrated its ability to produce a well-treated water with a total nitrogen concentration of 3 mg/L or less on average.
The treated water is recharged to the groundwater at the WWTF and flows with the groundwater to West Falmouth Harbor and Buzzards Bay. Partial nitrogen attenuation occurs as the groundwater flows through wetland areas adjacent to Mashapaquit Creek. The MEP has recently completed a technical report for the West Falmouth Harbor watershed (West Falmouth Harbor MEP Report, 2006). This report and a subsequent TMDL report will be the basis of the future regulatory nitrogen limit for this estuary. The technical and TMDL reports are expected to be a
Town of Falmouth ES-4 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 basis for a MassDEP effluent discharge permit being developed for the upgraded WWTF. The Town is currently awaiting the effluent discharge permit.
CENTRALIZED WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM
The centralized wastewater collection system is comprised of approximately 7 miles of gravity collection pipe, six municipally operated pumping stations, and approximately 9 miles of force main to deliver the sewage to the Falmouth WWTF. The collection system collects wastewater from the following areas: (1) Woods Hole; (2) Main Street; (3) Falmouth Beach; and (4) the Davis Straits/Inner Harbor area. Most of the collection system was constructed in 1986, although most portions of Woods Hole were sewered in 1949.
The existing collection system is working well and has sufficient capacity for existing and future flows. Analysis of water supply and sewage flow data indicates that there is extraneous flow entering the collection system as groundwater infiltration into gravity collection pipes and manholes, and/or inflow to the system from building sump pumps or roof leaders. This extraneous flow is called infiltration and inflow (I/I) and can use up valuable treatment and recharge capacity at the Falmouth WWTF. The Woods Hole area of the collection system (the oldest portion) appears to be contributing the most I/I into the system.
WASTEWATER PROBLEMS IN PROJECT PLANNING AREA
The primary wastewater problem in the project planning area is the current excessive wastewater nitrogen loading that is causing water quality degradation in the marine waters. This problem has been defined by the MEP as discussed earlier, and Figure ES-2 illustrates the percentage of existing nitrogen that needs to be removed to meet the proposed nitrogen TMDLs. These removals are very large and will require extensive sewering and advanced wastewater treatment.
INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
The Town needs to consider several institutional issues as the CWMP Project proceeds. Several of these issues are currently being considered by the Town’s Nutrient Management Work Group.
Town of Falmouth ES-5 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 A. Sewer Connection Policy. Several properties have connected to the collection system with low pressure grinder pumps and small diameter force mains. Some of them have connected into existing force mains. The Town needs a uniform policy and plan on how these types of pumps can be connected to the existing system. Also, the Town should delineate sewer service areas, which would identify which properties can connect and how a connection would be made to the collection system.
B. Funding. The construction of centralized wastewater facilities for the planning area will be very expensive. Federal grants are no longer available for these projects. Low interest loans are available from the state, but there are many projects that compete for these loans. The Town’s Nutrient Management Work Group has initiated discussions on how centralized facilities will be financed in the future. These discussions should progress so that there is a financial plan as this CWMP finishes.
C. Growth Management. There is often a concern that once a sewer is installed, the primary restriction for growth (Title 5 design requirements) will disappear and increased housing density and growth will occur which will impact the quality of life in the new sewered areas. The Town of Falmouth addressed this concern in the recent New Silver Beach wastewater planning project area of Falmouth with a sewer use regulation that limited the future number of bedrooms in the houses being served by the sewer. Since then, other communities have built upon this strategy and addressed this issue by developing Growth Neutral Bylaws that indicate that the level of development at a sewered property is still controlled by the zoning requirements as well as the Title 5 design restrictions, even if a house is connected to a sewer. This concept has tended to make sewer extensions “growth neutral.” The concept does not need to apply to the entire Town, and growth can be encouraged in village centers or growth incentive zones as desired by Town planning. The Town is considering several growth-neutral options as it proceeds with this project.
D. Public Education. The expected recommendation from this project to sewer extensive portions of the planning area could be controversial due to the costs for centralized facilities, the perception of environmental impact, and fears that the quality of life will change in areas that are connected to centralized wastewater facilities. The Town will continue discussions with property owners in the planning area to address their concerns, dispel misconceptions, and clearly describe the need to meet the TMDLs. This CWMP project will continue the public education effort.
Town of Falmouth ES-6 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
The No Action Alternative is always developed as part of a CWMP project to identify the likely outcome of not acting on the current wastewater problem in the planning area. For this planning area, degradation of Little Pond, Great Pond, Green Pond, Bournes Pond, Eel River, and Waquoit Bay will continue from the excessive nitrogen loading in the watersheds to these water bodies, primarily from the on-site septic systems. The MEP technical reports used colored maps to illustrate how the nitrogen concentrations would increase from their current levels to the projected buildout levels defined by current zoning. The increased nitrogen would promote further algal blooms, fish kills, eel grass loss, and other impacts to the floor of the marine estuaries.
A small portion of the planning area probably would be sewered as allowed by the 2001 Wastewater Facilities Plan. This portion is the Falmouth Mall area.
If the Town did not demonstrate progress to meet the nitrogen TMDLs, MassDEP would most likely initiate an enforcement action against the Town as allowed by state law.
NEXT STEPS TO IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS FOR WASTEWATER NEEDS
The Needs Assessment Report documents the first phase of the Project. The next phase of the Project will identify and screen centralized and decentralized technologies and solutions for the planning area. These technologies and solutions will be described, and advantages and disadvantages will be summarized. Infeasible technologies and solutions will then be eliminated from further evaluation. The third and fourth phases will evaluate the feasible technologies and solutions in detail, and present the recommended CWMP with draft and final Environmental Impact Reports. Also a public education/participation program will be provided throughout the project to inform and involve the public in this effort.
Town of Falmouth ES-7 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS GLOSSARY OF COMMON ACRONYMS
CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Identification and Purpose...... 1-1 1.2 Project Background, Issues, and Planning Area ...... 1-2 1.3 Project Scope...... 1-9 1.4 Planned Public Review ...... 1-12 1.5 Planned Environmental Review...... 1-13 1.6 Planning Period...... 1-13 1.7 Purpose and Organization of the Needs Assessment Report...... 1-13
CHAPTER 2 - DATA REVIEW
2.1 Introduction...... 2-1 2.2 Technical Reports and Data...... 2-1 2.3 Mapping and Design Drawings ...... 2-4 2.4 Town and Regional Data ...... 2-5 2.5 Meetings and Telephone Contacts...... 2-6 2.6 Ongoing Town Projects ...... 2-7
CHAPTER 3 - REGULATORY ISSUES
3.1 Introduction...... 3-1 3.2 Federal Regulatory Issues...... 3-1 3.3 State Regulatory Issues...... 3-2 3.4 Regional Regulatory Issues...... 3-9 3.5 Town of Falmouth Regulations and Bylaws...... 3-10 3.6 Joint Regulatory Efforts………………………………………………………... 3-12
CHAPTER 4 - EXISTING CENTRALIZED WASTEWATER AND WATER FACILITIES
4.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………….. 4-1 4.2 Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Facility ...... 4-1 4.3 Existing Wastewater Collection System...... 4-11 4.4 Summary of Existing Water Supply Facilities and Resources ...... 4-17
CHAPTER 5 - EXISTING AND FUTURE CONDITIONS IN PLANNING AREA
5.1 Introduction...... 5-1 5.2 Watershed Delineations and Planning Area Development...... 5-1 5.3 Natural Resources, Physical Characteristics...... 5-2 5.4 Land Use in the Planning Area ...... 5-11 5.5 Wastewater Flows and Loadings in the Planning Area………………………… 5-14
Town of Falmouth, MA -i- Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Page CHAPTER 6 - NEEDS ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
6.1 Introduction...... 6-1 6.2 Wastewater Planning History and Recent Findings...... 6-2 6.3 Wastewater Problems in Planning Area ...... 6-3 6.4 Falmouth WWTF...... 6-4 6.5 Centralized Wastewater Treatment Facilities ...... 6-5 6.6 Institutional Issues...... 6-5 6.7 No Action Alternative...... 6-6 6.8 Next Steps to Identify Solutions for Wastewater Needs……………………….. 6-7
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No.
ES-1 Location and Locus Map ES-2 Wastewater Nitrogen Removals for Planning Area
1-1 Location Map 1-2 Wastewater Facility Locations 1-3 Estimated Percent Wastewater Nitrogen Removals
4-1 Existing WWTF Site 4-2 Existing WWTF Site Plan 4-3 Influent and Effluent TSS Concentrations 4-4 Effluent Nitrogen Concentrations 4-5 Existing Process Flow Schematic 4-6 Existing Flow Schematic 4-7 Existing Septage Flow Schematic 4-8 Existing Sludge Processing Schematic 4-9 Collection System Schematic
5-1 Planning Area and Watershed Delineations 5-2 Estimated Percent Wastewater Nitrogen Removals 5-3 Existing Conditions for Planning Area 5-4 Flood Zone Areas 5-5 Sensitive Habitat Areas 5-6 Landuse for Planning Area 5-7 Zoning for Planning Area 5-8 Water Supply Data and Analysis
Town of Falmouth, MA -ii- Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 LIST OF TABLES
Table No.
4-1 Influent Flows (2006) Falmouth WWTF 4-2 Existing Sanitary Sewer System 4-3 Summary of Town of Falmouth Gravity Sewer System 4-4 Summary of Gravity Sewers by Service Area 4-5 Summary of Lift Stations and Force Mains 4-6 Summary of Capacity Analysis Results 4-7 Summary of Town of Falmouth Water Supplies – 2006 4-8 Summary of Water Storage Facilities
5-1 Summary of Nutrient Related Habitat Health for Little Pond 5-2 Summary of Nutrient Related Habitat Health for Great Pond, Green Pond and Bournes Pond 5-3 Summary of Nutrient Related Habitat Health for Waquoit Bay System (East) 5-4 Land Use Summary 5-5 Summary of Projected Additional Properties at the Buildout Condition 5-6 Summary of Average Annual Wastewater Flows 5-7 Summary of 2006 Flows and Seasonal Peaking Factors 5-8 Summary of Seasonal Wastewater Flows 5-9 Summary of Existing Nitrogen Loading 5-10 Summary of Future Wastewater Flows 5-11 Summary of Potential Future Flows to Treat
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix
1-1 Town of Falmouth Wastewater and Nutrient Management Vision and Strategies 1-2 Town of Falmouth CWMP Plan of Study, March 2007
2-1 Falmouth WWTF Effluent Discharge Permit Items
4-1 Falmouth WWTF Monthly Operating Data Summaries 4-2 Falmouth WWTF Typical Monthly Report 4-3 Inventory of Existing Process Facilities and Equipment 4-4 Inventory of Lift Station Equipment 4-5 Summary of Collection System Hydraulic Capacity Calculations
Town of Falmouth, MA -iii- Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This Needs Assessment Report was produced through the joint efforts of Stearns & Wheler and the Town of Falmouth. Stearns & Wheler appreciates the assistance and valuable contributions made by the staff of the Town of Falmouth Department of Public Works, Utilities Division, Engineering Division, Wastewater Treatment Facility, Planning Department, Health Department, Natural Resources Department, Falmouth Country Club Site, and Data Processing Department. We would like to acknowledge the following individuals who contributed to this report and study:
Ray Jack, Jerry Potamis, and Amy Lowell of the Department of Public Works, who answered many questions and provided background on the Town’s water and wastewater system.
Charlie Pires of the Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Facility, who provided insight, operations data, and WWTF operational information.
Brian Currie of the Planning Department, who provided mapping, reports on previous planning efforts, and insight into future conditions in the Town and the planning areas.
David Carignan of the Health Department, who provided background and insight on wastewater-related health problems in the Town and the planning areas.
Robert Shea of the Data Processing Group, who provided GIS data and assistance.
William Chapman of the Water Utilities Department, who provided water consumption data, and assistance conducting the hydraulic load test and subsurface investigations at several potential treated water recharge sites in Town.
Ryan Phelps and Bucky Hall of the Falmouth Country Club Site who provided assistance conducting the hydraulic load test and subsurface investigations at the Country Club site.
We would also like to acknowledge the following agencies and groups that provided valuable data and insight for this report and study:
University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, SMAST
Cape Cod Commission
United States Geologic Survey
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Rose Forbes, Jon Davis, and Mike Minor of AFCEE/MMR
Town of Falmouth, MA Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 GLOSSARY OF COMMON ACRONYMS
ACECs Areas of critical environmental concern ACRE Applied Coastal Research and Engineering, Inc. APCC Association to Preserve Cape Cod
BCDHE Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment BOD Biochemical oxygen demand BOH Board of Health
CCC Cape Cod Commission CDM Camp, Dresser & McKee, Inc. CFR Code of Federal Regulations CMR Code of Massachusetts Regulations CWA Clean Water Act CWMP Comprehensive Wastewater Management Planning CZM Coastal Zone Management
DCPC District of Critical Planning Concern DCWMP/DEIR Draft CWMP and Draft Environmental Impact Report DMF Division of Marine Fisheries DO Dissolved oxygen DPW Department of Public Works DRI Development of Regional Impact
EIR Environmental Impact Report ENF Environmental Notification Form
FCWMP/FEIR Final Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Report
GIS Geographic Information System gpd Gallons per day gpd/im Gallons per day per inch-mile gpm Gallons per minute GWDP Groundwater Discharge Permit Program
I/A Innovative and alternative I/I Infiltration/inflow
LCP Local Comprehensive Plan
MassDEP Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection MCL Maximum contaminant level MEPA Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act MEP Massachusetts Estuaries Project M.G.L. Massachusetts General Law mgd million gallons per day mg/l milligrams per liter MMR Massachusetts Military Reservation
Town of Falmouth, MA Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Glossary of Common Acronyms (continued)
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 NERR National Estuarine Research Reserve NHESP Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program NO3-N Nitrate nitrogen NOI Notice of Intent NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
OSID Open Space Incentive Development
PALS Pond and Lake Stewardship POTW Publicly owned treatment works ppm parts per million PSTF Privately owned sewage treatment facility
RPP Regional Policy Plan
SBR Sequencing batch reactor SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act SMAST School of Marine Science and Technology
TKN Total Kjeldahl nitrogen TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load TN Total nitrogen TSS Total suspended solids
UCWSC Upper Cape Water Supply Cooperative UMass University of Massachusetts USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture USGS United States Geological Survey UV Ultraviolet
WAS Waste-Activated Sludge WPA Wetlands Protection Act WWTF Wastewater treatment facility
Town of Falmouth, MA Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Chapter 1 Introduction CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROJECT IDENTIFICATION AND PURPOSE
The purpose of the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Planning (CWMP) Project is to provide an environmentally and economically sound plan for wastewater treatment and treated water recharge in the planning area for the next 20 years. The CWMP will evaluate the Town’s existing wastewater treatment facilities; assess the wastewater and nitrogen-related needs in the planning area; evaluate appropriate mitigation measures for those needs; and develop a recommended plan for improved wastewater facilities and management structures. The primary focus of the project is to delineate municipal sewer service areas within the planning area and develop a plan to meet the nitrogen Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) limits for the marine waters in this area.
The Town of Falmouth is located in the southwestern portion of Cape Cod as shown in Figure 1-1. This figure also identifies the planning area as the watersheds to Little, Great, Green, Bournes, and Eel Ponds, and Waquoit Bay.
Many of the estuarine waters in the Town are impacted by excessive nitrogen loadings in the watersheds to these waters. The Town of Falmouth is committed to improving the water quality of its estuaries, and in November 2006, prepared its “Wastewater and Nutrient Management Vision and Strategies,” as contained in Appendix 1-1. The Town’s vision statement from this document is:
“Vision - By comprehensively and effectively managing its wastewater and other nutrient sources, Falmouth will improve water quality, protect public health and enhance the town’s economic vitality. Falmouth will offer its residents, visitors and future generations healthy waters in order to sustain the town’s property values and vibrant economy.”
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-1 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
1.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND, ISSUES, AND PLANNING AREA
The Town of Falmouth (Town) is faced with several wastewater-related problems as it plans to protect its coastal environment and plans for growth. Nitrogen loadings from the Town’s coastal watersheds are causing an overproduction of algae in several coastal estuaries and are impacting the water quality and marine resources in the estuaries. Recently completed studies indicate most of the nitrogen originates from wastewater sources. These reports have recommended extensive wastewater nitrogen removal that can only be met with sewers being extended to the watersheds of these marine waters and advanced treatment of the wastewater. These future sewer service areas need to be identified and prioritized.
Several previous projects have developed valuable information that will be referenced and used in this CWMP project. These previous projects are briefly described below.
A. Historical Background on the 1981 Wastewater Facilities Plan. The 1981 Wastewater Facilities Plan by Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. (CDM) was a result of many years of study and focused on an aging wastewater collection and discharge system in Woods Hole (including an ocean outfall at Woods Hole) and wastewater problems in densely developed portions of Falmouth Center, Falmouth Beach, Falmouth Heights, and the Maravista area. Recommendations of the 1981 Wastewater Facilities Plan were approved by the Town, and the following centralized wastewater facilities were implemented as shown on Figure 1-2.
1. Construction of the Falmouth wastewater treatment facility (WWTF), located off Blacksmith Shop Road in West Falmouth.
2. Construction of the Jones Palmer lift station to collect wastewater from several areas of Town and pump it to the Falmouth WWTF.
3. Elimination of the Woods Hole ocean outfall and construction of the Woods Hole lift station to pump the collected wastewater to the Jones Palmer lift station and ultimately to the Falmouth WWTF.
4. Expansion and repairs to the Woods Hole wastewater collection system.
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-2 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
5. Construction of sewers along Main Street and the Shivericks Pond lift station to collect wastewater and discharge it to Jones Palmer lift station and ultimately to the Falmouth WWTF.
6. Construction of sewers in the Falmouth Beach Area and the Falmouth Beach lift station to collect wastewater and discharge it to Shivericks Pond lift station, and ultimately to the Falmouth WWTF.
7. Construction of sewers along East Main Street, Davis Straits Road, and Scranton Avenue; and construction of the Falmouth Inner Harbor lift station.
The Town’s collection system has been slightly extended in past years to collect additional wastewater flow since implementation of these facilities.
The 1981 Wastewater Facilities Plan also recommended that portions of Falmouth Heights and Maravista be sewered approximately 10 years after Falmouth Center was sewered. These areas are often called the “Phase II Areas” and are densely developed, with some of the properties lacking sufficient space for fully compliant Title 5 systems. Portions of these two areas are in the 100-year flood zone and at low elevations where the groundwater is close to the surface. The Maravista area is adjacent to Little Pond and Great Pond. Both of these ponds have water quality problems that have been attributed to wastewater impacts.
The Town experienced problems with the Falmouth WWTF which led to the subsequent construction of additional infiltration beds and modification to the aeration system. Also, the Falmouth Heights and Maravista areas were never sewered due to limitations at the Falmouth WWTF.
B. Background on the 2001 Wastewater Facilities Plan. A Wastewater Facilities Plan was last completed for Falmouth in January 2001 by Stearns & Wheler, LLC which focused on problems with the existing wastewater collection system in Falmouth Center and Woods Hole, the existing WWTF located off Blacksmith Shop Road in West Falmouth, and wastewater- related problems in the following areas:
1. West Falmouth Harbor watershed.
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-3 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 2. Falmouth High School property.
3. Areas of town adjacent to the existing wastewater collection system.
4. Areas of town that had been recommended for sewering in the previous Wastewater Facilities Plan (1981 Wastewater Facilities Plan by CDM, Inc.), including the Falmouth Heights and Maravista areas.
The 2001 Facilities Plan provided the following recommendations for improved wastewater facilities and further study:
1. Upgrade of the Falmouth WWTF to treat a wastewater flow capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day (mgd) and to remove nitrogen in the effluent to 3 parts per million (ppm) on average.
2. Connection of the Falmouth High School to the Falmouth WWTF.
3. Sewering of properties along North Davis Straits (north to Maravista Avenue) and Scranton Avenue (south to Clinton Avenue).
4. Sewering of the West Falmouth Harbor watershed west of Route 28 with the Snug Harbor watershed being the highest priority.
5. Installation of nitrogen removal septic systems in the portions of the West Falmouth Harbor watershed east of Route 28, and formation of a wastewater and nitrogen management district to manage the decentralized wastewater facilities.
6. Future evaluation of nitrogen limitations for the Little Pond watershed to determine the needed extent of sewers and other nitrogen mitigation measures for the Maravista and Falmouth Heights areas.
7. Evaluation of treated water recharge.
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-4 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 The Town has completed the upgrade of the Falmouth WWTF and the improved facility is now producing treated water with a total nitrogen concentration of 3 mg/L on average. The Town is currently completing the sewer extension to the Falmouth High School, which is planned for completion by the end of 2007.
C. Background on the 2003 Wastewater Evaluations. In 2003, a second series of wastewater evaluations was begun by Stearns & Wheler to develop sewer extension options and a SewerCAD™ computer model for the most likely areas to be sewered in the West Falmouth Harbor watershed, as well as portions of the Maravista Peninsula, Davis-Straits area, and the Little Pond watershed. Sewer system layouts were identified for these areas and capital costs for the sewer infrastructure were estimated. The SewerCAD computer model developed in the 2003 evaluation will be expanded for this CWMP project to evaluate sewer coverages in the new planning area.
D. Background on Massachusetts Estuaries Project (MEP) Evaluations and Development of Nitrogen TMDLs. The MEP is a collaborative effort between several federal, state, regional, and municipal agencies to develop nitrogen thresholds and limits for a group of approximately 90 estuaries in southeastern Massachusetts. The main agencies involved include:
1. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
2. University of Massachusetts (UMass) School of Marine Science and Technology (SMAST).
3. United States Geological Survey (USGS).
4. Cape Cod Commission (CCC).
5. Applied Coastal Research and Engineering, Inc. (ACRE).
6. Several municipalities that surround the estuaries.
The nitrogen limits are developed for the estuaries through the following evaluation steps:
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-5 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 1. The watershed of each estuary is delineated by USGS with the use of their regional groundwater flow model.
2. The nitrogen loading to the watershed of each estuary is calculated by CCC for each of the major nitrogen sources.
3. Sediment cores are collected and estimates of nitrogen loadings from the sediments to the estuary waters are calculated.
4. Detailed surveys of each estuary are completed to quantify the condition and extent of several biological parameters, including eel grass coverage, benthic life forms, etc., and to correlate environmental conditions in healthy areas of the estuary with a nitrogen concentration that is associated with these healthy conditions. This step (with other inputs and considerations) identifies the threshold nitrogen concentration for each estuary.
5. A water quality model is developed for each estuary based on tidal mixing and flushing of the estuary and the nitrogen loads from the watersheds and sediments. The model is calibrated with several parameters, including averages of long-term water quality monitoring data.
6. The model is then run with different watershed loading values to estimate the resulting estuaries’ nitrogen concentration for the following scenarios:
a. Existing conditions.
b. Buildout conditions.
c. “No anthropogenic loading” condition, which is the condition of no nitrogen loadings from wastewater, fertilizers, or stormwater sources.
d. “Nitrogen threshold” condition which simulates the upper limit of nitrogen loading that can go into the estuary and still have the water quality meet the nitrogen threshold concentration (identified above in Step 4) at one or more key locations (sentinel stations) in the estuary.
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-6 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 e. Additional alternative scenarios as requested by the municipality or as needed to evaluate potential tidal flushing modifications.
Once the nitrogen thresholds and limits are developed and presented for each estuary in a technical report produced by the MEP, MassDEP then prepares a draft TMDL report that presents the nitrogen limits as TMDLs for approval by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Several of these documents have been produced for the planning area, as listed below:
1. MEP Technical Report for Quashmet River, Hamblin Pond, and Jehu Pond in the Waquoit Bay system (Waquoit-East watershed); MEP, January 2005.
2. MassDEP TMDL Report for Waquoit-East Watershed; MassDEP, October 2005.
3. MEP Technical Report for Great, Green, and Bournes Ponds; MEP, April 2005.
4. MassDEP TMDL Report for Great, Green, and Bournes Ponds; MassDEP, February 2006.
5. MEP Technical Report for Little Pond; MEP, January 2006.
6. MassDEP TMDL Report for Little Pond; MassDEP, February 2007.
USEPA then reviews these reports and accepts the nitrogen limits as TMDLs which, once accepted, have regulatory status by USEPA and MassDEP.
The main findings of these evaluations and reports indicate that significant quantities of nitrogen must be removed from the watersheds to restore the water quality and habitat of these estuaries. Most of the nitrogen comes from individual septic systems in the watersheds. Figure 1-3 illustrates the percentage of existing wastewater nitrogen that needs to be removed from the watershed (and subwatersheds) to meet the TMDL. It is noted that these percentages represent just one of the many possible nitrogen removal scenarios that could be used to meet the nitrogen concentration threshold, but it is the scenario that was suggested by the MEP and used in the
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-7 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
TMDL. The findings of these reports are reviewed in greater detail in Chapter 5, Existing and Future Conditions in Planning Area.
E. Additional Regional Wastewater Management Efforts. Several regional wastewater management planning efforts are underway to define and implement wastewater and nitrogen mitigation efforts on Cape Cod. These efforts are identified below.
1. Cape Cod Commission and Barnstable County regional efforts, including:
a. Formation and coordination of the Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative.
b. Planned development of a regional wastewater management plan.
c. Coordination with USGS and Cape Cod towns to provide groundwater modeling services to towns involved with wastewater planning activities. (Falmouth has used this service, and findings of this modeling will be presented in the Alternatives Screening Analysis Report.)
d. Funding assistance and guidance documents for wastewater projects as listed below:
1) “Enhancing Wastewater Management on Cape Cod: Planning, Administrative, and Legal Tools,” Wright-Pierce, July 2004.
2) “Sewer Modeling and Preliminary Design Evaluations, Guidance Document and Case Study Report, Popponessett Bay Watershed,” Mashpee, MA and Stearns & Wheler, November 2005.
3) “Effluent Disposal and Reuse Planning: Guidance Document and Case Study Report,” Town of Barnstable and Stearns & Wheler, 2005.
4) “Small Community-Size Wastewater Treatment Technologies Evaluation,” Town of Yarmouth and Tighe and Bond, June 2005.
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-8 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 5) “Innovative Septic System Management Project,” Town of Eastham and BCDHE, 2007.
6) “Evaluation of Wastewater Management Options for Freshwater Ponds Guidance Document and Case Study Report for the Great Sand Lakes,” Town of Harwich and Stearns & Wheler, May 2007.
7) “On-Site System GIS Mapping and Management Project,” Town of Bourne and Norfolk RAM, 2004.
8) “Tri-Town Septage Facility Evaluation Project,” Town of Orleans and Wright-Pierce, August 2005.
9) “Cape Cod Pond and Lake Atlas,” CCC, May 2003.
e. Creation of the Cape Keepers Public Education Program.
2. Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC), CCC, and Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) specialty conferences on wastewater issues.
3. Senator Robert O’Leary’s efforts to pass state legislation to assist Cape Cod wastewater-related projects.
4. Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment (BCDHE) efforts to provide public health technical assistance and to oversee the Alternative On-Site Septic System Test Center to test innovative septic system technologies and management scenarios.
1.3 PROJECT SCOPE
The project has been divided into five phases. A brief listing of the tasks associated with each phase of this project follows, and a more detailed Plan of Study for the project as submitted for MassDEP review is included in Appendix 1-2.
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-9 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 A. Phase I – Needs Assessment.
1. Review and summarize Town issues and project background.
2. Initiate identification and evaluation of potential treated water recharge sites.
3. Review and summarize regulatory issues affecting wastewater management planning.
4. Evaluate, summarize, and describe existing conditions in Town, including nitrogen limits.
5. Identify the goals and objectives of the Town related to wastewater management.
6. Evaluate, summarize, and describe future conditions in Town.
7. Identify wastewater areas of concern and prepare CWMP Needs Assessment Report.
B. Phase II - Identification and Screening of Alternative Solutions and Sites.
1. Identify, review and summarize alternative solutions to meet the Town’s wastewater management needs.
2. Screen the alternative solutions to identify the most feasible for detailed evaluation.
3. Further identify and screen potential sites for wastewater management facilities.
4. Group feasible solutions and sites into alternative wastewater management scenarios.
5. Prepare the wastewater alternatives screening analysis report by summarizing the tasks of this phase.
6. Prepare the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) to initiate the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and CCC Development of Regional Impact (DRI) Joint Environmental Review Process.
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-10 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 C. Phase III – Detailed Evaluation and Development of the CWMP.
1. Continue with subsurface and/or environmental investigations for potential wastewater management sites (portions of this task will be initiated earlier).
2. Prepare a methodology of the planned detailed evaluations for project and regulatory review.
3. Perform present-worth evaluations of the alternative scenarios.
4. Perform non-monetary evaluations of the alternative scenarios.
5. Perform an environmental impact analysis of the alternative scenarios.
6. Evaluate the present-worth, non-monetary factors, and the potential environmental impacts (and benefits) of the alternative management scenarios to select the most appropriate.
7. Develop and present the recommended Wastewater Management Plan, and prepare the Draft CWMP and Draft Environmental Impact Report (DCWMP/DEIR).
8. Submit the DCWMP/DEIR for regulatory and public reviews.
D. Phase IV - Resolution of Remaining Issues and Project Completion.
1. Resolve remaining issues.
2. Prepare the Final Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Report (FCWMP/FEIR), and submit it for public and regulatory review.
3. Complete the CCC DRI review process.
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-11 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 E. Phase V – Environmental and Public Review Process.
1. Utilize the Falmouth Nutrient Management Working Group for project reviews and public outreach.
2. Prepare and conduct a public participation program.
3. Submit and coordinate public review of the ENF.
4. Submit and coordinate public review of the DCWMP/DEIR.
5. Submit and coordinate public review of the FCWMP/FEIR.
6. Coordinate the needed public meetings and hearings to comply with state and regional regulations as well as meet the informational needs of the community.
1.4 PLANNED PUBLIC REVIEW
Several public outreach and review components are planned and have been initiated for this project. A Nutrient Management Working Group has been established in Falmouth to provide technical oversight for wastewater and nutrient management projects in Falmouth. Participants in this group (and their affiliations or titles) are listed below.
1. Gerald Potamis, Wastewater Superintendent. 2. Amy Lowell, Assistant Wastewater Manager. 3. Robert L. Whritenour, Town Manager. 4. Heather Harper, Assistant Town Manager. 5. Raymond Jack, Director of Public Works. 6. George Calise, Town Engineer. 7. Brian Currie, Town Planner. 8. Ken Forman, Planning Board. 9. David Carignan, Health Agent. 10. John Waterbury, Board of Health. 11. George Heufelder, Barnstable County Health Department.
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-12 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 12. Jennifer McKay, Conservation Administrator. 13. Steve Fassett, Finance Committee 14. Jack Barnes, Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative. 15. Brad Stumcke, FACES. 16. George Hampson, Falmouth Coastal Ponds Management Committee.
Coordination meetings have been (and will be) held with MassDEP and CCC staff to coordinate efforts and keep the associated agencies informed. Progress meetings have been and will be convened with interested community groups in the planning area and in the Town as a whole. Phase reports (such as this Needs Assessment Report) will be produced through the project to allow interim reviews of the project efforts and public and regulatory comment.
1.5 PLANNED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
As identified in the project scope listing, the approach for the environmental review process is to file an ENF document at the end of Phase II to initiate the MEPA and CCC DRI Joint Environmental Review Process. This ENF will summarize the findings of Phase I and II and focus the review on the alternative management scenarios developed at the end of Phase II and their associated environmental impacts and benefits. The ENF will detail how these alternative management scenarios will be evaluated. The subsequent environmental evaluations will be summarized in the DCWMP/DEIR and in the FCWMP/FEIR.
1.6 PLANNING PERIOD
The Wastewater Facilities Plan will provide a recommended plan for wastewater facilities in the planning areas for the 20-year planning period of 2010 to 2030. This is an approximate period that would start following newly constructed wastewater treatment facilities resulting from the plan. The plan will also be developed with a planning horizon based on the estimated potential buildout of the planning area.
1.7 PURPOSE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT
The Needs Assessment Report is written to summarize the subtasks identified in Phase I of the project scope. This work includes the research and description of existing conditions in the
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-13 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 planning area related to wastewater treatment and disposal; the Town’s centralized treatment and recharge facilities; projected wastewater flows and loadings; and assessment of existing and future conditions.
This Needs Assessment Report is divided into six chapters. Chapter 1 presents general introductory information about the Wastewater Facilities Planning Study. Chapter 2 describes the technical documents reviewed along with Town and regional data. Chapter 3 identifies the regulatory issues (local, regional, state, and federal) that must be considered during the project. Chapter 4 describes the existing centralized wastewater collection, treatment, and recharge facilities. Chapter 5 identifies existing and future conditions in the planning area. Chapter 6 provides a summary of the wastewater needs in the planning area, and describes the results of the No Action Alternative, which is the expected outcome in the planning area if no changes are made to the existing facilities.
Town of Falmouth, MA 1-14 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Chapter 2 Data Review CHAPTER 2
DATA REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides an overview of information used in preparing the Needs Assessment Report for the Town of Falmouth CWMP project. It also identifies ongoing projects which are developing information that may be used by the CWMP project as it proceeds.
2.2 TECHNICAL REPORTS AND DATA
The following technical reports and data, presented in chronological order, were reviewed for the Needs Assessment Report.
A. Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facility Studies and Permits.
1. “Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements: Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facilities,” May and August 1981, USEPA.
2. “Final Wastewater Facilities Plan,” August 1981, CDM.
3. “Draft Falmouth WWTF Operation and Maintenance Manual,” February 2007, Maguire Group.
4. “Draft Summary of Groundwater Investigations in Support of Land Disposal of Treated Wastewater from the Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Facility,” January 1987, CDM.
5. “Evaluation of the Rapid Infiltration Basins at the Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Facility,” November 1990, Wright-Pierce.
Town of Falmouth, MA 2-1 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 6. “Irrigation of Vegetation with Treated Municipal Wastewater,” February 1991, Jordan and Marine Biological Laboratory.
7. “Otis ANG WWTP Construction Cost Information and Design Information,” compiled by Stearns & Wheler, LLC.
8. “Draft Report: An Evaluation of Effluent Disposal Alternatives,” April 1994, CDM.
9. “New Silver Beach Wastewater Management Plan,” March 1997, Weston & Sampson.
10. “Needs Assessment Report for Wastewater Facilities Planning Study,” May 1999, Stearns & Wheler, LLC.
11. “Alternatives Screening Analysis Report for Wastewater Facilities Planning Study,” October 1999, Stearns & Wheler, LLC.
12. “Draft Wastewater Facilities Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report for Wastewater Facilities Planning Study,” January 28, 2000, Stearns & Wheler, LLC.
13. “Wastewater Facilities Plan and Final Environmental Impact Report for Wastewater Facilities Planning Study,” January 2001, Stearns & Wheler, LLC.
14. “Evaluation of the Nutrient-Related Health of West Falmouth Harbor, Draft Report,” no date, Howes, et. al.
15. “Groundwater Discharge Permit Renewal Application, BRPWP12,” August 15, 2002, Maguire Group (contained in Appendix 2-1).
16. “WWTF Groundwater Discharge Permit, SE #3-168,” February 15, 2002, MassDEP (contained in Appendix 2-1).
17. “Effluent Disposal Evaluation Report,” May 2002, Maguire Group.
Town of Falmouth, MA 2-2 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 18. “Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Design Drawings and Specifications,” February 2003, Maguire Group.
19. “WWTF Operating Data,” ongoing, Falmouth DPW.
B. Falmouth Groundwater and Water Supply Studies.
1. Groundwater contour map entitled “Altitude and Configuration of the Water Table, Western Cape Cod Aquifer, Massachusetts, March 1993, USGS Open-File Report 94-462.”
2. Several USGS technical reports and watershed/groundwater contour maps documenting the USGS regional groundwater flow models, including “Simulated Water Sources and Effects of Pumping on Surface and Ground Water, Sagamore and Monomoy Flow Lenses, Cape Cod, Massachusetts,” USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2004- 5181,” 2004, Walter, D.A. and A.T. Whealan.
3. “Regional Water Supply Study and Development of Massachusetts Military Reservation and Upper Cape Cod, Massachusetts,” November 1998, Earth Tech, Inc.
4. Falmouth Public Water Supply Annual Statistical Reports and monthly rainfall data for 2004, 2005 and 2006.
C. Falmouth Surface Water Studies.
1. “Falmouth Technology Park Nitrogen Loading Assessment, July 1992, Howes et al.
2. “Culvert Design and Beach/Inlet Management Plan for Little Pond, Falmouth, Massachusetts,” September 1993, Aubrey Consulting.
3. “Freshwater Flow Into a Coastal Embayment (Little Pond): Groundwater and Surface Water Inputs,” Millham & Howes, Limnol. Oceanogr, 39 (8), 1994, 1928-1944.
Town of Falmouth, MA 2-3 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 4. “Ground-Water Recharge Areas and Traveltimes to Pumped Wells, Ponds, Streams, and Coastal Water Bodies, Cape Cod, Massachusetts”, Scientific Investigations Map I-2857, D.A. Walter et al.
5. “Simulated Water Sources and Effects of Pumping on Surface and Ground Water, Sagamore and Monomoy Flow Lenses, Cape Cod, Massachusetts,” USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5181,” 2004, Walter, D.A. and A.T. Whealan.
6. “Evaluation of the Nutrient-Related Health of West Falmouth Harbor, Draft Report,” no date, Howes, et. al.
7. “Phosphorus in a Ground-Water Contaminant Plume Discharging to Ashumet Pond, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 1999,” USGS Water Resources Report 02-4306, McCobb et al.
D. Falmouth Sanitary Landfill Studies.
1. “Initial Site Assessment for Town of Falmouth Sanitary Landfill,” January 1993, Town of Falmouth Engineering Division.
2. Comprehensive Site Assessment, Town of Falmouth Sanitary Landfill, November 1995, Woodard & Curran, Inc.
E. Falmouth Town Planning Documents.
1. “Open Space and Recreation Plan,” May 1996, Town of Falmouth.
2. “Town of Falmouth Undeveloped Land Study (A Component of the Local Comprehensive Plan),” May 1997, Falmouth Planning Office.
3. “Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan,” February 1998, Town of Falmouth.
4. “Undeveloped Land Study Draft Report,” 2003, Falmouth Planning Department.
5. Falmouth Draft Vision Maps, May 2007.
Town of Falmouth, MA 2-4 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 2.3 MAPPING AND DESIGN DRAWINGS
The following maps and plans were reviewed for this Needs Assessment Report:
1. USGS groundwater contour maps.
2. Town Assessor maps for the study areas.
3. Town and MASS Geographic Information System (GIS) maps for Falmouth.
4. Main Street Interceptor and Falmouth Inner Harbor Sewers and Force Main Record Drawings, 1983.
5. Falmouth Beach and Gardiner Road Interceptor, Lateral Sewers and Force Main Record Drawings, 1983, CDM.
6. Falmouth WWTF: Construction of Infiltration Basins, 1994, CDM.
7. Falmouth Sewage System: Woods Hole District Sewers; Ejector Station & Outfall, 1949, Haley & Ward.
8. Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Drawings, February 2003, Maguire Group.
2.4 TOWN AND REGIONAL DATA
Additional technical data from Town and regional sources has been received and reviewed as identified below:
1. Town of Falmouth GIS data, including areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs), Falmouth parcels, wetlands, floodplains, historic districts, existing and planned public well sites, marine water recharge areas, water supply zones of contribution, surface contours, and additional flyover information.
Town of Falmouth, MA 2-5 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 2. WWTF influent and treated-water analytical data.
3. Soil logs data from various locations.
4. U.S. Census data.
2.5 MEETINGS AND TELEPHONE CONTACTS
Several meetings and telephone conversations were undertaken to research project information. These meetings and telephone contacts are briefly identified below.
1. Amy Lowell, Raymond Jack and George Calise of the Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding project goals and management, existing information on water and wastewater systems, Town regulations, and recent improvements with the Falmouth wastewater collection, treatment and recharge system.
2. Brian Currie of the Planning Department regarding potential treated-water recharge sites, Town planning documents, GIS information, Town regulations, and Town buildout analysis.
3. John Mendes of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) regarding shellfish closures.
4. Robert Shea of the Town’s GIS Department regarding the GIS data.
5. David Carignan, Health Agent, regarding wastewater problem areas, BOH regulations, and the performance of innovative and alternative (I/A) on-site systems.
7. Town Nutrient Management Working Group to discuss project issues and scope as well as related projects.
8. Brian Dudley regarding the Massachusetts Estuaries Project and coordination of project information.
Town of Falmouth, MA 2-6 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 9. Don Walter of USGS regarding groundwater modeling scenarios for Falmouth.
2.6 ONGOING TOWN PROJECTS
The following projects and research efforts are ongoing in Falmouth, developing information that could be used in the wastewater facilities planning project. Efforts have been made by Stearns & Wheler to coordinate our work with these ongoing projects.
A. Ashumet Plume Nitrogen Offset Program. The main nitrogen assessment and nitrogen feasibility study was completed in 1999 and 2000. The Citizens Committee has worked to implement the recommendations of the nitrogen assessment and feasibility study and is proceeding with the following ongoing efforts:
1. Public education on fertilizer management and recommended landscaping practices to minimize nutrient loadings to ground and surface waters.
Findings and conclusions of these efforts will be incorporated and referenced in this project.
B. New Silver Beach Wastewater Improvements. The New Silver Beach Wastewater Management Plan was completed in March 1997 and recommended the following components.
1. Wastewater collection system.
2. Tertiary treatment at new wastewater treatment plant located at 40 William Road.
3. Effluent discharge through subsurface leaching structures.
The Town is proceeding with construction activities to implement these recommendations.
Town of Falmouth, MA 2-7 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Chapter 3 Regulatory Issues CHAPTER 3
REGULATORY ISSUES
3.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter identifies and briefly discusses the environmental regulations affecting wastewater facilities in the Town of Falmouth. Federal, state, regional, and Town of Falmouth governments have enacted environmental regulations, which relate to the collection and treatment of wastewater and the recharge of the treated water. The federal regulations are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and are enforced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The Massachusetts regulations are contained in the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) and are enforced by MassDEP. The CCC has adopted a Regional Policy Plan, which provides guidance and goals for development and environmental protection on Cape Cod. The Town of Falmouth has adopted BOH regulations and Town bylaws to protect the citizens of Falmouth, and a Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) to provide growth management and environmental protection for the future. These regulations, plans, bylaws, and guidance documents are intended to protect public health and the natural environment, and are briefly reviewed in this chapter.
Following is a brief summary of some of the regulations that are most applicable for this project. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all laws involved in the various regulations. For details on any of the requirements, refer to the actual law or regulation.
3.2 FEDERAL REGULATORY ISSUES
A. NEPA. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (NEPA) provides the basis for the protection of the environment. This Act ensures that environmental information is provided to the public for use in the decision making process for projects that might affect the environment. According to regulations, the “NEPA process is intended to help public officials make decisions that are based on an understanding of environmental consequences; and take actions that protect, restore, and enhance the environment.” This policy has been established to eliminate redundancy and combine NEPA requirements with other concerned agencies’ requirements. The NEPA
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-1 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 process is the forerunner of similar environmental review processes adopted by state and regional agencies; it allows for the assessment and identification of alternatives for projects concerning the environment.
The Town of Falmouth is not expected to need to enter into the NEPA process because the CWMP project is regulated by MEPA and the CCC’s DRI review process as described in following sections; but the NEPA regulations could become an important factor for this project if wastewater facilities are proposed for federal lands.
3.3 STATE REGULATORY ISSUES
A. On-Site Treatment and Discharge. Title 5 of the Massachusetts State Environmental Code provides minimum standards for the “protection of public health, safety, welfare and the environment by requiring the proper location, construction, upgrade, and maintenance of on-site sewage disposal systems and appropriate means for the transport and disposal of septage.” The regulations contained in 310 CMR 15.00 come under the jurisdiction of the MassDEP and are enforced in conjunction with local health departments through permits, inspections, and financial penalties.
As defined by the regulations, an individual sewage disposal system is “a system or series of systems for the treatment and disposal of sanitary sewage below the ground surface.” Systems typically consist of a septic tank, a distribution box, and a soil absorption system. These systems may also include tight tanks, shared systems, or alternative systems if allowed by local and state regulations. The design considerations for Title 5 systems include minimum setbacks, minimum separation from groundwater, sizing guidance, and soil requirements.
The regulations are generally enforced by local health departments. The local BOH, due to specific problems or concerns, can and may impose more stringent requirements. Individuals and/or communities can receive a variance from the regulations; however, it must be in accordance with 310 CMR 15.00.
B. Privately Owned Sewage Treatment Facilities and Publicly Owned Treatment Works. Privately owned sewage treatment facilities (PSTFs) are the private version of the publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). POTWs are defined in 314 CMR 12.02 as “any device or
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-2 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 system used in the treatment (including recycling and reclamation) of municipal sewage or industrial waste of a liquid nature which is owned by a public entity. A POTW includes any sewers, pipes, or other conveyances only if they convey wastewater to a POTW providing treatment.” In Massachusetts, there are detailed requirements at the State level, which apply stringent requirements on the location and operation of PSTFs.
Current MassDEP regulations require the use of a PSTF or POTW for any residential or commercial discharge greater than 10,000 gpd. MassDEP reviews the performance of these facilities under its Groundwater Discharge Permit Program (GWDP) (314 CMR 5.00).
C. Effluent Discharge at an Ocean Outfall. The Massachusetts Ocean Sanctuaries Act (Massachusetts General Law (M.G.L.) c132A) regulations establish state environmental policy to be enforced in the five Massachusetts Ocean Sanctuary areas; consisting of the Cape Cod Ocean Sanctuary, the Cape Cod Bay Ocean Sanctuary, the Cape and Islands Ocean Sanctuary, the North Shore Ocean Sanctuary, and the South Essex Ocean Sanctuary. These areas are special resources and the goal of the Act is to protect them from any “exploitation, development, or activity that would seriously alter or otherwise endanger their ecology or appearance.”
The planning area is located in the Cape and Islands Ocean Sanctuary. Municipal wastewater direct discharges into ocean sanctuaries are specifically precluded under these regulations, unless the discharge was approved and licensed prior to December 1971. A variance from these policies would require state approval and possible legislation stating that a special variance was needed to protect public health due to a limited number of feasible treated water recharge (to groundwater) alternatives.
D. Groundwater Quality Standards. The Groundwater Quality Standards of 314 CMR 6.00 define three groundwater classes and their designated uses, and they specify the minimum groundwater quality criteria for each class. Class I groundwater is fresh groundwater designated as a potential source of potable water. Class II groundwater is saline water and is designated as a potential source of potable mineral waters. Class III groundwater is fresh or saline water and is designated for uses other than potable water. At a minimum, Class III groundwater can be used as a potential source of non-potable water and is suitable for human contact but not ingestion. The groundwater in the planning area is classified as Class I, and any permitted discharges to the groundwater must meet specific discharge requirements, including a nitrate-nitrogen limit of
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-3 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 10 mg/L. Also, discharges to groundwater of 10,000 gpd or greater must meet requirements of the Groundwater Quality Standards, as well as the GWDP Program described below. It is noted that a portion of Falmouth’s groundwater between West Falmouth Harbor and the WWTF has been classified as Class III. This class was designated as part of the 1981 Facilities Plan based on 314 CMR 6.05(3)(c), and Groundwater Discharge Permit #0-168. The recent upgrade of the Falmouth WWTF could allow the reclassification of these groundwaters to Class I in the future.
E. Groundwater Discharge Permitting. The Massachusetts GWDP Program is contained in 314 CMR 5.00, which is the regulation governing wastewater discharges of 10,000 gpd or greater. Facilities designed or constructed prior to March 1995 were allowed to discharge up to 15,000 gpd without a discharge permit.
The groundwater discharge regulations cover several types of discharge to groundwater, including discharges through infiltration beds, percolation fields, lagoons, or injection wells. Permitted discharges must meet the requirements for the groundwater class. These requirements are quite strict and cannot be met with a typical on-site septic system. Advanced wastewater treatment plants are used to meet the requirements. Application for a discharge permit requires a hydrogeologic evaluation, as well as an engineered design for the treatment and discharge facility. Most discharge permits include a nitrogen limit of 10 mg/L.
F. Reclaimed Water Use. The use of reclaimed water must meet interim guidelines developed by MassDEP (January 2000) in addition to the requirements of the GWDP Program. Reclaimed water uses include use of treated wastewater for irrigation at golf courses and landscaping nurseries, discharges into approved Zone II areas, and toilet flushing in commercial buildings.
Higher levels of treatment are required for reclaimed water uses. These guidelines are also currently being reviewed by MassDEP and new guidelines and/or regulations may be released in 2007.
G. Surface Water Quality Standards. In addition to the limitations on ocean disposal of wastewater imposed by the Ocean Sanctuary regulations, the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards define the activities that are prohibited in various class-designated surface water bodies. The water in Waquoit Bay and its tributaries are designated SA, Outstanding
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-4 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Resource Water. This is the top salt-water ranking and means that the water is suitable for all types of water recreation. The water in the other planning area estuaries and Vineyard Sound are designated SA, High Quality Waters. Any actions that would prevent swimming, fishing, or other recreational activities in these waters are strictly prohibited.
An additional summary of water quality is provided in the Integrated List of Waters, also known as the 303(d) list. The classification of water within the planning area is discussed later in this chapter.
H. Surface Water Discharge Permitting. The Massachusetts Surface Water Discharge Permit Program described in 314 CMR 3.00 regulates all discharges of pollutants to surface waters located in Massachusetts. These include point sources for public and privately owned treatment works and stormwater discharges. Discharge of treated wastewater to surface waters in Falmouth (except ponds with no surface outlets) would not be allowed due to the Ocean Sanctuaries Act described previously.
I. Wetlands Protection. The Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) (M.G.L. c.131, s.40) and parallel state regulations (310 CMR 10.00) were enacted to safeguard wetlands, associated resource areas, and floodplains from overdevelopment. The WPA covers any wet area where the groundwater level is at or near the surface of the ground for a long enough period during the year to support a community of wetland-type vegetation. Wet areas include any salt or fresh-water marsh, meadow, swamp, or bog.
Areas subject to protection under the WPA are referred to as resource areas. Resource areas are protected by a surrounding 100-foot buffer zone in which landscape alterations are regulated. The WPA also covers construction on land subject to flooding or coastal storms. Generally, the regulations apply to two types of floodplain: those lands bordering directly on bodies of water, and those lands subject to flooding (called “Isolated Land Subject to Flooding”) which do not border bodies of water.
The state regulates activities that involve filling, dredging, or excavating in or near a wetland or water body. The regulations govern additional construction activities, including site preparation, the removal of trees or bushes, vista pruning, and the changing of land contours.
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-5 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 A Notice of Intent (NOI) must be filed for work in any resource area. The NOI requires a detailed description of the planned activity, and the applicant must show that if the resource area will be altered, the benefits will outweigh the damage. For work outside the resource areas but within a 100-foot buffer zone around a bordering vegetated wetland, bank, dune, or beach, the owner has the option of filing a “Request for Determination” to show that the work will not alter a resource area. If the Conservation Commission agrees, it will issue a “Negative Determination,” permitting the work as presented. If the Conservation Commission decides that the work will alter a resource area, it will issue a “Positive Determination” and require a full hearing and the filing of a NOI.
J. Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act. This law is an amendment to the WPA and establishes a Riverfront Area, which is included in the resource areas protected by the WPA. The law authorizes conservation commissioners to regulate activities that occur within the Riverfront Area and establishes protection of the natural integrity of rivers as a state priority.
Permits for work in Riverfront Areas will be denied if a significant adverse impact would result or if there is a “practicable and substantially equivalent economic alternative” that will have less impact on the resource area. Certain activities are exempt from the Rivers Protection Act, including renovation of abandoned cranberry bogs and activities associated with wastewater treatment plants and their related structures, conveyance systems, and facilities.
K. Governor Kings Executive Order No. 181 on Barrier Beach Areas. This Executive Order defines barrier beach areas and sets several state policies to restrict and discourage development in these areas. One policy states that no state funds and federal grants for construction projects shall be used to encourage growth and development in hazard-prone barrier beach areas. This policy has been used by the state to restrict government-funded projects in hazard-prone areas, such as Velocity Zones.
Discussions with members of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) indicate that the state will discourage development in a Velocity Zone and withhold state funding for such a project. This development would include the construction of a treatment facility or collection system in a Velocity Zone. This policy could affect the planning area if a sewer is proposed to collect wastewater along the southern coast where Velocity Zones are located.
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-6 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 L. Regulations for the Land Application of Sludge and Septage. The land application of sludge and septage, as well as the distribution of compost material made from WWTF sludge, are regulated by MassDEP in 310 CMR 32 and the July 2005 federal standards contained in 40 CFR Part 503. Current state regulations are more stringent.
Under the MassDEP regulations, sludge, septage, and compost (collectively called “material”) are classified as Type I, II, or III, depending upon chemical, pathogen, organic content, and sludge stabilization processes used. The sludge classification determines how the material is ultimately used or disposed of. Type I material can be used on any site and requires no further MassDEP regulations, while Type II and III materials require additional regulation on the ultimate use, the application site, and allowable application rates. Compost must be classified as Type I to be sold or otherwise distributed to the public.
M. Water Resources, Treatment and Supply of Potable Water. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 is federal legislation that dictates the regulation of potable water in the United States. Major amendments were made to the SDWA in 1986 and mandate that 25 additional contaminants come under regulation every 3 years. This legislation is incorporated into the regulations of 40 CFR 141, 142, and 143, which are maintained and enforced by USEPA.
Massachusetts is a primacy state for the regulation of potable water, which means that MassDEP is the primary agency for maintaining and enforcing the drinking water regulations. Massachusetts’ regulations contained in 310 CMR 27.00 closely parallel the federal regulations and establish the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of the regulated contaminants in drinking water. The groundwater quality standards discussed in a previous section and contained in 314 CMR 6.00 have been determined by the drinking water MCLs. Included in the list of MCLs is the Total Nitrate-Nitrogen maximum concentration of 10 mg/L.
The SDWA provides guidelines on the establishment of wellhead protection programs, which Massachusetts has established in Section 310 CMR 22.21. The program delineates three zones around each public water supply. The Zone I delineation is the area immediately around the well or well field which must be owned by, or in the control of, the water purveyor. The Zone I for a well producing 100,000 gpd or greater has a minimum diameter of 800 feet. The Zone II delineation is the area of an aquifer that contributes water to a well under the “most severe
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-7 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 pumping and recharge conditions that can be realistically anticipated.” The regulations define these conditions as 180 days of pumping at safe yield with no recharge from precipitation. Zone II areas are typically determined by a hydrogeologic study involving particle-transport computer modeling. The Zone II is bounded by the groundwater divide and by the contact of the aquifer with less permeable material. The Zone III delineation is the area beyond the Zone II from which surface water and groundwater drain into the Zone II.
The allowed land use within each zone is regulated by the wellhead protection program. Land use activities within Zone I areas must be related to the water supply or have no significant adverse impact on water quality. The following land uses are prohibited from being sited in a Zone II area:
• Landfills or open dumps.
• Landfilling of sludge or septage.
• Automobile graveyards and junkyards.
• Stockpiling of contaminated snow or ice.
• Petroleum, fuel oil, and heating oil bulk stations and terminals.
• Treatment or disposal works for wastewater other than sanitary sewage.
• Facilities that generate, treat, store, or dispose of hazardous materials.
• Floor drainage systems in hazardous waste and hazardous material processing or storage facilities.
There are exceptions to the prohibition of wastewater treatment plants listed as the sixth bullet above. These exceptions are reviewed by MassDEP on a case-by-case basis.
N. Toxic/Incompatible Discharges to Wastewater Collection Systems. In the early 1980s, the USEPA established nationwide industrial pretreatment standards contained in 40 CFR 403, General Pretreatment Regulations, to regulate the discharge of industrial pollutants to POTWs. The general goals of this program are to limit those toxic/incompatible discharges, which could: (1) pass through a plant inadequately treated; (2) harm a plant’s treatment processes, thereby preventing the plant from complying with its permit; (3) accumulate in the plant’s sludge in concentrations that would limit sludge disposal options; or (4) cause a risk to the health and safety of treatment plant workers or the general public.
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-8 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 When these regulations were established, all communities with POTW flows greater than 5 mgd were required to establish local industrial pretreatment programs. The programs are needed by larger plants that receive significant industrial and commercial wastewater flows. The Falmouth planning area does not currently have significant industrial and commercial flows. A pretreatment program for the existing or a future Falmouth WWTF does not appear to be warranted at this time.
Massachusetts’s pretreatment regulations (314 CMR 12.00) parallel the federal regulations. Paragraph 12.09.2 of the Massachusetts regulation states that the Director of the MassDEP may require a POTW with a design flow of 5 mgd or less to establish a pretreatment program in order to meet the goals listed above.
O. MEPA Environmental Review. The CWMP project includes an environmental review process that is governed by MEPA and CCC’s DRI review process. In general, the MEPA process, as described in 301 CMR 11.00, establishes thresholds, procedures, and timetables for a multi-level review process. If a project exceeds review thresholds or if state funding is requested for a project, the project proponent begins the review process by preparing and filing an ENF with the Secretary of Environmental Affairs (Secretary). A 30-day review period follows, during which the Secretary receives agency and public comments and holds a site visit and consultation session. At the close of the ENF review period, the Secretary determines whether an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is necessary, and issues a MEPA certificate. If an EIR is required, it is prepared by the proponent and submitted to the Secretary. The EIR is reviewed at both draft and final stages by agencies and the public. After completion of the Secretary's review, state agencies may act on the project.
The Falmouth CWMP Project plans to enter the MEPA process at the completion of the Alternatives Screening Analysis (Phase 2) as identified in Chapters 1 and 2.
3.4 REGIONAL REGULATORY ISSUES
A. The DRI Review Process. In accordance with the Cape Cod Commission Act, Chapter 716, the CCC has the authority to review and regulate DRIs. This review is carried out by the Commissioners and the CCC staff in accordance with Administrative and Enabling regulations.
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-9 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 As stated earlier, Falmouth’s CWMP project plans to include an environmental review process that is governed by MEPA and the Commission’s DRI procedures. This review process will be a joint review.
B. Cape Cod Commission Regional Policy Plan (RPP). The CCC Act calls for an update to the plan every five years (previous editions were released in 1991 and 1996). With the advice of Cape citizens and officials, and following votes by the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates and the Barnstable County Commissioners, the current RPP went into effect April 29, 2002. Additional revisions to the “Definitions” section (specifically, the definition of ‘Hazardous Material’) were approved as a county ordinance in July 2003, effective September 10, 2003. The RPP is currently being revised, and the first round of public hearings began in August 2007.
The minimum performance standards and other development review policies of the RPP are intended to be used by both the CCC and local regulatory authorities once they have adopted an LCP and it has been certified by the CCC. The goal of the water resources minimum performance standards is to preserve the high quality of the groundwater (the source of Cape Cod’s drinking water) as well as the marine and fresh surface waters, which are connected to and dependent on the groundwater for ecological health and sustenance. The water resources classification system includes the following: drinking water, coastal embayments, ponds, sewage treatment facility standards, stormwater management standards, and natural resources standards. The reader is directed to the most current RPP for further information specifically relating to the minimum performance standards developed for each goal. Overall, the water resources minimum performance standards state a maximum nitrogen load of 5 parts per million unless there will be no adverse impacts on resources.
3.5 TOWN OF FALMOUTH REGULATIONS AND BYLAWS
The Town of Falmouth has adopted the following regulations and bylaws that pertain to treatment of sanitary wastewater and recharge of the treated water.
A. Town of Falmouth LCP. The first Falmouth LCP, based on the CCC’s RPP, was initially adopted and approved in 1998; the first update is the 2005 version. Although the LCP was revised in 2005, the Community Vision was still considered valid and applicable. The Community Vision discusses the town’s goals of protecting and promoting the “…distinctive
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-10 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 natural, cultural, historic and economic attributes that define Falmouth…” and to “…preserve and protect the town’s beaches, coastal ponds, scenic views, and valued natural features; to protect and distribute the vulnerable drinking water supply...” The 2005 LCP addressed the degradation of the town’s coastal ponds, estuaries and embayments. Some of the goals of the LCP are summarized as follows:
• To provide all Town residents with high quality drinking water by maintaining and improving the overall quality of Falmouth’s ground and surface water.
• To conserve and preserve potable water supplies to ensure sufficient quantity and quality for present and future needs.
• The development, use, and permitting of appropriate new innovative technologies designed to improve wastewater treatment by reducing nutrient loading should be encouraged, although such technologies will not be the basis upon which to increase density or change uses away from those defined by the Town’s zoning bylaw.
• To maintain and improve coastal water quality in all coastal waters and to protect coastal ecosystems and habitats.
• To preserve, restore and enhance the quality and quantity of inland and coastal wetlands in the Town of Falmouth.
• To provide adequate community facilities to meet the needs of Falmouth by maintaining a five-year Capital Improvement Plan according to the Falmouth Town Charter.
B. Chapter 180 (Falmouth Administrative Legislation: Sewers and Septic Systems). These regulations identify the use requirements and restrictions of the Town’s sewers and septic systems, construction requirements, discharge controls, and other miscellaneous provisions. The bylaw includes sewer connection provisions; construction, permits, and costs of sewer installation; and prohibited discharges.
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-11 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 C. Falmouth Health Regulations, FHR 15.00: Title 5 Modifications. These requirements identify several provisions that are stricter than the revised Title 5 (March 31, 1995) and are in effect in Falmouth. The regulations include alternative on-site septic systems, pressure dosed systems, variances to Title 5, and septic systems’ location and construction.
D. Article XXI of the Zoning Regulations: Coastal Pond Overlay District. These regulations establish and delineate coastal pond overlay districts and their restrictions. Three different classifications are identified: high quality areas, stabilization areas, and intensive water activity areas. Each area has specific zoning requirements and nitrogen concentration standards.
3.6 JOINT REGULATORY EFFORTS
The USEPA and MassDEP have been working most recently in two areas applicable to the CWMP Project. The first of these efforts is regarding the establishment of TMDLs for non-point sources to coastal embayments, and the second is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program for stormwater. The following is a brief description of each of these regulatory requirements.
A. TMDLs. The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires states to develop a list of impaired waters, which are waters that are unable to meet state-established water quality standards for their intended use (i.e., drinking water supply, fishing, recreational swimming and boating, or healthy ecosystems for plants and animals). States are then required to develop TMDLs for the impaired waters that are affected by pollutants. A TMDL is a determination of the maximum amount of pollutants that a body of water can withstand.
In 1998, the USEPA required all states to submit strategies for completing TMDLs within 8 to 13 years. Massachusetts submitted a strategy consisting of two stages. The first stage would make use of existing studies and information by working to implement corrective actions where feasible; develop a pilot program to define data collection needs and procedures to be used for TMDL development; and develop and standardize TMDL determination methods for pollutants that did not have well-established protocols. The second stage will focus on developing the TMDLs, beginning with those for pollutants with well-established determination methods.
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-12 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Once TMDLs are determined, MassDEP develops a draft TMDL report, followed by a public review and comment period. After addressing public comments, MassDEP submits the TMDL report to USEPA for formal approval. The TMDL development process requires that communities develop plans to restore the health of water bodies and then make progress toward implementation of the plans. MassDEP monitors the progress of communities in achieving TMDLs. Restoration of water bodies is an extended process, so MassDEP looks for reasonable progress; if no reasonable progress is being made, enforcement actions may be taken.
The CWA requires states to monitor the quality of their water resources to determine if the water meets the standards for intended uses. This information is reported to the USEPA in the Integrated List of Waters. Category 5 of the Integrated List itemizes water bodies that are “impaired or threatened for one or more uses and requiring a TMDL.” Therefore, this list becomes the basis for determining the water bodies for which TMDLs will be established.
The water bodies within the planning area that are listed in the Integrated List as Category 5, Waters Requiring a TMDL, include Bournes Pond, Great Pond, Green Pond, Little Pond, Perch Pond, and Waquoit Bay. The pollutant requiring TMDLs for these water bodies is primarily nutrients, but some of the water bodies require pathogen TMDLs as well.
B. Stormwater and Wastewater Discharges. Discharges to surface waters are regulated by the USEPA through the NPDES permit program, authorized by the CWA. The NPDES program is intended to control water pollution by requiring discharge permits for any point source (i.e., stormwater systems, wastewater system) that discharges pollutants to waters of the United States. In Massachusetts, application is made to both the USEPA and the MassDEP. USEPA issues the permit after the MassDEP certifies that the discharge meets water quality standards. Falmouth obtained a NPDES permit approval under Phase II of the NPDES Stormwater Program. Annual reports (describing progress on established goals to improve water quality) are submitted on a regular basis.
Town of Falmouth, MA 3-13 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Chapter 4 Existing Centralized Wastewater and Water Facilities CHAPTER 4
EXISTING CENTRALIZED WASTEWATER AND WATER FACILITES
4.1 INTRODUCTION
The Town’s existing wastewater and water facilities are described in this chapter; and pertinent system capacities are summarized for consideration in future evaluations.
The majority of the Town’s existing centralized wastewater facilities are located outside of the planning area as illustrated on Figures 1-1 and 1-2. A small portion of the collection system extends into the Little Pond watershed as shown on Figure 1-1. This portion was designed for additional flow from proposed sewer extensions to the Falmouth Heights and Maravista areas (1981 Wastewater Facilities Plan Phase II Areas, as discussed in Chapter 1). These sewer extensions were never implemented, but the existing collection system could still be used to convey portions of the wastewater flow from the planning area to the existing WWTF.
4.2 FALMOUTH WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY
A. History of Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Facilities. In 1949, a portion of Woods Hole was sewered and the effluent discharged into Great Harbor via an 8-inch ocean outfall pipe. As a result of the 1981 Facilities Plan, use of the outfall pipe was discontinued, and by October 1986, the existing WWTF was online. Effluent disposal through infiltration basins has been continuously used at this site since the facility’s startup in 1986, and spray irrigation has been in use since 1988. Several additions and modifications have been made to the facility over the last 20 years. Figure 4-1 illustrates the present treatment facilities, and Figure 4-2 illustrates the full WWTF site plan. The majority of these facilities were constructed under five major construction projects, described below.
1. Wastewater Treatment Facility Construction. The existing operations building, headworks, storage ponds (previously used for aerated ponds), spray irrigation, and Infiltration Basin Nos. 1 through 5 were completed and placed in service in 1986.
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-1 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
2. New Infiltration Bed Nos. 6, 7, and 8. These three additional infiltration basins were completed and put online in 1995. Some modifications were made to the spray irrigation areas to accommodate final construction of these beds.
3. Septage Pretreatment and Odor Control Facilities. This project (completed in 1998 and 2000) included the installation of a septage pretreatment facility for septage screenings and rock removal. The upgrade also included odor control facilities for the septage receiving and headworks areas.
4. New Wastewater Treatment (Sequencing Batch Reactors System), Sludge Processing, and Treated Water Recharge Facilities. This project (completed in 2005) included the installation of:
a. Sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) with associated appurtenances (influent wet well, post-equalization tank, process equipment, etc.) for biological treatment and nitrogen removal.
b. Denitrification filters for additional nitrogen removal and effluent polishing.
c. Ultraviolet light disinfection of the final effluent.
d. New sludge processing facilities.
e. Construction of additional infiltration beds for treated-water recharge.
B. Summary of Existing Centralized Wastewater Flows and Loadings. Wastewater treatment facility staff regularly sample and record the flows of wastewater and septage. Much of the recorded data is reported to MassDEP in monthly reports, while other data is utilized by the WWTF staff as part of their monitoring and process control operations. As part of this project, one year of data (2006) was analyzed to determine the current flows and loadings to the Falmouth WWTF, as this was the first full year of operation after the latest upgrades. Monthly averages were computed and are summarized in Appendix 4-1, including 2005 data and three months of 2007 data. This data, specifically the 2006 data, is the basis for evaluations of influent flows and loadings and plant performance.
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-2 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 1. Plant Influent. Plant influent is a combination of wastewater from the collection system and recycle flow. Wastewater is collected at the Jones Palmer lift station, where it is pumped to the Falmouth WWTF. The Jones Palmer lift station is equipped with a flow meter which measures and records the influent flow to the WWTF. The average day, maximum day, minimum day, and total flows are recorded and reported to MassDEP in a monthly report. A typical monthly report is attached in Appendix 4-2. Septage is transported to the WWTF by septage haulers. The volume of septage is measured on a scale and recorded on the monthly report.
Table 4-1 summarizes the average annual, minimum month, maximum month, and peak day influent flows during 2006.
TABLE 4-1
INFLUENT FLOWS (2006), FALMOUTH WWTF
(1) SEWAGE FLOW SEPTAGE FLOW TOTAL FLOW TIME OF (2) FLOW AVERAGE (MGD) (MGD) (MGD) OCCURRENCE Average annual 0.362 0.022 0.384 2006 Maximum month 0.475 0.027 0.502 June; August Minimum month 0.258 0.011 0.270 March; February Peak day(3) 0.660 0.067 0.727 June 24; March 30
(1) The total flow calculation for maximum month and minimum month is represented as the annual maximum and minimum values for the monthly averages. (2) Dates of sewage flow and septage flow, respectively, for maximum month, minimum month, and peak day. (3) The total for peak day is a summation of the sewage flow and septage flow that occurred on their respective peak flow dates.
A representative sample of the facility influent is analyzed weekly for 5-day biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD5) and total suspended solids (TSS). The WWTF effluent is sampled
weekly and analyzed for BOD5, TSS, nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN).
BOD5 is used to gauge the strength of wastewater, as it is a measure of the quantity of oxygen that will be required to biologically stabilize the organic matter present in the
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-3 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 wastewater. The nitrogen analysis of the effluent provides a measure of the nitrogen
loading to the groundwater system. The sum of TKN and NO3-N represents the total nitrogen (TN) content of the effluent.
Influent BOD5 sampling at the Falmouth WWTF indicates an average BOD5 concentration of 182 mg/L in 2006. Influent TSS concentrations during the same period averaged 223 mg/L.
Influent nitrogen values were not available from historical data, as these parameters are typically only sampled in the effluent flow.
2. Septage. The Falmouth WWTF receives and treats septage and trap grease (all referred to as “septage”) from haulers located in and around Falmouth. The WWTF tracks the number of septage loads discharged to the system, and the gallons of septage. The 2006 average annual flow was 22,000 gpd; maximum month and minimum month flow were 27,000 gpd and 11,000 gpd, respectively. The peak day flow of 67,360 gallons was experienced on March 30, 2006. These flows are summarized in Table 4-1.
It is noted that the Falmouth WWTF accepts only septage which originates in Falmouth. It is believed that all of the septage generated in Falmouth is sent to the Falmouth WWTF, though septage haulers can transport it to another location for disposal.
3. Waste-Activated Sludge (WAS). WAS from the SBR tanks flow by gravity or can be pumped to a blended-sludge tank within the newly constructed sludge management facilities. Submersible mixers located in the blended-sludge tank blend the WAS and pretreated septage together. Sludge transfer pumps pump the blended material through sludge-thickening equipment and the thickened sludge flows by gravity into thickened sludge tanks where it is stored until it is trucked to a regional disposal facility. The thickened sludge production and disposal averages approximately 0.2 mgd monthly.
4. Infiltration and Inflow (I/I). As described in the 2001 Wastewater Facilities Plan, the existing Woods Hole sewer system was evaluated in 1977 and 1978 and the potential I/I was analyzed. The 1981 Facilities Plan indicated that 60 percent (or 0.3 mgd) of the 0.5 mgd wastewater flow may be attributed to groundwater intrusion (infiltration). The
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-4 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 report identified 1,600 feet of pipe in poor condition and requiring replacement, and another 9,500 feet requiring repair.
Based on these recommendations, repairs were made to this system in 1983. The WWTF staff believes there may still be I/I entering the system. The brick manholes and older pipe from the original Woods Hole collection system could be the points of entry of I/I to the Woods Hole system.
Stearns & Wheler performed a water balance study to estimate I/I in the collection system. The study investigated the water consumption of all sewered properties and compared that average water flow to the average wastewater flow pumped to the WWTF. The water consumption was smaller than the wastewater flow pumped to the WWTF and indicated that extraneous water was entering the collection system as infiltration or inflow.
Infiltration is normally measured in terms of gallons per day per inch-mile (gpd/im), and the Falmouth collection system has a total of 37,000 feet of gravity pipe of 6 to 21 inches in diameter (this system is detailed later in this chapter). The 2001 Facilities Plan results indicated Falmouth’s I/I at approximately 2,100 gpd/im when expressed in these terms.
It is recognized that not all infiltration is cost effective to eliminate, and MassDEP has established a threshold of 10,000 gpd/im for I/I to justify grant eligibility and for performing rehabilitative work. Falmouth’s I/I falls below this criteria; even so, there are reasons to further investigate this extraneous flow, as discussed in Chapter 6.
5. Screenings and Grit. Grit is generated in three general locations: the lift stations, the septage tanks, and the aerated grit chamber. Grit generated at the Jones Palmer, Woods Hole, and Shivericks Pond lift stations is typically collected in front of the comminutors and is removed and disposed of as a solid waste.
The Falmouth Beach, Inner Harbor, and Gardiner Road lift stations are vacuumed approximately two times per year. The remaining Lift stations are vacuumed once per year. This material is discharged to the sludge drying beds at the WWTF, where it is later removed and transported to a sanitary landfill for ultimate disposal.
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-5 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 The grit is also generated at the aerated grit chamber from wastewater pumped from the Jones Palmer lift station. Typically, the grit screw is operated every other day and empties into a 1 cubic yard dumpster. The dumpster is periodically hoisted onto a truck and the grit is landfilled. Grit which settles out in the septage holding tanks is periodically removed by a vacuum truck, and this material is discharged to the sludge drying beds where it is later removed for disposal at the landfill.
C. Summary of Overall WWTF Performance. Overall facility performance is indicated by the quality of the treated effluent pumped to the infiltration facilities. Monthly averages of the
WWTF influent and effluent from 2006 are plotted on Figure 4-3 for BOD5, Figure 4-4 for TSS, and Figure 4-5 for nitrogen.
Figure 4-3 indicates that the facility performs well at removing BOD with an average annual removal rate of 99.5 percent and an average effluent concentration of 1.0 mg/L. The current groundwater discharge limit for Falmouth is 85 mg/L of BOD on a daily basis and the effluent monthly average BOD concentrations never exceeded this value. This discharge limit is expected to change to 30 mg/L when the WWTF receives its new discharge permit.
Figure 4-4 indicates that the facility performs well at removing TSS with an average annual, removal rate of 98.6 percent and an average effluent concentration of 3.1 mg/L. The current groundwater discharge limit for the Falmouth WWTF is 85 mg/L of TSS on a daily basis. This discharge limit is expected to change to 30 mg/L when the WWTF receives its new discharge permit.
Figure 4-5 indicates that the facility performs well at removing TN, TKN, and NO3-N with average effluent concentrations of 2.6 mg/L, 1.6 mg/L, and 1.1 mg/L, respectively. The current groundwater discharge limit for the Falmouth WWTF is 50 mg/L on a daily basis. This discharge limit is expected to change to 10 mg/L on a maximum daily basis and a possible nitrogen loading limit that is referenced to a basis of 3 mg/L and 1.0 mgd flow when the WWTF receives its new discharge permit.
D. Existing Wastewater Treatment Facilities. The Falmouth WWTF is comprised of pretreatment, secondary and tertiary treatment facilities. The arrangement of these facilities is illustrated on Figures 4-1 and 4-2. The existing wastewater and septage treatment flow
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-6 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
schematics are presented on Figures 4-6 and 4-7, respectively. An inventory of the treatment facilities and process equipment is contained in Appendix 4-3.
1. Pretreatment Facilities. The pretreatment facilities consist of an aerated grit chamber, a mechanical fine screen and coarse bar rack. The aerated grit chamber is the first pretreatment facility that the influent wastewater passes through from the Jones Palmer lift station. The aerated grit chamber is designed to remove grit solids and heavier inert solids from the influent wastewater through the use of diffused aeration and a grit screw conveyor.
Following the aerated grit chamber, wastewater flows into the mechanical fine screen which is designed to remove fine solids including floatables, rags, or other trash. The screenings are transported up a second screw conveyor, where they are washed, compacted, dewatered and deposited into a screenings collection bin for disposal off-site.
A bypass channel is included within the aerated grit chamber to direct flow towards a coarse bar rack in the event that the mechanical fine screen is taken off-line for maintenance or service. The coarse bar rack is a secondary means of screening and is only used during emergency situations.
2. Secondary Treatment Facilities. After pretreatment, the influent continues through the wastewater treatment process to the influent wet wells. The two wet wells are located at the lowest elevation on the site and serve as the point for all gravity drains and process- related streams to return. Four pumps (two small and two large) convey the wastewater from either Wet Well No. 1 or No. 2 to the SBR activated sludge process. The SBR tanks work on alternating “fill and draw” schedules, which allow one tank to always be in Fill mode. The SBR system uses the following predetermined stages:
a. Mix fill. b. Reach fill. c. React. d. Settle. e. Decant/WAS.
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-7 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
In the Decant mode, the flow of the clarified effluent is directed to the post-equalization tank which equalizes the flow for the downstream denitrification filters.
The SBR has great flexibility in its operational sequence as controlled by a programmable logic controller. The size and capacities of the main components of the SBR facilities are summarized in Appendix 4-3.
3. Tertiary Treatment Facilities. Tertiary treatment consists of denitrification filters, and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. The SBR effluent is pumped at a controlled rate from the post-equalization tank to the denitrification filters, which are designed to biologically
remove NO3-N and filter out suspended solids. Methanol (or another organic carbon source) is metered into the filter effluent flow to reduce the dissolved oxygen content of the filter feed and to provide a food source to the denitrifying bacteria in the filter process. The filters utilize a biological process, in which the denitrifying organisms attach themselves to the granular filter media. These denitrifying bacteria consume the organic carbon and
convert the NO3-N into nitrogen gas. As the nitrogen gas accumulates in the filter, it periodically needs to be removed through a short bump cycle, which forces backwash water up through the filter, causing the nitrogen gas to be released to the atmosphere. The denitrification filter effluent then passes to the dual-purpose clearwell where it is used as backwash and stored until the level overflows into the UV disinfection channel. The filters need to be backwashed periodically to remove accumulated solids and excess biomass. The filters are currently performing well at removing suspended solids in the SBR effluent.
The filters are not currently being operated to reduce nitrate in the SBR effluent. The SBR is currently meeting the 3 mg/L performance standard of the WWTF, and no organic carbon source (methanol or MicroC®) is being metered to the process. This mode of operation is being used to save operational costs and will be revised as flows increase and additional nitrate polishing is needed.
The UV disinfection system is a physical process that consists of UV lamps submerged in an open channel. The Falmouth WWTF has two banks within the channel and each bank includes 24 lamps. As the filtered effluent passes through, the UV lamps emit a lethal dose of UV radiation that penetrates the cell structure of bacteria, microorganisms and viruses in
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-8 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 the effluent. The absorption of the radiation prevents replication, which in essence kills microbiological presence in the treated water.
E. Septage Handling Facilities. The septage handling facilities are comprised of the following main components: the septage screening unit, septage storage tanks, and septage ejector pumps. These components are shown schematically in Figure 4-7.
Septage can be discharged into the automated septage screening unit, limiting septage discharge to only one truck at a time. Screenings generated at this location are collected and disposed of at a landfill. Flow from the unit passes to Septage Holding Tank No. 4 with an overflow to Tank No. 3. Both tanks are aerated, and gases are collected and treated. Septage can also be discharged directly to Holding Tank No. 4 which allows more than one truck to discharge at one time. With this discharge method, the screenings are removed at a manually cleaned bar rack.
The septage receiving tanks are equipped with a baffle at the bottom of the tank to allow grit and stones to settle without being pulled into the septage ejector suction lines. The ejector suction lines are operated such that Tank No. 4 initially receives all the septage, and then the septage is allowed to flow to Tank No. 3. Septage is then pulled from Tank No. 3 via suction lines and discharged to the headworks of the facility, where it enters the aerated grit chamber. Tank Nos. 1 and 2 are typically not used unless there are several septage haulers waiting to discharge their wastes.
The automated septage screening unit is not currently being used due to mechanical problems and its limitation that only one truck can discharge at a time. When the WWTF is next upgraded, the addition of another sludge storage tank should be considered which will provide additional storage capacity and easy access for grit removal.
F. Sludge Thickening and Storage Facilities. The purpose of the facility is to receive, store, and mechanically process all WAS and septage at the WWTF. The facilities are illustrated on Figures 4-1 and 4-8. As part of the activated sludge process, the SBRs generate waste sludge which flows by gravity (or can be pumped) to the blended sludge tank at the sludge processing building. Pretreated septage is also pumped to the blended sludge tank from the septage receiving area. Submersible mixers located in the blended sludge tank blend the WAS and septage together. Sludge transfer pumps direct the blended material to the sludge thickeners,
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-9 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
where it is thickened to the desired solids concentration and flows by gravity into the thickened sludge tanks for storage until it is trucked to a regional disposal facility.
The sludge thickening facilities have some problems that should be corrected at the time of the next WWTF upgrade, including:
1. An additional blended sludge storage tank was originally planned but was removed to save construction costs. This tank is needed to provide additional sludge storage capacity.
2. The discharge piping from the sludge thickeners restricts sludge flow to the thickened sludge storage tanks and limits the solids concentration of the sludge to a concentration that can flow through the pipes. This limited concentration is not as thick as could be produced by the sludge thickeners and disposed; therefore, the pipe restriction appears to be causing increased sludge disposal costs.
3. The discharge piping does not allow discharge to Thickened Sludge Tank No. 1 and No. 2. All flow must go through Tank No. 1.
G. Treated Water Recharge Facilities. The facilities include the following components as illustrated on Figures 4-1, 4-2 and 4-6: (1) effluent distribution channels; (2) storage ponds; (3) Sand Infiltration Bed Nos. 1 through 13; and spray irrigation pumps and areas.
Treated water flows from the UV disinfection facilities to the effluent distribution channel, which can distribute the flow to the storage ponds, sand infiltration beds, and the spray irrigation pumps. The storage ponds are not currently operational and are awaiting sludge removal and modifications to integrate the basins into the treated water recharge facilities. They are planned to be used for water storage to feed the spray irrigation facilities and manage the overall treated water recharge at the site.
There are 13 sand infiltration beds at the site. Infiltration Basin Nos. 1 through 5 are fed from a 20-inch diameter pipe, which tees into a 16-inch diameter pipe at the center of each infiltration basin. Infiltration Basin Nos. 6, 7, and 8 are fed from a 12-inch diameter pipe and discharge onto a splash pad at the middle of the southern side of each of these basins. Infiltration Basin Nos. 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 were constructed with the WWTF upgrades completed in 2005.
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-10 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Infiltration Basin Nos. 1 through 5 each have a leaching area of 37,500 ft2; Infiltration Basin Nos. 6 through 8 each have a leaching area of 62,500 ft2; and Infiltration Basin Nos. 9 through 13 have a leaching area of 63,000 ft2. These infiltration beds have approximate infiltration rates of 1.1 gpd/ft2, which indicates a capacity of 0.76 mgd with all beds online. Bed “resting” and maintenance would be provided during the warmer months when the spray irrigation facilities are operational.
The existing spray irrigation system is comprised of five 13-acre areas. Each area has approximately 50 to 60 spray nozzles fitted on 3-foot tall, 1-inch diameter aluminum risers. Each riser is spaced approximately 60 to 100 feet apart. The risers are connected by 3-inch diameter laterals. Each lateral is tied into one of many 6- or 8-inch diameter header pipes that feed the entire system. The nozzles discharge at a rate of approximately 9.4 gpm for a total flow of 500 gpm (0.7 mgd) for the entire system. The system is fed by two 30 HP pumps located in the pump gallery in the control building.
The system was designed at a loading rate of 2.0 inches per acre per week. Using that loading rate, the five irrigation areas have a capacity of 0.50 mgd, although these facilities have demonstrated an ability to handle flows greater than 0.5 mgd without problems.
As previously stated, the storage ponds are currently not operational; therefore, the spray irrigation facilities are also not in use.
H. Summary of Existing WWTF Performance. Overall, the existing WWTF is operating well and is consistently meeting 3 mg/L total nitrogen in the effluent. There are several problems as detailed in the previous text which should be addressed in the next WWTF improvements project.
4.3 EXISTING WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM
A. System History. The majority of the Town’s collection system was constructed under one of two major construction projects.
In 1949, the majority of Woods Hole was sewered to help alleviate wastewater problems in that area. Wastewater was collected in 6- to 10-inch vitrified clay pipes and discharged to an ejector
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-11 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 station on Water Street for ultimate disposal into Great Harbor through an 8-inch diameter outfall pipe.
In 1986, following the 1981 Facilities Planning Study, additional portions of Falmouth, including Falmouth Beach, portions of Falmouth Center, and Woods Hole, were sewered. These areas consist of pipes ranging in diameter from 8 to 21 inches which ultimately discharge to the Jones Palmer lift station, which in turn pumps to the Falmouth WWTF. This new collection system expanded on the 1949 system and abandoned the 8-inch outfall. The 1986 construction project also built the existing Woods Hole lift station at the location of the ejector station built in 1949.
Since the 1986 expansion of the sewer system, several smaller expansions and connections have been made to the system, including:
1. Extension along Morin Avenue (off Davis Straits) and across Jones Road to pick up Stop and Shop, Morse Pond School, and a nursing home.
2. Extension down Scranton Avenue (gravity line) to connect a condominium property and apartments.
3. Extension down Scranton Avenue (force main connection) to connect a restaurant and marina along Falmouth Inner Harbor.
4. Extension along Waterside Avenue in Falmouth Beach to pick up two residences.
5. Extension to connect the Lawrence School.
6. Connection of Mullen-Hall School.
7. Extension down Dillingham Road just beyond Rose Morin Lane.
A sanitary sewer typically has a rated design life of 50 years. However, with proper system maintenance and appropriate repairs, it is possible to significantly extend the life of a sewer. The age and lengths of various lines in the system are detailed in Table 4-2.
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-12 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 TABLE 4-2
EXISTING SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF PREDOMINANT PERCENT OF TIME PERIOD SEWERS INSTALLED (FEET) MATERIAL OVERALL SYSTEM 1949 11,000 Vitrified clay 30 1986 26,200 PVC 70
The original Woods Hole collection system is approximately 50 years old, and portions of that system have either been repaired or replaced. The portions of the collection system constructed in 1986 will reach their 50-year design life in 2036.
B. Summary of Existing Facilities.
1. Gravity Sewers. The Town of Falmouth has approximately 37,200 linear feet of gravity sewer (or approximately 7 miles), based on the 1949 and 1986 record drawings. They range from 6 to 21 inches in diameter. The 8-inch diameter sewers account for 67 percent of the total collection system. A summary of the gravity system by size is presented in Table 4-3 and a summary by service area is presented in Table 4-4.
TABLE 4-3
SUMMARY OF TOWN OF FALMOUTH GRAVITY SEWER SYSTEM(1)
DIAMETER PERCENT OF (INCHES) LENGTH (FEET) OVERALL SYSTEM MATERIAL TYPE 6 1,970 5 Vitrified clay 8 25,065 67 PVC 10 2,305 6 PVC 12 3,235 9 PVC 18 4,055 11 PVC 21 577 2 Reinforced concrete
(1) Does not include sewer extensions after 1986.
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-13 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 TABLE 4-4
SUMMARY OF GRAVITY SEWERS BY SERVICE AREA
LENGTH OF SEWER BY PIPE DIAMETER (FEET) SERVICE AREA 6-INCH 8-INCH 10-INCH 12-INCH 18-INCH 21-INCH TOTAL Davis Straits/Inner Harbor 0 3,574 770 1,427 0 0 5,771 Falmouth Beach 0 8,828 1,109 1,808 0 0 11,745 Main Street 0 2,413 0 0 4,055 577 7,045 Woods Hole 1,970 10,250 426 0 0 0 12,646
2. Lift Stations and Force Mains. In addition to the gravity sewers, the Town of Falmouth operates and maintains the following six lift stations: (a) Jones Palmer; (b) Shivericks Pond; (c) Woods Hole; (d) Gardiner Road; (e) Inner Harbor; and (f) Falmouth Beach. These facilities are illustrated on Figure 1-2.
The Gardiner Road lift station collects flow from a small section of Woods Hole in a low elevation area and discharges to a gravity sewer, which then discharges to the Woods Hole lift station. The Woods Hole lift station collects this flow and the rest of the Woods Hole flow (including the Coast Guard Station and the E-1 pump units) and discharges directly to the Jones Palmer lift station.
The Falmouth Beach lift station collects wastewater from the Falmouth Beach area and discharges it via a force main in Walker Street to the gravity sewer along Main Street. The Inner Harbor lift station collects wastewater from the eastern end of Main Street, Davis Straits, and Scranton Avenue. The Inner Harbor lift station also discharges to the gravity sewer in Main Street at Scranton Avenue.
Flow from the Main Street interceptor is collected at the Shivericks Pond lift station and is then discharged to the Jones Palmer lift station.
The Jones Palmer lift station is the central collection point for the Town of Falmouth. This lift station receives wastewater from both Shivericks Pond and Woods Hole lift stations, as well as gravity flow from the Falmouth Hospital area. This station discharges directly to the Falmouth WWTF, and the treatment facility influent flow is measured at this location.
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-14 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Figure 4-9 presents a schematic view of the centralized wastewater collection system and lift stations. Table 4-5 presents information on the force mains and Town-owned lift stations, and Appendix 4-4 provides an inventory of lift station equipment.
TABLE 4-5
SUMMARY OF LIFT STATIONS AND FORCE MAINS
FORCE MAIN APPROXIMATE YEAR DIAMETER LENGTH FORCE MAIN LIFT STATION BUILT (INCHES) (FEET) MATERIAL DISCHARGE LOCATION Falmouth Beach 1986 6 4,430 Ductile iron 18-inch gravity sewer on Main Street Gardiner Road 1986 4 1,180 Ductile iron Manhole and 8-inch vitrified clay pipe Inner Harbor 1986 8 640 Ductile iron 18-inch gravity sewer on Main Street Jones Palmer 1986 18 17,200 Ductile iron WWTF Shivericks Pond 1986 14 1,830 Ductile iron Jones Palmer lift station Woods Hole 1986 12 21,400 Ductile iron Jones Palmer lift station
C. Hydraulic Capacity of Sewers. It is important to know the full pipe capacity of all major sewer segments for planning and evaluation purposes. Combined with existing average and peak flows, this knowledge helps to determine the available sewer capacity for growth and to plan for upgrades and expansions to the system. This section summarizes the hydraulic capacity evaluation of the Town’s sewer system which was documented in the 2001 Wastewater Facilities Plan.
1. Methodology. The full-pipe hydraulic capacity of each section in Falmouth’s gravity sewer system was computed using the Manning’s equation. Pipe size and slope information was taken from the 1949 and 1986 sewer design record drawings. Pipe roughness (Manning’s “n” value) was based on pipe material. Falmouth’s existing sewer system was constructed using reinforced concrete, vitrified clay, and PVC pipe. An “n” value of 0.0014 was used in the equation if the pipe material was unknown, which is typical of reinforced concrete or concrete-lined ductile iron pipe. The majority of the existing collection system is PVC; therefore, an “n” value of 0.01 was used.
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-15 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
2. Results. The majority of Woods Hole is built out and currently connected to the sewer system. There are portions where the peak flows exceed the half-hydraulic capacity of these lines, but the full line capacity is sufficient to meet all flows. The portions of the Woods Hole collection system installed in 1949 and 1986 have sufficient hydraulic capacity to meet the peak day flows metered at the Woods Hole and Gardiner Road lift stations.
Meter readings from the Falmouth Beach lift station were used to assess the hydraulic capacity of the Falmouth Beach collection system. Based on these values, all the sewer lines are sufficiently sized at half and full capacity to handle average and peak flows.
The Davis Straits/Inner Harbor planning area is one area which could possibly experience increased flows due to expansion of the existing collection system. Based on the meter flows currently seen at the Inner Harbor lift station, all portions of this collection system have sufficient hydraulic capacity.
The Main Street sections of the collection system all appear to be sufficiently sized. The interceptor and trunk sewers located on Main Street are more than sufficient to meet the current peak flows as seen at the Shivericks Pond lift station. See Table 4-6 for a summary of capacity analysis results.
TABLE 4-6
SUMMARY OF CAPACITY ANALYSIS RESULTS(1)
1998 AVERAGE 1998 PEAK FLOW HALF PIPE FULL PIPE SERVICE AREA FLOW (GPM) (GPM) CAPACITY (GPM) CAPACITY (GPM) Davis Straits/Inner Harbor 66 148/332 (2) 223 447 Falmouth Beach 21 126 194 387 Main Street 208 332 112 223 Gardiner Road 4 13 104 208 Woods Hole 94 145 218 436
(1) Capacity analysis of the most restrictive line in the collection system. See Appendix 4-6 for a detailed table of the analysis. (2) Peak flows for Davis Straits/Inner Harbor equal 148 (metered at Inner Harbor lift station) and 332 (metered at Shivericks Pond lift station).
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-16 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 D. Infiltration/Inflow. Inflow to a sewer system is a direct result of water generated from direct illicit connections to the sewer system. Runoff from gutters, roadways, yard drains, sump pumps, and manhole covers can result in a direct increase in wastewater flow during and immediately following storm events. Measuring flow rates prior to, during, and following a storm event typically identifies inflow.
Section 4.1 identified an assessment to quantify I/I by evaluating water consumption data and comparing it to treatment plant influent data. Findings of that assessment indicated an I/I of 2,000 gpd/im, which is below the MassDEP criteria of 10,000 gpd/im commonly used for obtaining state funding and the need for remediation. This is still a large percentage, and the Town should continue to investigate illegal connections and make repairs to the existing collection system to reduce these flows.
4.4 SUMMARY OF EXISTING WATER SUPPLY FACILITIES AND RESOURCES
A. Description of Existing Facilities. Currently, approximately 90 percent of Falmouth is serviced by public water, which comes from the Sagamore Lens. There are currently five groundwater source wells in Falmouth: Fresh Pond well, Coonamessett well, Mares Pond well, Crooked Pond well, and Ashumet well. Of these, only the Ashumet well is currently inactive. These five active wells account for 40 percent of the water used in Falmouth. In addition, the Town received approximately 0.5 mgd (10 percent) from the Upper Cape Water Supply Cooperative (UCWSC) in 2006. The primary purpose of this well system on the Massachusetts Military Reservation is to provide emergency remediation water to neighboring towns; however, it is not intended to be a permanent replacement for any Falmouth water supply wells.
The Town also receives water from Long Pond, a surface water supply located between Route 28 and Buzzards Bay. This water supply provides for approximately 50 percent of the Town’s consumption. All sources of water are treated with potassium hydroxide to stabilize the pH as well as chlorine for disinfection. The Coonamessett well also receives treatment with activated carbon to protect against contaminants from a nearby plume of ethylene dibromide. Table 4-7 summarizes the Town’s water supply data from 2006.
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-17 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 TABLE 4-7
SUMMARY OF TOWN OF FALMOUTH WATER SUPPLIES - 2006
TOTAL AMOUNT TOTAL AMOUNT PERCENT (1) STATUS PUMPED (MGY) PUMPED (MGD) OF TOTAL Long Pond Active 685.770 1.9 50 Fresh Pond well Active 172.410 Coonamessett well Active 239.971 1.7 40 Mares Pond well Active 89.640 Crooked Pond well Active 107.893 Ashumet well Inactive 0 - - UCWSC Active 182.463 0.5 10 TOTAL 1,478.147 4.1 100
(1) “Percent of Total” figures have been rounded to one significant figure.
The Town recently constructed a highly advanced water treatment facility that will treat 2.5 million gallons of water from the new Crooked Pond well and the existing Coonamessett well. The treatment methods are passive in nature and include air-stripping, activated carbon absorption and manganese-greensand filtration followed by disinfection and pH adjustment. The facility became operational during 2005.
The Town also has three water storage tanks with a total capacity of 8 million gallons. Table 4-8 summarizes these water storage facilities.
TABLE 4-8
SUMMARY OF WATER STORAGE FACILITIES
TANK SIZE (MILLION GALLONS) NUMBER 3 1 2 2 1 1
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-18 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 B. Proposed Facilities. The Town is also investigating several additional water supply sites. Several different locations have been identified throughout Town; five locations are considered viable. The Town is considering the need for an additional elevated storage tank located adjacent to one of the sites under consideration. Long-range considerations include additional wells (five wells at 1.0 mgd are desired) to limit the dependence on the Long Pond Reservoir. The Ashumet Valley appears to have the most potential to minimize impacts on existing Zone IIs for existing Town wells.
C. Water Conservation Program and Mandatory Water Restrictions. The Town of Falmouth Utilities Department currently employs several methods of conserving water in the Town. The Department tracks leaks in the system during routine maintenance to minimize water losses and also informs water users of low flow devices and other water conservation methods to reduce water use. This information is distributed via libraries, the school system, and water billing. They also impose voluntary water conservation during peak usage times and during periods of minimal rainfall. The Town Building Department is also responsible for ensuring water conservation methods are utilized during construction, including the installation of low flow devices per state building codes.
In order to achieve compliance with recently enacted MassDEP regulatory initiatives, the Town also implemented mandatory water restrictions, including:
1. Watering of lawns and shrubs is limited to odd/even days only (based on house address) between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
2. Washing of sidewalks, patios, and driveways is prohibited (excluding businesses for safety/health reasons).
3. Pistol-grip nozzles are required for all hoses used for washing cars and all hoses at dockside facilities.
4. Restaurants may only serve water when requested by patrons.
In the mid-1990s, the Town began a major effort to reduce unaccounted-for water. The Town has appropriated $150,000 per year for water meter replacement and other measures to reduce water
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-19 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 losses. The Utilities Department is continuing to install water looping connections to eliminate the need for water “bleeders,” which had been required at the end of long water mains.
Town of Falmouth, MA 4-20 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Chapter 5 Existing and Future Conditions in Planning Area CHAPTER 5
EXISTING AND FUTURE CONDITIONS IN PLANNING AREA
5.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides a description of the planning area delineations, and a description of natural resources, physical characteristics, land use, wastewater flows and loadings, and nitrogen loading assessments in these areas. The natural resources and physical characteristics are defined by the planning area’s embayment water quality, topography, geology, soils, groundwater, fresh surface-water resources, protected cultural areas, floodplains and velocity zones, critical wildlife and plant habitat, and protected natural resources. Each of these existing and future conditions has been identified through review of Town documents and records, review of MEP documents and data, and evaluations made by the project team.
5.2 WATERSHED DELINEATIONS AND PLANNING AREA DEVELOPMENT
The planning area for this Project is illustrated in Figure 5-1. The watershed areas are based on groundwater recharge areas delineated by the USGS as part of the MEP evaluations for each of the watersheds. The figure shows six major watershed areas, as follows:
• Little Pond watershed
• Great Pond watershed
• Green Pond watershed
• Bournes Pond watershed
• Eel Pond and Waquoit-West watershed
• Waquoit-East watershed
USGS and MEP have not yet completed their evaluation for the Eel Pond and Waquoit-West watershed; therefore, detailed sub-watersheds have not been developed for that area. A simplified sub-watershed line separating the upper portion of this watershed from the lower portion has been estimated as shown on Figure 5-1. It was estimated based on surface topography, groundwater contours developed by previous USGS evaluations, and an estimate of
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-1 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
the area that recharges to fresh surface waters versus the areas that recharge to the marine surface waters.
5.3 NATURAL RESOURCES, PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
A. Embayment Water Quality.
1. Introduction. The largest issue associated with wastewater planning on Cape Cod is the marine water quality impacts from the nitrogen in wastewater discharges. Nitrogen is typically the limiting nutrient in marine waters, which means that the other essential nutrients for plant growth (e.g., phosphorus, potassium, etc.) are in sufficient supply, and the addition of nitrogen to marine water will produce a corresponding growth of algae. Algae are the suspended and attached plant material that can foul the water, making it unattractive for swimming, fishing, and boating. The algae will typically settle to the bottom of the embayment, smothering shellfish resources and, through decay, deplete oxygen in the water. The oxygen depletion can cause unpleasant odors and produce fish kills. As documented in the MEP Technical Reports, the excessive nitrogen loading to the Town’s embayments is damaging these water resources and could impact property values and ultimately the tourist and summer home economy of many portions of Falmouth.
The excessive nitrogen loading originates from several sources, including roof and road runoff, lawn and agricultural fertilizers, and atmospheric deposition. On Cape Cod, wastewater from on-site systems is typically the largest nitrogen source in the watershed.
As stated in the MEP reports, overall indication of biological health and determination of site-specific nitrogen thresholds for an embayment requires integration of key habitat parameters such as infauna and eelgrass, sediment characteristics, and nutrient related water quality information, particularly dissolved oxygen (DO) and chlorophyll a.
a. Infaunal Communities (Benthic Organisms). These organisms are defined as aquatic animals that live within the bottom substratum rather than on the surface. These organisms are an important indicator to the overall health of an embayment, especially in areas that do not support eelgrass beds. For example, a healthy habitat area would present low organic matter loading and high DO where a stressed habitat
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-2 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 area would present high organic matter loading and low DO. The basic concept is that certain species or species assemblages reflect the quality of the habitat in which they live. Benthic animal species from sediment samples are identified and ranked as to their association with nutrient related stresses, such as organic matter loading, anoxia, and dissolved sulfide. The analysis is based upon life-history information and animal- sediment relationships (MEP 2006).
b. Eelgrass Distribution. Eelgrass distribution studies were conducted by the MassDEP Eelgrass Mapping Program and used by the MEP technical team. These studies incorporate surveys at different intervals and historical data from aerial photographs. The primary use of the data is to indicate if eelgrass currently and/or previously exists (existed) in a basin and if large-scale system-wide shifts have occurred. The loss of eelgrass is expected to be from high water column nitrogen concentrations, the production of algae that results from high water column nitrogen concentrations, and the subsequent shading of the eelgrass (MEP 2006).
c. Water Quality. Dissolved oxygen levels near atmospheric equilibrium are important for maintaining healthy animal and plant communities. Short-duration oxygen depletions can significantly affect communities even if they occur rarely. DO levels in temperate embayments vary seasonally, due to changes in oxygen solubility, which varies inversely with temperature. Conversely, biological processes that consume oxygen from the water column vary directly with temperature, explaining why the lowest levels of oxygen are found in the summer in southeastern Massachusetts embayments when the biological respiration rates are greatest (MEP 2006).
2. Summary of Findings. Tables 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 represent Table VIII-1 from the three MEP Technical Reports and summarize the habitat health based on embayment water quality and the various health indicators. To date, a MEP technical report has not been developed for the Waquoit-West major watershed area; therefore, Table VIII-I does not exist for this system. These tables are very brief summaries and the full MEP Technical Reports should be referenced for a full description.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-3 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
TABLE 5-1
SUMMARY OF NUTRIENT-RELATED HABITAT HEALTH FOR LITTLE POND
LITTLE POND HEALTH INDICATOR UPPER LOWER Dissolved oxygen SI/SD(1) SI/SD(1) Chlorophyll SI SI Macroalgae(2) SI SI Eelgrass SI(3) MI/SI(4) Infaunal animals SI/SD(5) SI(5) OVERALL SI/SD SI
H = Healthy Habitat Conditions MI = Moderate Impairment SI = Significant Impairment SD = Severe Degradation
(1) Periodic oxygen depletions to <3 mg/L and frequently <4 mg/L. (2) Macroalgal floating accumulations during summer in lower basin periodically occur. (3) No evidence that upper region of this estuarine reach is supportive of eelgrass. (4) Estuarine reach is supportive of eelgrass, but shift from beds in 1951 to only sparsely distributed plants by 2001/2002. (5) Low diversity, modest numbers of individuals dominated by stress indicator species.
Town of Falmouth, MA Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
TABLE 5-2
SUMMARY OF NUTRIENT-RELATED HABITAT HEALTH FOR GREAT POND, GREEN POND, AND BOURNES POND
ESTUARY GREAT POND GREEN POND BOURNES POND HEALTH PERCH MI LOWE ISRAELS INDICATOR UPPER POND LOWER UPPER D R UPPER COVE LOWER Dissolved oxygen SI/SD SI/SD4 SI5 SI MI -- SI/SD -- -- Chlorophyll SI -- MI SD SI -- SI -- -- Macroalgae2 SI SI ------SI7 -- -- Eelgrass SI3 -- MI -- SI3 SI/MI6 SI3 MI MI Infaunal animals SI SD/SI MI SI/SD SI SI/SD MI/SI MI/SI H OVERALL SI SI/SD MI SI/SD SI SI SI MI H
H = Healthy Habitat Conditions MI = Moderate Impairment SI = Significant Impairment SD = Severe Degradation -- = Not applicable to this estuarine reach
(1). Eelgrass beds can be supported, but beds declining or loss circa 1951. (2) No evidence that estuarine reach is supportive of eelgrass. (3) No evidence that upper region of this estuarine reach is supportive of eelgrass, but lower region of reach supported eelgrass in 1951 which was completely lost by 1995. (4) Hypoxia reported in PondWatch Reports. (5) Mooring in deeper central region = SI, but border region not assessed. (6) Most of the basin devoid of eelgrass (SI), but remaining patch near the inlet (MI). (7) Accumulations in upper one third of reach.
Town of Falmouth, MA Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
TABLE 5-3
SUMMARY OF NUTRIENT-RELATED HABITAT HEALTH FOR WAQUOIT BAY SYSTEM (EAST)
ESTUARY WITHIN THE WAQUOIT BAY SYSTEM (EAST) HAMBLIN POND/ QUASHNET RIVER LITTLE RIVER JEHU POND/GREAT RIVER HAMBLIN LITTLE GREAT HEALTH INDICATOR UPPER LOWER POND RIVER JEHU POND RIVER Dissolved oxygen SI SI MI MI SI MI Chlorophyll SD SI MI -- MI/SI -- Macroalgae SD SD ------Eelgrass SI/SD SI/SD MI MI MI MI Infaunal animals SD SD MI H SI MI OVERALL SD SI/SD MI H/MI SI MI
H = Healthy Habitat Conditions MI = Moderate Impairment SI = Significant Impairment SD = Severe Degradation -- = Not applicable to this estuarine reach
Town of Falmouth, MA Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 3. Wastewater Nitrogen Load Reductions Indicated by MEP. The MEP Technical Reports (and MassDEP TMDL reports) identify the nitrogen limits for these water bodies and the estimated percent of existing wastewater nitrogen loading that needs to be removed from the watersheds to meet the nitrogen limits. The wastewater percentage removals are illustrated on Figure 5-2.
As noted previously, there is no technical report for the Eel Pond and Waquoit-West watershed. For planning purposes, we have used the same wastewater nitrogen removals as developed for Bournes Pond with the understanding that these percentages, and subsequent nitrogen loads, may need to be revised in the future. We believe this assumption will allow the wastewater planning to proceed for this area.
It is noted for Figure 5-2 that large percentages of the existing wastewater nitrogen loading need to be removed/remediated from these watersheds. Values of 100 percent removal can only be met by sewering these areas: treating the wastewater in an advanced wastewater treatment system and then recharging the treated water (that will still contain small nitrogen concentrations [3 mg/L total nitrogen reduced from 40 mg/L]) to another watershed. These are very high wastewater nitrogen removal requirements.
B. Topography. In general, the planning area is a relatively flat portion of Falmouth. The topography is typical of a glacial outwash plain with flooded river valleys forming the salt water ponds of Falmouth and the upper portions of these valleys forming surface streams/rivers and wetlands. There are also kettle-hole ponds which are depressions in the outwash plain. The majority of the planning area is within the Town of Falmouth. Portions of the neighboring towns of Mashpee, Sandwich, and Bourne are within the planning area and have similar topography.
The Town of Falmouth has topographic data for this area from past aerial surveys (2-foot contours) that will be used in subsequent alternatives evaluations.
C. Geology/Soils. The Town of Falmouth Open Space and Recreation Plan describes the Town as being divided into two major geologic units: the Buzzards Bay (Falmouth) moraine, and the Mashpee outwash plains. The line dividing these two geologic formations runs approximately along Gifford Street through Long Pond, down Palmer Avenue, and through Salt Pond.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-4 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
According to the Barnstable County Soil Survey (U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA], 1993), Falmouth contains 25 specific soil types. These soils can be further classified based on topography and thickness of the soil layers. The predominant soil types are Plymouth- Barnstable-Nantucket and Enfield-Merrimack-Carver. However, Hooksan-Beaches-Dune Land, Carver, and Enfield-Merrimac-Carver soil types dominate the planning area. The Plymouth- Barnstable-Nantucket soils are “nearly level to steep, excessively drained and well drained, sandy and loamy soils formed in reworked glacial outwash and glacial till; on moraines and outwash plains” (USDA, 1993). The Enfield-Merrimack-Carver soils are “nearly level to steep, very deep, well drained and excessively drained, loamy and sandy soils formed in glacial outwash and loamy eolian materials; on outwash plains” (USDA, 1993). The Hooksan-Beaches- Dune Land soils are “nearly level to steep, drained, sandy soils formed in windblown deposits; along coastal shorelines” (USDA, 1993). The Carver soils are “nearly level to steep, very deep, excessively drained, sandy soils formed in glacial outwash and ice-contact deposits; on outwash plains and kames” (USDA, 1993).
D. Groundwater. The groundwater in Falmouth provides drinking water supplies and recharges the ponds, wetlands, and coastal estuaries. The groundwater resources on Cape Cod are classified as a sole-source aquifer by USEPA.
1. Flow Direction and Elevation. Generally, the groundwater system (Sagamore Lens) is at its highest elevation in the Town of Sandwich. Groundwater flows in a southerly direction for this part of the lens and eventually drains into Nantucket Sound. Figure 5-3 illustrates the generalized groundwater contours and elevations (based on early USGS evaluations) and indicates the direction of flow.
2. Public Water Supplies. As discussed in Chapter 4, approximately 90 percent of Falmouth is serviced by public water, which comes from the Sagamore Lens. Residents in the remainder of the planning area also receive drinking water from the Sagamore Lens. There are currently five groundwater source wells in Falmouth; Fresh Pond well, Coonamessett well, Mares Pond well, Crooked Pond well and Ashumet well. Of these, only the Ashumet well is currently inactive. These five active wells account for 40 percent of the water used in Falmouth. The Coonamessett, Mares Pond and Crooked Pond wells are located within the Great Pond watershed, the Ashumet well is located in the Waquoit-East watershed and the Fresh Pond well is located outside the planning area.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-5 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 In addition, the Town of Falmouth receives drinking water (approximately 10 percent of its total usage) from the Upper Cape Water Supply Cooperative (UCWSC), located on the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). Portions of the MMR are located within the Great Pond watershed and Waquoit-East watershed.
The Town of Falmouth also receives water from Long Pond, a surface water supply located between Route 28 and Buzzards Bay. This water supply provides approximately 50 percent of the Town’s consumption and is outside of the planning area, just west of the Little Pond watershed.
3. Protected Areas. The Town of Falmouth’s LCP discusses the zoning bylaw set forth by the Town which allows for the protection of the Town’s water resources. By-laws have been adopted that ensure that the water quality of the coastal ponds and potable water sources is preserved. There is a coastal pond overlay district that regulates developments which contribute runoff and wastewater flow to the recharge areas of the Town’s coastal ponds. Also, there are water resource protection districts that preserve existing and potential sources of drinking water to ensure adequate quality and quantity of water. Also, a Coastal Pond Management Committee was established late in 2004 to study a broad range of issues to be addressed for individual ponds. Furthermore, the Town is participating with the Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative to work on a regional approach to protecting the Cape’s water supply (Falmouth LCP, 2005). Figure 5-3 illustrates the Zone I and II areas and wellhead protection areas in the planning area.
E. Fresh Surface Water Resources. The fresh surface waters in the planning area consist of lakes, ponds, rivers, wetlands, and vernal pools. A brief discussion of these water bodies in the planning area follows.
1. Lakes and Ponds. There are 21 great ponds in the planning area, most of which are located in Falmouth. A great pond is defined by the MassDEP as any pond or lake of 10 or more acres. Ashumet Pond, Flat Pond, Hamblin Pond, Jehu Pond, Johns Pond, and Snake Pond are located either in Mashpee or Sandwich or shared with Falmouth. The following great ponds are located in the planning area and are illustrated on Figure 5-3.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-6 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
• Ashumet Pond (Falmouth, Mashpee) • Jenkins Pond • Bournes Pond • Johns Pond (Mashpee) • Coonamessett Pond • Jones Pond • Crooked Pond • Mares Pond • Deep Pond • Mill Pond • Eel Pond • Perch Pond • Flat Pond (Mashpee) • Round Ponds • Flax Pond • Shallow Pond • Fresh Pond • Snake Pond (Sandwich) • Hamblin Pond (Falmouth, Mashpee) • Spectacle Pond • Jehu Pond (Mashpee)
The planning area also contains the following smaller ponds:
• Bog Pond • Martha Pond (Mashpee) • Bourne Pond • Moody Pond (Mashpee) • Deer Pond • Parker Road Pond • Caleb Pond• • Pickerel Pond • Flashy Pond (Mashpee) • Randall Pond • Frog Pond • Sage Lot Pond (Mashpee) • Grassy Pond • Spectacle Pond • Green Pond • Sols Pond • Lilly Pond • Tim Pond (Mashpee) • Little Pond • Weeks Pond (Sandwich)
According to the CCC Pond and Lake Atlas, there are 141 ponds in Falmouth totaling 1,016 acres. The atlas serves as a status report on the Cape Cod Pond and Lake Stewardship (PALS) program and reviews water quality data collected by volunteers during the 2001 PALS snapshot in order to gain Cape Cod specific nutrient indicators of pond impacts. Of the 141 ponds located within the Town of Falmouth, only 7 ponds were sampled (or 5 percent) and only 2 were located within the planning area (Deep Pond and Fresh Pond). Of the seven ponds sampled, six were considered impacted by the CCC for chlorophyll a and total phosphorus and all seven were considered impacted for total nitrogen.
2. Wetlands. Wetlands are identified as both fresh and salt water. In 1993, the Falmouth Wetlands Action Committee performed a wetland survey to account for unidentified wetland areas. This information was then incorporated into the Falmouth LCP (Open Space, 1996). Also as part of the Town’s wetland regulations, a 100-foot buffer was
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-7 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 defined, surrounding each identified wetland area. Each of the planning areas has wetlands within their boundaries. In some cases, these wetland areas and freshwater ponds provide natural attenuation of nitrogen as described in this chapter.
Wetlands result from both salt water and fresh water and are valuable for flood protection, nutrient uptake and release, wildlife habitat and propagation, groundwater recharge, and open space for recreation and scenic beauty. The Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) is administered and enforced by MassDEP’s Wetlands Program. The WPA imposes restriction on the removal, filling, dredging, or alteration of any designated wetland. The wetland delineations within the planning area are shown on Figure 5-5.
3. Vernal Pools. Vernal pools are temporary bodies of freshwater that provide critical habitat for a number of vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife species. More than 50 vernal pools have been identified by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program in the Town of Falmouth alone. The vernal pools located within the planning area are shown on Figure 5-5. The majority of the vernal pools located in the planning area of Mashpee are located near Johns Pond and Hamblin Pond.
F. Protected Cultural Areas. The Town of Falmouth has many historic sites, identified in several documents. The Historic Preservation and Community Character section of the Falmouth LCP (2005) provides the most complete listing of existing and recommended historic sites. Figure 5-3 shows the historic districts and sites for the planning area. According to the LCP, Falmouth has 11 individual properties and 4 districts on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register districts include:
1. Falmouth Village, with 79 contributing buildings, the Village Green, and the Old Burying Ground.
2. North Falmouth Village, with 43 contributing buildings.
3. West Falmouth Village, with 134 contributing buildings.
4. Waquoit Village, with 66 contributing buildings.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-8 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Of the National Register districts listed above, the Falmouth Village and Waquoit Village districts are located within the planning area. The individually listed properties are:
1. Josiah Tobey House, East Falmouth. 2. School Administration Building, Teaticket. 3. Central Fire Station, Falmouth Village. 4. Lawrence Academy, Falmouth Village. 5. Poor House, Falmouth Village. 6. Pumping Station, Falmouth Village. 7. The Elnathan Nye House, North Falmouth. 8. Bourne Farm, West Falmouth. 9. Nobska Lighthouse, Woods Hole. 10. Woods Hole School, Woods Hole.
G. Floodplains and Velocity Zones. Floodplains are nature’s way of buffering land areas from excessive storm events because they act to dissipate the wind and wave action generated during these storms. V-Zones are designated by FEMA and are defined as areas susceptible to 100-year coastal flooding with high velocity wave action.
Also designated by FEMA, A-Zones are areas where flooding is predicted to occur once every 100 years. This flooding occurs with minimal associated wave action, and these areas are typically located landward of the V-Zones, typically in salt marshes and low elevation areas of Falmouth and Mashpee. The surface elevations in these areas typically lie below 10 feet mean sea level. The flood zones in the planning area are illustrated in Figure 5-4.
H. Critical Wildlife and Plant Habitat. There are several regions in the planning area that have been identified as estimated habitats of rare species and wildlife by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). Figure 5-5 shows areas where NHESP Certified vernal pools are located as well as NHESP estimated rare wildlife habitat areas. Figure 5-5 also illustrates areas designated as wetlands by the MassDEP.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-9 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
I. Protected Natural Areas.
1. Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). Located within the planning area, the Waquoit Bay and its surrounding environs were designated an ACEC in 1979. The area includes Washburn Island, South Cape Beach, and the Moonakis and Childs Rivers. A bylaw governs this area and the 50-foot buffer surrounding it. According the Town’s LCP, “This bylaw prohibits both new construction (with the exception of accessory buildings) and the clear cutting of vegetation and habitat areas within the ACEC. ACEC regulations also protect various water areas that contain valuable shellfish and fisheries.” The ACEC designation, along with coordination with the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR), actively work on protecting, researching, and monitoring this environmentally sensitive resource.
2. District of Critical Planning Concern (DCPC). There are no DCPCs located in the planning area. The Town of Falmouth has established a DCPC to protect the Black Beach/Great Sippewissett Marsh area of Falmouth. The DCPC is located south of West Falmouth Harbor and west of Route 28A. The DCPC was developed to help protect this area from flooding, minimize erosion, and protect wildlife and vegetative habitats and the sensitive coastal ecosystem.
3. Town Conservation Lands. The Town of Falmouth Conservation Commission oversees approximately 1,775 acres, or 6.1 percent of the Town’s total area. These areas include, but are not limited to, Beebe Woods (387 acres), the Coonamessett Reservation (380 acres), the Collins Woodlots (97 acres), Sea Farms Marsh (88 acres), Peterson Farm (88 acres), and 75 acres around Mares Pond. Large tracts of unprotected Town land include 650 acres surrounding Long Pond, 280 acres at the WWTF, Falmouth High School (136 acres), and the Crooked Pond well site (98 acres). The total area of unprotected land is approximately 3,180 acres, or 11.2 percent (Falmouth LCP, 2005).
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts holds approximately 2,400 acres, or 8.6 percent, including the Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area (1,700 acres), the Hayway Road parcels (353 acres), and Washburn Island (333 acres) (Falmouth LCP, 2005).
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-10 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 There are also several privately protected areas in Falmouth. Groups such as the Conservation Trusts, including the 300 Committee, the Salt Pond Area Bird Sanctuaries, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society protect over 380 acres in Town. Approximately 490 acres (1.7 percent) is designated as Residential Open Space while 610 acres (1.3 percent) have Conservation Restrictions (Falmouth LCP, 2005). These conservation lands, both public and private, are used as open space and recreation areas and account for approximately 8,625 acres, or 30.5 percent of the Town (Falmouth LCP, 2005).
The Town of Mashpee Open Space Incentive Development (OSID) Zoning Bylaw (174-46 OSID) requires that a minimum of 50 percent of the parcels included within the OSID be dedicated as open space. This open space must be located within the primary and secondary conservation area designated on the Mashpee Open Space Incentive Plan. The Waquoit- East watershed in the planning area includes various open space areas.
4. Town of Mashpee Protective Districts. Mashpee River and Quashnet River Protective Districts have been designated in the Town of Mashpee Zoning Bylaws. No new structures may be built within 100 horizontal feet from the natural banks of the Mashpee River (excepting the Pirate’s Cove subdivision on the east side and those properties south of the southern boundary of the Stemberg property on the west side) or of the Quashnet River south of the southern side line of Route 151. The Quashnet River Protection District is within the planning area.
5.4 LAND USE IN THE PLANNING AREA
A. Existing Land Use. As part of the LCP, the Town of Falmouth developed Town-wide land use statistics. Falmouth is approximately 28,500 acres in size, with approximately 46 percent (or 12,976 acres) zoned residential and 39 percent (or 11,029 acres) of that land zoned agricultural. Business zoned land totals 550 acres (2 percent), industrial zoned land total 410 acres (1.4 percent), public use zoned land equals approximately 3,246 acres (11 percent), and 43 acres of marine zoned land (Falmouth LCP, 2005).
As discussed in the previous section, publicly owned and privately protected land account for 8,625 acres, or 30.5 percent of the Town’s total land area. The Town owns over 3,300 acres; the Commonwealth owns 2,200 acres; and the federal government owns 47 acres. These publicly owned properties account for approximately 19 percent of the Town. About 2,000 acres of Town
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-11 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 are used for agricultural purposes, including cranberry bogs, orchards, pasturelands, croplands, and open areas not yet cultivated.
The land use information in Table 5-4 was compiled from the MEP Technical Reports for the major watershed areas.
TABLE 5-4
LAND USE SUMMARY
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL /INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONAL (1, 2) (3) (4) MAJOR WATERSHED AREAS PROPERTIES PROPERTIES PROPERTIES TOTAL Little Pond(5) 1,200 50 30 1,300 Great Pond(5) 3,900 50 30 4,000 Green Pond(5) 1,300 10 10 1,300 Bournes Pond(5) 900 20 10 900 Waquoit-West(6) 2,500 20 100 2,600 Waquoit-East(5) 2,100 30 4 2,100
(1) All numbers rounded to 2 significant digits or the nearest 10 for 2-digit numbers. (2) The number of residential properties does not include the parcels connected to the existing WWTF and includes residential land use Categories 100's < 130. (3) The number of commercial properties does not include the parcels connected to the existing WWTF and includes commercial land use Categories 300-389 and industrial land use Categories 400-439. (4) The number of institutional properties does not include the parcels connected to the existing WWTF and includes recreational land use Categories 801-814 and exempt property land use Categories 901-929. (5) The property counts for these watersheds are based on evaluations completed by the MEP in the Technical Reports for those portions of the planning area. (6) The property counts for this watershed are based on a GIS analysis of the Town Assessor’s data based on MEP methodologies.
The following land use evaluation method was used in compiling the land use information:
1. Land use was determined based on the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Property Type Classification Codes.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-12 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 2. Commercial and Industrial properties were grouped together due to the limited number of industrial properties in the planning area.
3. Institutional properties were identified as any property with a land use classification in the 900s. These include, but are not limited to, municipal, state, universities and colleges, churches, and not-for-profit organizations properties. Federal properties were not included. Institutional properties also included recreational land use codes in the 800s.
This land use data is illustrated for the planning area in Figure 5-6.
B. Town Zoning and Projected Buildout. The Town of Falmouth is divided into six major zoning districts: Agriculture, Business, General Residence, Marine, Public Use, and Residential. The zoning is illustrated on Figure 5-7. As of 2007, the Town of Mashpee was divided into the following zoning districts: Residential, Commercial, and Industrial. Zoning classifications outside of Falmouth are also represented on Figure 5-7 due to the planning area crossing town boundaries of Mashpee and Sandwich.
Table 5-5 presents a summary of the additional future properties in each major watershed area based on available vacant properties and the allowable zoning. The buildout data represented in Table 5-5 is a summary of the MEP data disk information for each major watershed area based on land use categories as described in the notes beneath the table. As identified for the existing land use, the number of additional properties for the Waquoit-West Watershed was developed using the same methods as used in the MEP Technical Reports.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-13 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
TABLE 5-5
SUMMARY OF PROJECTED ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES AT THE BUILDOUT CONDITION
ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL/ (1) (2) MAJOR WATERSHED AREAS RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES Little Pond(3) 56 10 Great Pond(3) 465 15 Green Pond(3) 91 4 Bournes Pond(3) 123 3 Waquoit-West(4) 372 14 Waquoit-East(3) 670 39
(1) The number of residential properties includes residential land use Categories 130 (Developable Land) and 131 (Potentially Developable Land). (2) The number of commercial properties includes commercial land use Categories 390 (Developable Land) and 391 (Potentially Developable Land), and industrial land use Categories 440 (Developable Land) and 441 (Potentially Developable Land). (3) The property counts for these watersheds are based on evaluations completed by the MEP in the Technical Reports for those portions of the planning area. (4) The property counts for this watershed are based on a GIS analysis of the Town Assessor’s data based on MEP methodologies.
5.5 WASTEWATER FLOWS AND LOADINGS IN THE PLANNING AREA
A. Existing Average Annual Wastewater Flows. The existing average annual wastewater flows are based on the work and methodology of the MEP for these major watershed areas as documented in the various technical reports. The methodology includes the following steps:
1. The number of parcels (frequency) are grouped by state land use code.
2. Properties connected to the existing WWTF are not included in the calculations.
3. Water use data is then connected to the parcel data and a factor of 0.9 is used to calculate wastewater flows from water use.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-14 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 4. Existing developed properties that are not connected to public water supplies (and do not have water consumption data) are assigned water and wastewater flow rates based on the average rates for their land use categories.
This methodology provides the total annual wastewater flow attributed to wastewater for all unsewered parcels.
As discussed previously, a MEP Technical Report has not been completed for the Waquoit-West watershed. However, we have developed the wastewater flow information using similar methods. The wastewater flows for each of the major watershed areas are summarized in Table 5-6.
TABLE 5-6
SUMMARY OF AVERAGE ANNUAL WASTEWATER FLOWS
MAJOR WATERSHED AREAS AVERAGE ANNUAL WASTEWATER FLOW (MGD) Little Pond(1) 0.21 Great Pond(1) 0.59 Green Pond(1) 0.23 Bournes Pond(1) 0.15 Waquoit-West(2) 0.38 Waquoit-East(1) 0.43
(1) The average annual wastewater flows for these watersheds are based on numerical evaluations completed by the MEP in the Technical Reports data disks for the watershed. (2) The average annual wastewater flows for this watershed are based on a GIS analysis of the Town's water usage data based on MEP methodologies.
B. Seasonal Variations for the Wastewater Flows. The MEP technical evaluations were focused on average annual flows to the groundwater system for their work to develop the nitrogen limits. The CWMP project will need to understand the seasonal flow variations that occur in Town to estimate the seasonal wastewater flows that will need to be treated in improved wastewater facilities. It is believed that the seasonal wastewater flow variations will be similar to the drinking water supply pumping variations because water consumption is the closest
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-15 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 prediction data for wastewater generation. The following evaluations were completed to develop seasonal flow variations and peaking factors in Falmouth and in the planning area:
1. Total water pumpage (in million gallons per month) was tabulated for the Town for 2004 through 2006 based on the annual reports completed by the Town and submitted to the MassDEP. This data is illustrated in Figure 5-8.
2. Rainfall per month was also tabulated for this same period.
3. Seasonal variations (peaking factors) were calculated from this data.
The Town-wide flows and peaking factors listed in Table 5-7 were developed for 2006 based on this evaluation. The 2006 period was used because it had the most consistent rainfall in the summer period (maximum month) and that peaking factor would be the least influenced by irrigation demands that would not be part of wastewater flows.
TABLE 5-7
SUMMARY OF 2006 FLOWS AND SEASONAL PEAKING FACTORS
TOWN-WIDE FLOW (MGD) PEAKING FACTOR Average annual 4.0 1.0 Maximum month 7.0 1.8 Minimum month 2.7 0.66
This evaluation indicates that the summer flows are approximately 80 percent greater than the average annual flows, and the minimum month flow is approximately 66 percent (two-thirds) of the average annual flows. These peaking factors were applied to the average annual wastewater flows as presented in Table 5-8.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-16 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
TABLE 5-8
SUMMARY OF SEASONAL WASTEWATER FLOWS
AVERAGE ANNUAL MAXIMUM MINIMUM MONTH (1) (1) MAJOR WATERSHED AREAS (MGD) MONTH (MGD) (MGD) Little Pond(2) 0.21 0.38 0.14 Great Pond(2) 0.59 1.1 0.39 Green Pond(2) 0.23 0.4 0.15 Bournes Pond(2) 0.15 0.27 0.10 Waquoit-West(3) 0.38 0.68 0.25 Waquoit-East(2) 0.43 0.77 0.28
(1) The maximum month and minimum month flows are based on peaking factors presented earlier. (2) The average annual wastewater flows for these watersheds are based on numerical evaluations completed by the MEP in the Technical Reports data disks for the watershed. (3) The average annual wastewater flows for this watershed are based on a GIS analysis of the Town's water usage data based on MEP methodologies.
C. Existing Wastewater Nitrogen Loadings. The wastewater loadings to the groundwater system associated with these existing flows were developed by MEP based on an average nitrogen concentration of approximately 25 mg/L, which assumes a nitrogen removal in the septic tank, in the leaching system, and in the soils beneath the leaking system to the top of the aquifer. These values are presented in the following section with the nitrogen loadings of all the nitrogen sources in the planning area.
D. Existing Average Annual Nitrogen Loadings from all the Watershed Sources in the Planning Area. The existing average annual nitrogen loadings are based on the work and methodology of the MEP for these watersheds. As discussed previously, a MEP Technical Report has not been completed for the Waquoit-West watershed. However, we have developed the wastewater flow information using similar methods. This methodology is briefly summarized below.
1. Basis for Wastewater Nitrogen Loading Development.
a. Totaling the water consumption in each major watershed area.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-17 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 b. Calculating wastewater generation as 90 percent of water consumption.
c. Making assumptions on nitrogen concentrations discharging from septic systems (35 mg/L) into groundwater less soil adsorption (25 percent). Nitrogen loading estimated at 26.25 mg/L.
2. Basis for Fertilizer Nitrogen Loading Development Using Findings Regarding Fertilizer Use From MEP Interviews and Site Surveys.
a. Every other household applies fertilizer. b. Average residential lawn is approximately 5,000 square feet. c. Weighted average application rate is 1.44 applications per year. d. Only 20 percent of the nitrogen applied reaches the groundwater (leaching rate). e. Fertilizer nitrogen loading to groundwater is calculated as 1.08 lbs/residential lawn.
3. Basis for Nitrogen Loading Development for Impervious Surfaces (Roads and Roofs).
a. Road Runoff.
• Calculating the estimated total roadway area and average annual rainfall (40 in/yr) in the major watershed area.
• Assigning road run-off nitrogen concentrations at 1.5 mg/L.
b. Roof Runoff.
• Calculating the number of existing homes in a watershed and the average square footage calculation of a home (1,500 square feet).
• Assigning roof runoff nitrogen concentrations at 0.75 mg/L.
4. Basis for Nitrogen Loading Development that Lands Directly on the Water Surface Bodies. Assigning direct precipitation (40 in/yr) on embayments and ponds a nitrogen concentration of 1.09 mg/L.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-18 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 5. Basis For Nitrogen Loading Development that Lands on Natural Surfaces.
a. Calculating total area of a watershed planning area.
b. Subtract roof and road areas, residential home areas, residential lawn areas, and water body areas from the total area to gain natural surfaces area.
c. Assigning natural area recharge (27.25 in/yr) a nitrogen concentration of 0.072 mg/L.
6. Basis for Nitrogen Loading Development for Projected Buildout Loadings.
a. Identify developable and potentially developable properties by state land use code and compare identified properties with Town Planner.
b. Apply the following water use estimates based on property zone type:
• Residential single family property = Average water use values for each watershed (e.g. 154 gpd for Waquoit-East watershed).
• Commercial property = 122 gpd/1,000 square feet of building.
• Industrial property = 112 gpd/1,000 square feet of building.
c. Anticipated wastewater volume determined by multiplying estimated water use for various property types by 90 percent.
d. Apply same methodologies as above for fertilizer and road and roof run-off nitrogen loading. Adjust natural surfaces areas where necessary.
The MEP developed this information for the nitrogen loadings that flow with the groundwater to the estuaries. The difference between the two sets of loading is the nitrogen that is removed (naturally attenuated) as portions of the groundwater flow through freshwater wetlands, ponds, and streams. The attenuated loadings were used as input data to the MEP water quality model to evaluate the nitrogen limits in the water bodies.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-19 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 The existing nitrogen loadings for the systems are summarized in Table 5-9.
E. Future Wastewater Flows. The development of future wastewater flows in the planning areas requires an understanding of the possible future land use in the area for the next 50 years. This may go beyond the typical buildout assumptions of maximum development based on current zoning because the zoning may change in this area, and Chapter 40B developments in this area may exceed current zoning requirements. The following considerations were discussed with Public Works and Planning Department staff in the development of future wastewater flows:
1. The future wastewater infrastructure (especially sewer lines) should be planned for a 50-year planning horizon.
2. The southern portion of this planning area may go through significant redevelopment in the future for the following reasons:
a. There is much waterfront property, which is commonly redeveloped in coastal communities.
b. There are many two-bedroom homes in this area that can add a third bedroom as allowed by current regulations.
c. The Route 28 corridor cuts through the planning area and could become an area where growth is encouraged in the future. A small portion of this corridor (close to Falmouth Center) is currently being considered as a village center by Town Planning staff and CCC staff. In a 50-year planning horizon, other portions of the corridor may become village centers.
d. Occupancies and demographics are not expected to change drastically in the future. The current occupancy rate in this area is approximately 2.43 people per residential unit.
e. Potential changes in seasonality can be addressed by using the current maximum month peaking factor to indicate a more year-round community.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-20 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2
TABLE 5-9
SUMMARY OF EXISTING NITROGEN LOADING(1)
NITROGEN SOURCE AND LOADING (KG/YR)
MAJOR WASTEWATER WATER BODY TOTAL WATERSHED FROM FROM LAWN IMPERVIOUS SURFACE "NATURAL" UNATTENUATED ATTENUATED AREAS SEPTIC SYSTEMS WWTF FERTILIZER SURFACES AREA SURFACES LOAD LOAD Little Pond(2) 7,300 0 700 500 300 100 8,900 7,600 Great Pond(2) 21,000 500 1,700 2,300 3,100 1,300 30,200 22,000 Green Pond(2) 8,500 500 900 700 800 300 12,000 8,900 Bournes Pond(2) 5,600 0 500 500 700 200 7,500 6,700 Waquoit-West(3) Waquoit-East(4) 13,500 200 2,000 2,900 4,000 1,400 24,000 19,000
(1) All numbers rounded to two significant digits. (2) Data for this watershed is from Table IV-4 of the MEP Technical Reports for Great Pond, Green Pond, Bournes Pond and Little Pond. (3) Data for this watershed was developed with GIS procedures following MEP methodologies. (4) Data for this watershed is from Table IV-5 of the MEP Technical Report for Quashnet River, Hamblin Pond, and Jehu Pond in the Waquoit Bay System.
Additional Note (3). These values are still being reviewed internally by Stearns & Wheler and will be finalized in October 2007.
Town of Falmouth, MA Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Based on these factors, a future residential wastewater flow of 170 gpd per residential property is estimated. This flow is based on an occupancy of 2.43 people per residence and an average wastewater generation rate of 70 gpcd. The 70 gpcd flow is the minimum recommended by the “Guide for the Design of Wastewater Treatment Works,” published by the New England Interstate Water Pollution Commission in 1998 (also called TR-16 Guide) for designing wastewater management facilities; and this value is in the range of average wastewater flows provided by other engineering guides. The 170 gpd per residence value is higher than the value documented by MEP for single-family homes in the planning area, but it is believed to be appropriate due to the potential for redevelopment and its adherence to the TR-16 Guide. This residential rate was used with the projected number of future residences (at buildout) to estimate the future residential flow.
Future commercial/industrial/institutional flows were based on the existing flows from these properties and the projected buildout for their land use by the MEP.
The estimated future wastewater flows for the planning area are summarized in Table 5-10.
TABLE 5-10
SUMMARY OF FUTURE WASTEWATER FLOWS
AVERAGE ANNUAL MAXIMUM MINIMUM MONTH (1) (2) (3) MAJOR WATERSHED AREAS (MGD) MONTH (MGD) (MGD) Little Pond 0.26 0.47 0.17 Great Pond 0.88 1.58 0.58 Green Pond 0.25 0.45 0.17 Bournes Pond 0.20 0.36 0.13 Waquoit-West 0.49 0.88 0.32 Waquoit-East 0.79 1.42 0.52
(1) Based on buildout estimates and residential flow of 170 gpd per residential unit (70 gpd per person and 2.43 people per residence). (2) Based on 1.8 times average annual flows from water supply pumping records. (3) Based on 0.66 times average annual flows from water supply pumping records.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-21 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 F. Estimated Wastewater Flows to be Treated at a Centralized Treatment Facility. The wastewater nitrogen removals indicated in Figure 5-2 are very high and could only be attained in an enhanced nitrogen removal facility that would obtain approximately 93 percent removal and have the ability to recharge the treated water in a less sensitive area. When these removal percentages are applied to the future wastewater flows in the planning area (as indicated in Table 5-10), the following flows are estimated:
TABLE 5-11
SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL FUTURE FLOWS TO TREAT
(1) MAJOR WATERSHED AREAS AVERAGE ANNUAL FUTURE FLOW (MGD) Little Pond 0.23 Great Pond 0.62 Green Pond 0.13 Bournes Pond 0.17 Waquoit-West 0.38 Waquoit-East 0.52 TOTAL 2.1
(1) Based on the future flows of Table 5-10 and the wastewater nitrogen removal percentages illustrated in Figure 5-2. This does not include I/I flows.
When wastewater treatment facilities are designed, an allowance for future I/I must be estimated for the time when the collection system is old and groundwater or surface waters will seep into the system. An infiltration rate of 500 gpd per inch mile of gravity pipe is recommended by the TR-16 Guide. This needs to be determined once the wastewater collection system has been quantified with a preliminary design. A recent preliminary design in Chatham indicates the I/I contributes 30 percent additional flow to the average annual wastewater flow for areas of moderate residential density. The 30 percent increase to the 2.1 mgd flow would indicate a total average annual flow of 2.7 mgd. The corresponding maximum month flow would be 4.4 mgd. This flow estimate represents a preliminary WWTF size to treat the wastewater nitrogen that needs to be removed to meet the TMDLs.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-22 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 A larger flow is expected to be needed once the return nitrogen loading (the 3 mg/L total nitrogen in the treated water) is calculated. If a 50 percent nitrogen attenuation is obtained in the watershed due to recharged flow through freshwater streams, approximately 4 percent more wastewater flow will need to be collected and treated. Also, the Town will need to decide if the new wastewater facilities will be sized to handle additional areas outside the planning area, including:
1. The Falmouth Heights area that was identified in the 1981 Wastewater Facilities Plan as a future sewered area (Phase II area). This area could contribute approximately 0.14 mgd with the I/I.
2. The triangular areas at the ends of the two large peninsulas between Little Pond and Green Pond (see Figure 5-2) that are not in the planning area, but may request sewer service. This area could contribute approximately 0.04 mgd additional flow with the I/I.
3. Areas for which additional capacity will be desired.
A future treatment facility may need to be sized at approximately 3 mgd on an average annual basis to meet the TMDLs and plan to pick up the adjacent coastal areas in the future. The treatment capacity will be finalized in Phase 3 of the project.
Town of Falmouth, MA 5-23 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Chapter 6 Needs Assessment Summary CHAPTER 6
NEEDS ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
6.1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this CWMP project is to address wastewater issues and problems (needs) in the project planning area, which is comprised of the following watershed areas:
1. Little Pond watershed. 2. Great Pond watershed. 3. Green Pond watershed. 4. Bournes Pond watershed. 5. Eel Pond and Waquoit-West watershed. 6. Waquoit-East watershed.
These areas and the many land use issues associated with them are illustrated on Figures 1-1 and 5-1 through 5-7.
The main problem with these areas is the excessive nitrogen loading from the watersheds to the coastal ponds. The excessive loading has caused nutrient enrichment conditions in the ponds, created water quality problems, and impacted the environmental health of the water bodies.
This primary purpose of this Needs Assessment Report is to clearly define the wastewater and nitrogen-related needs of the planning area so that solutions to these needs can be found in the subsequent phases of the project. A second purpose of this report is to review the wastewater planning history of Falmouth and the previous documents that have been developed for the planning area. A full understating of the past (and ongoing) wastewater and nitrogen management efforts will allow for efficient development of a comprehensive management plan.
Town of Falmouth, MA 6-1 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 6.2 WASTEWATER PLANNING HISTORY AND RECENT FINDINGS
Previous wastewater facility plans and environmental impact reports have recommended sewer extensions and wastewater system improvements in several portions of the planning area, as listed below.
1. The 1981 Wastewater Facilities Plan recommended that Falmouth Heights and the Maravista Peninsula be connected to the Falmouth WWTF as a second phase of sewering in Falmouth. These areas (Phase II areas) were never sewered due to limitations at the Falmouth WWTF.
2. The 2001 Wastewater Facilities Plan recommended sewering in the West Falmouth Harbor watershed (west of Route 28) to address water quality impacts to West Falmouth Harbor. The Wastewater Facilities Plan also recommended sewering portions of North Davis Straits from Jones Road north to Maravista Avenue to connect several large wastewater generators and to address failing septic problems in that area. These sewer extensions have not yet proceeded due to the unknown ultimate sewer system buildout in the Little Pond and Great Pond areas. The sizing of the sewers in the North Davis Straits area will be affected by additional adjoining area that may be sewered in the future. Also, the Wastewater Facilities Plan recommended upgrade and expansion (which was completed in 2005) to the Falmouth WWTF.
3. The 2001 Ashumet Plume Nitrogen Offset Program recommended that engineered nitrogen mitigation efforts (sewers) be focused around Perch Pond and the middle portions of the watersheds to Great, Green, and Bournes Ponds. These recommendations have not proceeded.
4. Wastewater planning efforts in 2003 developed sewer coverage options and a SewerCAD model for portions of West Falmouth Harbor watershed and portions of Maravista Peninsula, Davis-Straits area, and the Little Pond watershed. The SewerCAD model of the Maravista, Davis-Straits and Little Pond areas will be expanded and further developed to pick up potential sewer areas in the other portions of the planning area.
Town of Falmouth, MA 6-2 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 5. From 2004 through 2006, the MEP and MassDEP evaluated the nitrogen sensitivity of the water bodies in the planning area and completed several technical reports and TMDL reports for this area. The studies used the most up-to-date science on nitrogen loadings to these waters and set regulatory limits on the amount of nitrogen that needs to be removed to remediate the water quality. The nitrogen limits and overall needs are discussed in the following section.
6.3 WASTEWATER PROBLEMS IN PLANNING AREA
The MEP technical reports have evaluated nitrogen limitations of the estuaries for the following watersheds:
1. Quashnet River, Hamblin Pond, and Jehu Pond in the Waquoit Bay system (Waquoit- East watershed)
2. Great/Perch Pond, Green Pond, and Bournes Pond watersheds.
3. Little Pond watershed.
The nitrogen limitations of these marine estuaries have been clearly identified in the technical reports and have been documented in subsequent MassDEP reports on the TMDLs for these areas. The TMDLs (once approved by USEPA) will become the regulatory limit on the amount of nitrogen that can be discharged in the watersheds of these marine estuaries, and will be enforceable by the MassDEP. The technical reports and the TMDL reports indicate these marine water bodies have exceeded their nitrogen limits, and significant amounts of nitrogen must be removed from the watersheds. These reports have also documented that most of the nitrogen is coming from individual septic systems in the watershed, and have identified the percentage of wastewater nitrogen that needs to be removed to meet the nitrogen limits.
The wastewater nitrogen removal targets are illustrated in Figure 5-2 and indicate large percentages (100 percent for the most densely developed areas around the water bodies) that need to be removed. These large percentages can only be removed with a modern wastewater collection and treatment system that will reduce the nitrogen from approximately 40 mg/L total
Town of Falmouth, MA 6-3 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 nitrogen to 3 mg/L on average (a 93 percent reduction) and then recharge the treated water in an area which is not as sensitive to nitrogen.
Preliminary sizing of additional centralized treatment facilities to treat this amount of wastewater nitrogen indicates additional capacity of approximately 3 mgd based on average annual conditions. This capacity could be added to the existing Falmouth WWTF in West Falmouth or be constructed at a new facility. The next phase of the project will identify and screen potential wastewater treatment sites. Characteristics and background of the existing Falmouth WWTF and the existing centralized wastewater collection system are summarized in the following sections.
6.4 FALMOUTH WWTF
The Falmouth WWTF is located in West Falmouth off Blacksmith Shop Road east of Route 6. On average, it receives and treats 439,000 gpd (0.44 mgd) of wastewater from the centralized collection system and 26,000 gpd (0.03 mgd) of septage from all of Falmouth. It utilizes a sequencing batch reactor and tertiary denitrification filtration treatment system, and effluent sand beds and spray irrigation fields for treated water recharge into the ground. This treatment system was completed in 2005 and replaced the previous aerated lagoon treatment system. The new treatment system has demonstrated its ability to produce a well-treated water with a total nitrogen concentration of 3 mg/L or less on average.
The treated water is recharged to the groundwater at the WWTF and flows with the groundwater to West Falmouth Harbor and Buzzards Bay. Partial nitrogen attenuation occurs as the groundwater flows through wetland areas adjacent to Mashapaquit Creek. The MEP has recently completed a technical report for the West Falmouth Harbor watershed (West Falmouth Harbor MEP Report, 2006). This report and a subsequent TMDL report will be the basis of the future regulatory nitrogen limit for this estuary. The technical and TMDL reports are expected to be a basis for a MassDEP effluent discharge permit being developed for the upgraded WWTF. The Town is currently awaiting the effluent discharge permit.
Town of Falmouth, MA 6-4 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 6.5 CENTRALIZED WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM
The centralized wastewater collection system is comprised of approximately 7 miles of gravity collection pipe, six municipally operated pumping stations, and approximately 9 miles of force main to deliver the sewage to the Falmouth WWTF. The collection system collects wastewater from the following areas: (1) Woods Hole; (2) Main Street; (3) Falmouth Beach; and (4) the Davis Straits/Inner Harbor area. Most of the collection system was constructed in 1986, although most portions of Woods Hole were sewered in 1949.
The existing collection system is working well and has sufficient capacity for existing and future flows. Analysis of water supply and sewage flow data indicates that there is extraneous flow entering the collection system as groundwater infiltration into gravity collection pipes and manholes, and/or inflow to the system from building sump pumps or roof leaders. This extraneous flow is called infiltration and inflow (I/I) and can use up valuable treatment and recharge capacity at the Falmouth WWTF. The Woods Hole areas of the collection system (the oldest portion) appears to be contributing the most I/I into the system.
6.6 INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
The Town needs to consider several institutional issues as the CWMP Project proceeds. Several of these issues are currently being considered by the Town’s Nutrient Management Work Group.
A. Sewer Connection Policy. Several properties have connected to the collection system with low pressure grinder pumps and small diameter force mains. Some of them have connected into existing force mains. The Town needs a uniform policy on how these types of pumps can be connected to the existing system. Also, the Town should consider forming sewer districts or service areas, which would identify which properties can connect and how a connection would be made to the collection system.
B. Cost Sharing. The construction of centralized wastewater facilities for the planning areas will be very expensive. Federal grants are no longer available for these projects. Low interest loans are available from the state, but there are many projects that compete for these loans. The Town’s Nutrient Management Work Group has initiated discussions on how centralized facilities
Town of Falmouth, MA 6-5 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 will be financed in the future. These discussions should progress so that there is a financial plan as this CWMP process finishes.
C. Growth Management. There is often a concern that once a sewer is installed, the primary restriction for growth (Title 5 design requirements) will disappear and increased housing density and growth will occur which will impact the quality of life in the new sewered areas. The Town of Falmouth addressed this concern in the recent New Silver Beach wastewater planning project area of Falmouth with a sewer use regulation that limited the future number of bedrooms in the houses being served by the sewer. Since then, the Town of Chatham has built upon this strategy and addressed the issue by passing a Growth Neutral Bylaw that indicates that the level of development at a sewered property is still controlled by the zoning requirements as well as the Title 5 restrictions, even if a house is connected to a sewer. This bylaw has tended to make sewer extensions “growth neutral.” This bylaw does not need to apply to the entire Town, and growth can be encouraged in village centers or growth incentive zones as it proceeds with this project. The Town’s Nutrient Management Work Group is fine tuning the previous New Silver Beach sewer use regulation for the new planning area.
D. Public Education. The expected recommendation from this project to sewer extensive portions of the planning area could be controversial due to the costs for centralized facilities, the perception of environmental impact, and fears that the quality of life will change in areas that are connected to centralized wastewater facilities. The Town will continue discussions with property owners in the area to address their concerns, dispel misconceptions and clearly describe the need to treat wastewater and meet the TMDLs. This CWMP project will continue the public education effort.
6.7 NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
The No Action Alternative is always developed as part of a CWMP project to identify the likely outcome of not acting on the current wastewater problem in the planning area. For this planning area, degradation of Little Pond, Great Pond, Green Pond, Bournes Pond, Eel River, and Waquoit Bay will continue from the excessive nitrogen loading in the watersheds to these water bodies, primarily from the on-site septic systems. The MEP technical reports used colored maps to illustrate how the nitrogen concentrations would increase from their current levels to the projected buildout levels defined by current zoning. The increased nitrogen would promote
Town of Falmouth, MA 6-6 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 further algal blooms, fish kills, eel grass loss, and other impacts to the habitat of the marine estuaries.
A small portion of the planning area probably would be sewered as allowed by the 2001 Wastewater Facilities Plan. This portion is the Falmouth Mall area.
If the Town did not demonstrate progress to meet the nitrogen TMDLs, MassDEP would most likely initiate an enforcement action against the Town as allowed by state law.
6.8 NEXT STEPS TO IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS FOR WASTEWATER NEEDS.
The Needs Assessment Report documents the first phase of the project. The next phase of the project will identify and screen centralized, decentralized, and other nitrogen management solutions for the planning area. These technologies and solutions will be described, and advantages and disadvantages will be summarized. Infeasible technologies and solutions will then be eliminated from further evaluation. The third and fourth phases will evaluate the feasible technologies and solutions in detail, and present the recommended CWMP with draft and final Environmental Impact Reports. Also a public education/participation program will be provided throughout the project to inform and involve the public in this effort.
Town of Falmouth, MA 6-7 Needs Assessment Report 7104510.2 Appendices
Appendix 1-1 Town of Falmouth Wastewater and Nutrient Management Vision and Strategies
Appendix 1-2 Town of Falmouth CWMP Plan of Study, March 2007
Appendix 2-1 Falmouth WWTF Effluent Discharge Permit Items
Appendix 4-1 Falmouth WWTF Monthly Operating Data Summaries
Appendix 4-2 Falmouth WWTF Typical Monthly Data
Appendix 4-3 Inventory of Existing Process Facilities and Equipment
Appendix 4-4 Inventory of Lift Station Equipment
Appendix 4-5 Summary of Collection System Hydraulic Capacity Calculations