Resources
Resources:
Town of Mashpee Contractor Lists:
Innovative Alternative Septic System Maintenance Companies
Licensed Septic Installers
Licensed Septage Pumpers
Local Registered Title V Inspectors
Local Professional Registered Engineers
Well Drillers
Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaboration
BloomWatch App Information
Crowdsourcing to find and report potential cyanobacteria blooms
APCC about Storm Water and how we, as residents can make a difference!
Presentation by Trevor Smith
Damariscotta Lake Maine Conservation Group Video
"Love It, Learn About It, Move to Protect it."
Low Impact Development Toolkit from MAPC
The Indian Pond Association’s Resident Guide - These are the 3 ponds in Marston’s Mills near the airfield on 149. Their guide is terrific.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hd5yh4IPP6dAgjaoY82nbkHZOmYBi-k1/view
8/1/21 Cape Cod Times article on Mashpee’s Water Quality at an all time low. https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/2021/07/29/mashpee-water-quality-has-worsened-due-to-nitrogen-pollution-from-septic-systems-lawn-fertilizers/8091174002/?fbclid=IwAR33fXH5UfdkYs_0VXh2M9L4q0qEgFTTVJmECBSO2LkhtnWI6Go4fJDFAX8
Guidebook: “How to start a pond association”
State of the Waters Action Plan Cape Cod
Article: Cape ponds test positive for toxic bacteria July 2020
Article: Toxic Blooms prompt Cape pond advisories June 2019
https://www.capecodtimes.com/news/20190624/toxic-blooms-prompt-cape-pond-advisories
Association to Preserve Cape Cod:
https://apcc.org/our-work/science/community-science/cyanobacteria/
Freshwater Ponds(great video)
https://apcc.org/our-work/education/freshwater-ponds/
Online interactive map and informational page http://apcc.org/cyano
Fact Sheet Cyanobacteria
https://apcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Cyano-Factsheet-based-on-MDPH.pdf
Definition:
Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, are ancient organisms responsible for creating the first oxygen on the earth. Cyanobacteria are commonly found in ponds; however, under certain conditions yet to be fully understood, they can produce toxins that pose health issues to animals and humans. Warmer temperatures with excessive nutrients contribute to toxic blooms (also called Harmful Algal Blooms [HABs]) that make swimming and other contact dangerous. (Source: APCC Website)
Causes of Cyanobacteria:
Rain washes nutrients, including septic effluent and lawn fertilizer, into ponds and that promotes the growth of these naturally occurring bacteria.
Their proliferation is being aided by global warming and nutrient pollution by septic systems and stormwater runoff.
Warmer temperatures mean more moisture in the air and a better growing environment for bacteria
Experts in our Community:
Mashpee Natural Resources Director: Ashley Fisher 508 539-1410
Ashley’s Presentation to Board of Selectmen
APCC Executive Director Andrew Gottlieb agottlieb@apcc.org
Kevin Johson Ecologist APCC Coordinates the Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program kjohnson@apcc.org
What can you do:
Be informed
Join a pond group or form one
Invite APCC staff to speak at civic and neighborhood events
Choose Eco Friendly landscape design reduce lawn area plant more native species around ponds
Properly maintain septic systems
Use phosphate-free dishwasher detergent
If you must fertilize, apply correctly
Pick up your pet’s waste
Do not feed ducks or geese
Plant or maintain native vegetation around the water’s edge
If you see a suspicious cyanobacteria bloom, notify your local health department. Additionally, a photo noting the location, day and time can be sent to cyano@apcc.org
Volunteer/Advocate
APCC Volunteer Form
https://apcc.org/our-work/science/community-science/monitoring-program-volunteers/
APCC Advocate information
https://apcc.org/get-involved/advocate/