The most substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to a request for determination of applicability regarding a major sewer project proposed by the town. Mike Judy from CDM Smith, representing the town, provided an overview of the project, which is part of Yarmouth’s Wastewater management plan. Contracts five and six, which involve extending the sewer system along Route 28, were the primary focus. Contract five spans approximately 1.3 miles and aims to create a main sewer line that will eventually serve neighboring streets, while contract six will extend the system further toward the Barnstable Town Line.

The project includes various environmental mitigation measures. Judy highlighted the temporary impacts to land subject to coastal storm flowage due to construction activities. The contractor is required to submit a dewatering plan to ensure proper management of water during construction, along with a stormwater pollution prevention plan. Timing of the bidding process for contracts five and six was also discussed, with Judy noting that both were currently out to bid, and contract five’s bid opening was scheduled for the following week. Construction is expected to start either at the end of the year or early the next year, depending on contractor schedules.

The meeting also addressed a continued request to amend an order of conditions for contract three, specifically regarding the contractor’s proposal to discharge dewatering effluent into the ocean due to shallow groundwater challenges during construction along Southshore Drive. The contractor submitted a plan for sedimentation basins to manage the discharge, but the Commission was awaiting further comments from the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) regarding the impact on shellfish habitats. Some members expressed willingness to approve the discharge contingent upon DMF’s comments.

Another discussion centered around a proposed drainage system installation that included an outfall pipe. Concerns were raised about potential ocean scour and environmental impact. The contractor proposed a 90-degree bend at the end of the outfall pipe to direct water upward before it spills into the ocean. Questions about the pipe’s design capacity to handle significant water flow rates were also raised, leading to the consensus that an engineering assessment was necessary before moving forward. The board unanimously approved a motion to postpone the decision until the next meeting to allow for proper engineering input.

Additionally, the Commission reviewed a notice of intent for a gravity sewer crossing and three pumping stations related to the sewer project in Yarmouth. Two of the pumping stations are situated in a flood zone, and a horizontal directional drill under the Parker River was proposed to facilitate flow from Route 28. With the Division of Marine Fisheries providing additional conditions, the board approved the project with special conditions.

The Commission also considered a notice of intent for a multi-family development on Route 28. The development involves an eight-unit building compliant with Title 5 septic regulations and flood zone requirements. The representative assured the board that no wetlands were within 100 feet of the site, and the project was approved unanimously with special conditions.

A discussion ensued regarding a request for modifications concerning a deck and patio area near a revetment. The applicant initially sought to convert a wooden deck into a patio, later requesting to include a “4-foot wide pervious walkway” from the dock to an existing concrete area beneath the current deck. The proposed materials consisted of pervious pavers, and the existing concrete structure beneath the deck was to be replaced with pervious stone. The Commission debated the appropriate mitigation ratio, ultimately confirming that any hardscape within the 50-foot zone necessitates a 3:1 mitigation ratio. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the need for further revisions to the submitted plans, with a follow-up meeting scheduled.

Concerns were raised about the management of swimming pool water near wetlands, particularly the discharge of saltwater pools. A board member noted that chlorinated pools must be diluted per stormwater regulations, but the impact of saltwater discharge required further investigation. The Commission emphasized the need for conditions ensuring no salt is added to the pool water before draining it.

The meeting also included discussions on a car dealership project on Route 28 and a mixed-use building on Route 28. Both projects involved comprehensive stormwater management plans to mitigate environmental impact, with the latter requiring a continuation due to an incomplete peer review process.

Enforcement issues were also addressed, including unpermitted fill on Shore Road near a salt marsh. The property owner expressed willingness to comply with permitting requirements, and the board voted to impose a fine and proceed with an enforcement order. Another enforcement matter involved non-native grasses planted without permits, which the Commission decided to allow under specified conditions.