Meeting Minutes

Agenda Item #1. Welcome, Introductions, and Groundrules

Mr. Field convened the meeting at 6:04 PM. He reviewed the agenda and groundrules and then introduced the following people: Ms. Kiley, of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Mr. Baxter, of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Ms. Larkin, of the Joint Program Office (JPO), Mr. Ruscio, also of the JPO, Mr. Snyder, of the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE), Mr. Murphy, of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mr. LeFleur, of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association (CCCGA).

Mr. Gadd stated that he will discuss the activities that have occurred since the January 1999 Quashnet River Bog Separation Project public update. He emphasized that the undertaking of this project was a cooperative effort between the Mashpee Conservation Commission (MCC), the Town of Mashpee, the DEP, and the other stakeholders. He also recognized the efforts of the local community, Jacobs Engineering, and AFCEE, in successfully getting this project on line.

Mr. Gadd reported that the purposes of the bog separation project were to protect human health by reducing risk from ethylene dibromide (EDB) in surface water, groundwater, and/or cranberry crops, while minimizing effects to ecological systems, and to restore the Quashnet River. These goals were accomplished by physically separating the contamination from the bogs, by extracting both deep and shallow groundwater, by treating groundwater at Fuel Spill 1 (FS-1) and discharging the treated water into the Quashnet River, and by upgradient reinjection of the treated water.

Mr. Gadd displayed a plume area map and pointed to the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) and the FS-1 plume, which is 8000 feet long and 1000 feet wide, and is located approximately 100 feet below the ground surface. He displayed a close-up map of the FS-1 plume as it enters the Quashnet Bog area, and noted that the Quashnet River flows from Johns Pond, south toward the golf course. Mr. Gadd displayed a map of the Quashnet River Bogs and explained that the focus now is on the toe of the plume where it is upwelling into the bog complex. He noted that investigations of the body of the plume will occur later, through the FS-1 effort. Mr. Gadd reported that the major components of the bog project include berms along the north and east sides of the K2 bog, and along the river on the K6 bog. The extraction part of the system includes a deep extraction well, extraction well 5(EW-5), located just south of the K1 bog. Mr. Gadd described the shallow well extraction system, which includes 175 well points at ten-foot spacings, as a vacuum extraction system that extracts water from points located southeast of the treatment plant, and along the east ditch.

Mr. Gadd displayed a cross-section of the FS-1 plume upwelling into the bog, and noted the major vertical upgradient of the plume. He noted that the plume upwells into all portions of the bog area, which is why a vacuum extraction system and a deep extraction system, EW-5, have been installed. He explained that the treated water is reinjected north of the K1 bog, which creates a mound of treated water in that area that causes the plume to be pushed down toward EW-5.

Mr. Gadd reported that the construction for this project began on February 4, 1999, with the drilling of a well. Treatment began on April 1, 1999. He stated that ongoing activities include construction of the new FS-1 treatment facility, which treats 750 gallons per minute (gpm). He noted that the shallow well extraction system has been tweaked in an attempt to pick up EDB along the K2 east ditch. He explained that because approximately half of the well points currently are on, there is reserved capacity in the well point system, in terms of where water is withdrawn along the K2 east ditch. Mr. Gadd stated that the pump, which supports the shallow well point extraction system, is located in a separate building, and the pipeline to the treatment plant has been installed. He also stated that earthen berms have been constructed along the K2 and K6 bogs, and that EW-5 has been installed.

Mr. Gadd displayed a schematic of the treatment plant and stated that the deep well is approximately 150 feet below ground, and the shallow well extraction system is approximately 15 to 18 feet below ground. He explained that a vacuum is used to pump water from the shallow well extraction system, through the pump house, and into the treatment plant. The water from the deep well goes through two granular activated carbon (GAC) units, each of which holds 20,000 pounds of carbon. Mr. Gadd explained that 175 gpm of treated water goes into the infiltration trench located on the north side of the K1 bog, and the remaining effluent comes out of the bubbler systems. He reported that there are two bubblers in place, one of which is being used.

Mr. Gadd displayed a map of the Quashnet River bogs and pointed to the location where 120 gpm of water is being reinjected, and is pushing the plume underneath the K1 bog to the extraction well. He noted that the shallow well extraction system is along the entire K2 east ditch. He then pointed to the pump house and the bubbler that currently is being used for discharge into the north part of the tributary to the Quashnet River.

Mr. Gadd displayed a photograph of the treatment building construction, and pointed to the GAC units, the sediment control in place around the K1 bog, and a trout habitat. He stated that there were problems with the close proximity of the building to the bogs and with the groundwater elevations in the area. Mr. Gadd then displayed a photograph of the vacuum extraction well point system, and explained that there are individual well points on ten-foot centers, approximately 18 feet deep and "jetted in" with clean water. He further explained that water is extracted with a vacuum system, through the eight-inch header pipe. Mr. Gadd displayed a photograph of the berm on the K2 bog, and pointed to the sediment control, the K2 east ditch, and the location where the bog is being separated from the contamination. He then displayed a photograph of the berm construction and pointed to the K2 east ditch, and the sediment control, which is in place to prevent silt from entering the ditches and to protect the bog area. Mr. Gadd noted that a plastic geo-grid material was placed under the soil to add additional strength to the berm. He then displayed a photograph of the equipment used during construction activities.

Mr. Gadd reported that the bubblers and discharge pipeline have been installed. He stated that the upgradient reinjection system from the treatment plant to the discharge point also has been installed. He reported that site grading, as well as tree and shrub planting, were done to restore some of the areas disturbed during construction. Mr. Gadd displayed a photograph of the bubbler located near the K2 bog, and pointed to the K2 bog berm, which has been constructed and re-vegetated. He also pointed to the discharge point that goes into the K2 west ditch, which is discharging approximately 500 to 530 gpm. He noted that this configuration works well in the Coonamessett River system in that it not only discharges treated water to the stream, but also adds oxygen to the system, which helps the ecosystem. Mr. Gadd displayed a photograph of the road from the pump house to the treatment plant, which shows the trees planted in the area. He noted that since that photograph was taken, shrubs also have been planted, the road has been re-graded, and a ditch was constructed.

Mr. Gadd stated that the largest hurdle encountered during this project was balancing construction activities with environmental concerns. He explained that the project is on conservation land, where there is a trout habitat and other wildlife to be considered. Mr. Gadd reported that the groundwater elevation at the treatment plant was higher than expected, which required raising the building three feet. He also reported that there was a primary power delay, which led to a series of work-around activities. He also noted that the thick layer of peat at the K6 berm affected the construction of the berms.

Mr. Gadd displayed a photograph of a temporary GAC vessel and the completed treatment building. He noted that the system is operational 24 hours per day. He also pointed out a temporary extraction well point system pump, which was operational 24 hours per day for three weeks, until permanent power became available.

Mr. Gadd reported that the system was effective immediately in reducing EDB levels in the Quashnet River. He also stated that there have been no identified impacts to the ecosystem since start-up, and he mentioned that there has been a cooperative effort with the Mashpee Conservation Commission. He noted that Mr. Sherman has worked closely with the Air Force and Jacobs Engineering, and he said that Mr. Sherman’s efforts are appreciated. He noted that this is a dynamic project and with Mr. Sherman’s efforts and the help of other people, it has led to very good results.

Mr. Gadd reported that for the last two months, EDB levels in the surface water have been reduced to non-detect in most areas, and all surface water samples collected on a monthly basis have been non-detect. He reported that there are random EDB detections in the K6 bog, and stated that a data gap investigation is forthcoming to identify the locations of upwellings into the K6 bog. Mr. Gadd reported that there is a 20-foot thickness of peat in the K6 bog, and explained that all of the water does not upwell around the outside of the bog, but it upwells inside the bog. He said that an attempt is being made to determine the locations of upwelling, and develop a more concise conceptual model of the plume toe in this area. Mr. Gadd reported that the K6 berm, where it has subsided, is impounding water in the K6 bog. He explained that with the forthcoming winter flooding, and the chances of trapping fish in the K6 Bog, AFCEE, working with Mr. Steve Hurley of the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife (MDFW), has agreed to install a flume in the K6 berm. He explained that the flume will be installed where the K6 berm has subsided, in order to prevent the fish from getting trapped there, and to help maintain normal flow of water through that area for bog maintenance.

Mr. Gadd reported that ongoing activities include daily inspection of the treatment plants, the pump house, and the project site. He stated that evaluation of the system will continue through quarterly monitoring reports, which will include ecological, fish, and wildlife impacts from the treatment system over the long term. He noted that one quarterly report has been issued since the plan started. Mr. Gadd stated that decisions need to be made about future activities at the K6 bog, and additional wells and surface water sampling will be conducted in order to complete the data gaps. He reported that monthly sampling will be conducted at 14 surface water locations and at eight wells. He also reported that monthly discharge measurements will be taken at seven river locations and the project will be incorporated into the FS-1 plume remedial action.

Mr. Sherman commented that he received a message from Ms. Rose Forbes, of the Installation Restoration Program (IRP), who indicated that because of the predicted severe weather tonight, pumps would be shut down as a precaution and surge suppression equipment would be used. He mentioned that there have been several shut-downs caused by electrical storms this year, so he is happy to hear that these precautions are being taken. Mr. Sherman commented that in his opinion, it is important to think about consequences and how they would be mitigated in the event of any shut-downs lasting more than a day or a half of a day.

Mr. Baker, a Mashpee resident, referred to the photograph of the bubbler, and asked if 530 gpm refers to one bubbler. Mr. Gadd replied that it does. Mr. Baker asked if two bubblers would mean two times 530 gpm. Mr. Gadd replied that the entire system currently is processing a total of 650 gpm – 200 gpm from the deep well extraction well, and 350 gpm from the shallow well point extraction system, for a total of 650 gpm. He said that some treated water is being discharged to the infiltration trench located north of the K1 bog, and the balance of that, which is approximately 530 gpm, goes into the bubbler. Mr. Gadd stated that the bubbler currently not in use was an alternative.

Mr. Baker commented that it appears that the vacuum system runs the water through two carbon canisters. Mr. Gadd agreed that this is correct. Mr. Baker then inquired about the fate of the contaminant. Mr. Gadd replied that the EDB is absorbed by the carbon. Mr. Baker then asked how it is known when the carbon is saturated, and what measurement is on the end to indicate that no contamination is leaking through. Mr. Gadd explained that the carbon vessels are in a series – water enters one vessel and then the other. He stated that monthly sampling is conducted after the first vessel; if there is a detection after the first vessel, the Air Force schedules a carbon change-out. He stated that sampling also is done at the influent, between the two GACs, and at the effluent. Mr. Gadd explained that once there is a detection between the two carbon vessels, a carbon change-out is ordered, which takes approximately two weeks. Monitoring of the second vessel continues on a daily basis while waiting for the carbon change-out. He added that once there is a detection, it is so low that the carbon vessel can address it without any problem. Mr. Baker asked if it is correct that no contamination from the system goes out into the atmosphere. Mr. Gadd replied that this is correct.

Mr. Baker noted that this is a "shallow" operation, and asked if there are permeable barriers that allow water to pass through, but prevent EDB from passing through: If there are such barriers, has the Air Force considered using them. Mr. Snyder replied that there is a technique that uses an iron mixture. He noted that an iron reactive wall for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was built at the CS-10 site. He said that iron filings are thought to be effective at reducing EDB. Mr. Snyder stated that the Air Force had considered a shallow test that involved putting an iron mixture into a slurry and mixing it into the aquifer in an upwelling zone. However, there were other issues with the water quality coming out of a saturated iron environment into the river system. Mr. Snyder also noted that when the Air Force was considering that as a possibility, the decision for this project already was well underway. Mr. Snyder stated that the Air Force went forward with what it knew it could physically handle, without any other water quality side effects from the addition of the iron media. He stated that there are not good locations to test other possible techniques on EDB without putting surface water at risk.

Mr. Fitzsimmons, of the MCC, commented that it is his understanding that this is a pilot test program, for which AFCEE signed a lease contract with the Town of Mashpee until the end of December 1999. He then inquired about next steps. Mr. Minior replied that the Air Force addressed the 1998 growing season and the 1999 growing season; therefore, the question is what will happen for the 2000 growing season. He stated that the K2, K3, and K4 bogs have been non-detect, and the Air Force needs to discuss the fate of those bogs with the cranberry industry. Mr. Minior referred to the K6 bog and stated that Air Force anticipated that this system would clean up the contamination, and there would be one year of clean water from when the project started. However, K6 presents an interesting situation, however, in that there is still upwelling. Mr. Minior explained that AFCEE is looking at a different process in order to acquire access permission to conduct remediation, if that is what is needed, which is why the data gap plan now is being discussed. He said that the effort could result in a lease-type document – to provide compensation that way, rather than by going back through the legislature. If access to property is necessary to conduct the cleanup process, however, AFCEE could go through the legislature.

Mr. Fitzsimmons asked if there is a schedule that indicates how this will be addressed in terms of a timeframe. He then inquired about the Air Force’s remedial plan. Mr. Minior replied that tonight’s discussion is pertaining to the pilot test, which is ongoing and which will continue. He stated that after the first of the year the Air Force again will have to come before the Mashpee Conservation Commission in order to re-work the Order of Conditions and, it is hoped, get approval to proceed with the pilot test. Mr. Fitzsimmons asked if this would be done before the end of year. Mr. Minior replied that it will be done before the Order of Conditions expires at the end of March. Mr. Fitzsimmons asked how this relates to the lease that expires December 31. Mr. Minior explained that the compensation is for the growing seasons, which are not related to a calendar year. Compensation was based on the growing seasons for 1998 and 1999.

Mr. Fitzsimmons reiterated that the lease is running out and he has not heard anything about the remedial plan. He commented that from what Mr. Minior has said, it appears to him that the Air Force believes that this is the processing technique it wants to use to clean up the bog. Mr. Minior stated that this is part of the final solution. He explained that a record of decision (ROD) for the FS-1 plume will be signed at the end of December. The ROD that will explain the design process to develop the final system configuration, which may be a modification of the pilot test, as well as some axial wells to collapse the plume. Mr. Minior stated that the Air Force will come before the Town of Mashpee to identify the Air Force’s requirements – the compensation issues will be addressed appropriately at that time. Mr. Fitzsimmons asked if that would occur after March 31, 2000. Mr. Minior replied that it would not. Mr. Fitzsimmons asked if it would be in the first quarter. Mr. Minior replied that it would.

Mr. Whritenour commented that many town officials believe that the last time the compensation issue arose, Mashpee was not involved in the process until after a point that set in motion a track by AFCEE, which, in his opinion, created a tremendous hardship on the town, in terms of Mashpee not yet having received compensation for any of the two years. He stated that prior to those negotiations, Mashpee had asked, on several occasions, to be involved in the process early enough to have an opportunity to shape those events. Mr. Whritenour commented that he is concerned about current talk that the Air Force will involve the town in discussions at a future point. He stated that, in his opinion, if the town had been involved early on, it probably could have helped the Air Force in a way that would have been more efficient, and possibly could have avoided going to the state legislature. Mr. Whritenour commented that he hopes that a dialogue can be initiated early on, before any federal officials, including those in Washington D.C., have taken action that "ties our hands" and makes it impossible for the Air Force and the Town of Mashpee to accomplish their tasks. He urged the Air Force to involve the Town of Mashpee early on in the process. Mr. Whritenour commented that the Town of Mashpee does not want to be adversarial about this. He said that the Town of Mashpee believes that it has ideas that might make it easier for the Air Force.

Mr. Minior said that he appreciates Mr. Whritenour’s comments and the Air Force certainly will talk to the Town about this.

Mr. Sherman inquired about the danger of pipes freezing and cracking, ultimately resulting in major problems with leaks, in the event that there were a blizzard, no electricity and sub-zero temperatures for several days. Mr. Gadd replied that the most obvious concern is the pipes that are laying on the surface – the shallow well extraction system. He explained that the shallow well extraction system is fairly level, but is sloped to either end of the system. At each end of the system, a well point, which normally extracts water from the ground, has an inverted configuration so that if the well point system shuts down, the water drains back into the groundwater system. Mr. Gadd stated that between the header pipe system and the well point, there is a flexible swing hose, which conveys the water from the well points to the header system. The swing hose is insulated to withstand temperatures to minus 30 degrees.

Mr. Gadd stated that between now and December 1999, the Air Force plans to initiate a winterization process. This will include elevating the swing hoses so they too do not trap water between the well points and the header system, but rather facilitate self draining back to the well points. Mr. Gadd said that the well point system is well protected against those effects of the weather. He also noted that EW-5 is very deep, and the pipes between the extraction well and the treatment plant are three to four feet underground, so the Air Force believes that the system is well protected against environmental impacts. Mr. Sherman thanked Mr. Gadd for his answer.

Mr. Johansen, of the Mashpee Conservation Commission, commented that it seems as though every time "we get going on something," the continuity is broken because people are relocated to another area of the country. He also remarked that articles in the local newspapers indicate that both Falmouth and Mashpee received their allocations of money, and none of that is true. He asked why the people are led to believe that the military is always right and the correct information is not provided to the public.

Mr. Snyder stated that the Air Force has made the compensation available to be picked up. He acknowledged that this has not been a smooth or easy process and it still has not been completed. Mr. Snyder stated, in regard to the media, that it is hard to get all information "crystal clear." He said that everyone here tonight is aware that the Town of Mashpee has not actually received its compensation. The military has committed the funds, however, and has the funds available for Mashpee to receive.

Mr. Snyder also stated that people come to work voluntarily for both the Air Force and Jacobs Engineering. He said that he recognizes that there has been turnover of key people on this project: however, the Air Force and Jacobs Engineering do not own their employees and can not make them stay.

Ms. Walker remarked that it appears as though the part of the pilot test that affects the K6 bog is not working. She then inquired about the public process for reviewing the new remediation ideas for the K6 bog, and about the public process for the remediation of the larger plume. Mr. Karson replied that the public process for additional investigation on the K6 bog, and potentially some adjustments or additions to the remediation system, would involve well-publicized stakeholders meeting like this, where the Air Force receives feedback from the stakeholders. Mr. Karson stated that the Air Force also is working closely with the regulators and the Conservation Commission. He said that the public process for the final solution for this plume, which includes the pilot project in the bog system and the installation of up to 18 additional deep groundwater extraction wells, basically will end when the final answer comes out in the ROD at the end of December. Mr. Karson stated that beyond that point, the Air Force will follow up with additional public processes on the design and construction, similar to what was done for several of the other projects on the base. Additional public outreach efforts will include: informational public meetings, updates, neighborhood notices, fact sheets, and news releases to get information out to the public as the Air Force enters the construction phase. He noted that this will be a sizeable construction project. Mr. Karson stated that the FS-1 ROD comes out in December 1999, at which time planning will begin for design and actual construction of that particular project. He added that the citizen teams, the Joint Process Action Team (JPAT) and the Public Information Team (PIT), will be instrumental, as with all of the Air Force’s other projects, in terms of providing feedback.

Ms. Walker asked when the public comment period ends. Mr. Karson replied that the public comment period for FS-1 was conducted in the June/July timeframe. The ROD currently is being finalized, and will include a responsiveness summary made up of all the comments and concerns raised, as well as responses to them. Ms. Walker asked if it is correct that the citizen team meetings and these public meetings are the forums for the public to provide input. Mr. Karson replied that this is correct.

Mr. Karson reported that approximately one year ago he escorted a few individuals to a West Falmouth cranberry bog, which is owned by the Town of Falmouth and operated by Mr. Handy. He stated that the purpose of that visit was to collect cranberries to be used to produce a report, which was issued on August 27, 1999, and titled, "The Association of Ethylene Dibromide with Mature Cranberry Fruit." Mr. Karson explained that the report was produced by two professors working in the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University (KSU), and the Air Force funded the project. He stated that the purpose of the report was to determine the possible association of EDB with mature cranberry fruit. During the course of the study, KSU utilized varying degrees of concentrations of EDB, exposure, temperature, shaking, and rinsing. Mr. Karson explained that KSU simulated shaking and rinsing, a common practice when harvesting cranberries, to see what potential effect this would have on the levels of EDB that might adhere to the skin of the cranberry fruit.

Mr. Karson reported that the results of the study indicate that EDB does adhere to the outside cuticle wax layer of the fruit, and that rinsing the cranberries reduces, by up to 75%, the amount of EDB that adheres to the outside skin of the fruit. The report states that this finding suggests that most of the EDB is loosely adhered to the waxy cuticle layer instead of being absorbed by the flesh of the fruit. Mr. Karson reported that the study also determined that concentrations of EDB, length of exposure, and temperature, affect the amount of EDB that adheres to the cranberries. He explained that the skin of cranberries exposed to warmer temperatures and higher concentrations of EDB resulted in higher levels of EDB adhering to the skin of the fruit. Mr. Karson noted that the levels used during the study were higher than those found in surface waters in the Quashnet River – the highest level of EDB detected in that river was 1.4 parts per billion (ppb). He reported that the study determined that injury to the surface of the cranberry fruit, such as that which is caused by shaking, resulted in less EDB associated with the fruit. Less EDB adheres to cranberries with skin damaged during the shaking process.

Mr. Karson reported that, based on the findings, the Air Force believes that EDB can be deposited on the cranberry fruit, and that its actions to protect public health, by reducing and eliminating EDB in the river system, were appropriate and timely.

Mr. Karson stated that a copy of the KSU report has been provided to the main libraries of Falmouth, Mashpee, Sandwich, and Bourne, and copies are available tonight. He also stated that a second KSU study is under way to determine whether EDB can enter the fruit through the root system or leaves. If EDB can enter the plant through those two mechanisms, the study will look at where EDB travels within the plant, such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or fruit. Mr. Karson explained that cranberries currently are growing in test chambers at KSU, where they are being exposed to EDB through three different types of scenarios: plants grown with EDB-contaminated soil; plants watered with EDB-contaminated water, and plants misted with EDB-contaminated water. Mr. Karson stated that this report is scheduled to be distributed in November 2000.

Mr. John Johansen of the Mashpee Conservation Commission asked if the KSU report came to AFCEE in August 1999. Mr. Karson confirmed that the report is dated August 27, 1999. Mr. Johansen said that it is November, and the Mashpee Conservation Commission is just now hearing about the report for the first time. He said that the commission did not have the chance to do any planning and, "we’re out of the loop again."

Mr. Karson stated that the intent of tonight’s meeting is to provide information on the report, and provide the report and make it public. He explained that while the date on the report is August 27, 1999, the report was still being considered for revisions several weeks after that date. The document stood as dated following that additional review.

Mr. Johansen noted that the Town of Mashpee’s cranberry grower has a contract coming up at the end of this year. Mr. Johansen said that he can not hold back the cranberry grower, but must provide answers with regard to what he (the grower) will do in the future with respect to the Mashpee bogs.

Mr. Karson said that he appreciates Mr. Johansen’s concern. He also said that the bottom line tonight is that through the KSU study, the Air Force has validated that EDB can adhere to the surface of the cranberries. He noted that another study is ongoing, but, unfortunately, that study will not be available to the public for another year.

Mr. Baker, of the Mashpee Environmental Coalition (MEC), inquired about the origin of the cranberries used as test specimens for the KSU study. Mr. Karson replied that the cranberries came from a West Falmouth bog system, which is not affected by any base-related plumes. An area of the bog was gridded off, and berries were collected to obtain a representative sampling from that area. He also stated that the study involved exposure of the cranberries to EDB at varying levels, starting with a baseline of zero, then 3 ppb, 6 ppb, 9 ppb, and 12 ppb. Mr. Baker thanked Mr. Karson for his answer.

Mr. Field noted that the KSU study findings support the actions that AFCEE already has taken. Also, the findings may or may not have implications for decision-making in the future, either for the Mashpee Conservation Commission, the Town of Mashpee, or AFCEE.

Mr. Sherman, Conservation Agent for the Town of Mashpee, stated that he continually has asked about the KSU study. He said that this fall he asked about the KSU study. Mr. Sherman stated that he does not think it is satisfactory that the KSU report was published on August 27, 1999, and "then we read about the results last week in the Cape Cod Times," and the report finally is "put in our hands tonight."

Mr. Sherman then said that he is going to do something unusual tonight, because he actually is going to thank AFCEE, the MMR, and the IRP, for several things. First, however, he said that he would show his usual "diabolical self" by taking serious exception with a statement included on one of the slides shown earlier tonight, that "there is no identified impact to ecosystems." Mr. Sherman remarked that he thinks this is the ultimate spin-doctoring, as there have been some impacts to ecosystems – there was a fish kill, there were several sedimentation episodes at the K1 bog, and there was inattention or untimely action with regard to erosion problems. He commented that to say that there has been no impact to ecosystems is just not correct. He added that he thinks that some of it was avoidable, and that some of it was unavoidable.

Mr. Sherman stated that he understands that the project has been difficult. He then mentioned that the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions asked him, as a member of the Board of Directors, to conduct a training exercise on how to write an Order of Conditions. Mr. Sherman said that he was asked to choose a difficult Order of Conditions, and remarked that "he had no difficulty picking a sample one to talk about – this one takes the cake." Mr. Sherman commented that while it is difficult, it is necessary to move forward.

Mr. Sherman then thanked "everybody here" for the plantings that were done recently. He said that he thinks the plantings came out very well, and that in a couple of years the area probably will be rich for wildlife again.

Mr. Sherman continued by reading a letter to AFCEE regarding the positions of the Mashpee Conservation Commission relative to AFCEE’s remediation work at the Quashnet bogs. He then thanked the AFCEE representatives present for the opportunity to address them, and noted that he would make available copies of the letter to anyone requesting one.

Mr. Jeff LeFleur of the CCCGA noted, in defense of AFCEE, that in early September of this year, the MassDEP hosted a meeting in Lakeville to discuss the KSU study. Mr. LeFleur said that the Town of Mashpee was invited to that meeting, but did not attend. He also mentioned that the Town of Falmouth was represented at that meeting.

Mr. Whritenour remarked that he believes it is important to say that people are not here tonight to debate the timing of the KSU study. He said that he thinks that the concerns expressed by the Mashpee Conservation Commission should be taken as an indication that the Town of Mashpee wants to work as partners with AFCEE. He said that he thinks that the members of the commission are not just speaking of the KSU study, but are speaking in general. Mr. Whritenour referred to the information flow and noted that the Town of Mashpee appreciates any additional meetings, and would like to participate in those meetings. He also said that the Town would like to keep the information free and flowing, and he thinks this is the key point. He added that he does not think it would be productive to degenerate, at this point, into a discussion about what amounts to a couple of weeks with respect to the KSU study.

Mr. Whritenour then said that he wants to stress the point that the Town of Mashpee wants to be full partners with AFCEE. He also said that there are still a great number of issues that need to be resolved, and he thinks this is completely evident.

Mr. Keaney, with the Upper Cape Codder, asked what kinds of problems with the groundwater caused the construction problems at the treatment facility. Mr. Gadd explained that the foundation of the plant is a four-foot thick slab of concrete. The groundwater in the area is higher than was expected and concrete cannot be poured in water. Mr. Gadd stated that a decision was made to raise the foundation above the groundwater system. Consequently, raising the foundation three feet required subsequent elevation changes in all the other engineering aspects of the construction project. Mr. Keaney asked if this was a result of human error. Mr. Gadd replied that it was not a result of human error, and explained that groundwater fluctuates based on rainfall, snowfall, diurnal effects, and so forth. He added that there is a sand pit, where water has gathered and infiltrated the area, so there is a localized high mound of groundwater there.

Agenda Item #6. Adjourn

Mr. Field summarized the concerns expressed at the meeting, as follows: eco-impacts that have occurred should be identified in the briefings; AFCEE has made an attempt to provide compensation to the Town of Mashpee, which has not been able to accept it, and the towns are interested in resolving this issue; the Town of Mashpee is interested in resolving the uncertainty regarding the ending of the lease; the Town of Mashpee is interested in participating, early and often, in consultation and discussions with AFCEE; and there is an interest to have sufficient backups should the systems go down.

Mr. Field adjourned the meeting at 7:10 PM.