Central to the meeting was the ongoing exploration of urine diversion technology, which has been a persistent topic of interest for the board. The Water Quality Management Committee has been tasked with investigating various methods and fixtures for urine diversion, taking cues from successful implementations in Europe. However, the committee’s efforts are currently focused on gaining Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) approval to classify urine diversion as an Innovative Alternative (IA) technology. This classification is deemed critical, as it would provide residents with a cost-effective alternative to the IA septic systems that may soon become mandatory under local watershed plans.

A major point of contention is MassDEP’s limited acceptance criteria for urine diversion systems, emphasizing the need for fixtures that can measure collected urine, such as composting and incinerating toilets. The board noted that current presentations on wastewater strategy often overlook urine diversion, focusing only on traditional sewers and IA septic systems without cost comparisons for urine diversion options. Article 16 was introduced to seek funding for a study assessing the installation costs of urine diversion technology across 50 homes.

Further, Article 17 proposed a pilot project utilizing cost-effective, temporary fixtures such as portable urinals and above-ground storage containers. This initiative seeks to demonstrate the efficacy of urine diversion in removing nitrogen from residential wastewater. The project intends to gather comprehensive data, contrasting the results with those of IA septic systems. Discussions revealed skepticism about whether the collected data would meet MassDEP’s requirements, particularly given the pilot’s smaller sample size.

In addition to urine diversion, the board addressed the looming closure of the Cape and Islands Community Mental Health Center in Pocasset. The center, which provides critical mental health services, is set to shut down as part of state budget cuts, a move that would eliminate 16 beds—almost half of the region’s inpatient capacity. Concerns were voiced over the strain this would place on local first responders and the potential gap in services for vulnerable populations. In response, the board decided to draft a letter to Governor Healey, urging reconsideration of the closure due to its significant impact on community health resources.

Also under discussion was a proposal to enhance police presence in Woods Hole, presented through petition Article 18. The initiative emerged from a December meeting with law enforcement officials and seeks to fund a trial police presence with overtime staff. While funding allocations from the embarcation fund were mentioned, there was debate about whether these funds should be designated for specific projects.

The meeting touched on environmental concerns as well, with petition Article 19 addressing the prohibition of helium balloons. The proposal, introduced by Chris Maguire and his daughter, cited the environmental hazards posed by balloon releases, including plastic pollution and harm to marine life. The initiative received support from the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and media coverage, with proponents arguing that Falmouth could follow other Massachusetts towns that have enacted similar bans.

In a forward-looking move, the board approved the establishment of the East Falmouth Library Building Advisory Committee, following the town’s receipt of a competitive grant for planning and design. The committee will oversee the hiring of a project manager and architect.

Finally, the board considered amendments to the intermunicipal agreement with the Massachusetts Advanced Septic System Technology Center, extending the timeline for the urine diversion feasibility study. The project has faced numerous regulatory challenges, including securing approvals from the Massachusetts Plumbing Board and identifying suitable manufacturers for urine diversion fixtures.