Currents

Orleans area pond and estuary water quality news.

Orleans capital plan hearing draws water quality ideas

Oftentimes, taxpayers think the town’s capital plan is too rich; this year some residents wanted to add some items. Read the report, reprinted with permission of the Cape Codder, (February 20, 2012).

Weston & Sampson Prliminary Design presentation

Read the entire February 15, 2012 Weston & Sampson Preliminary Design presentation to the Orleans Board of Selectman.

Note: Weston & Sampson's CWMP cost estimates presentation to the Board of Selectman and the public has been rescheduled to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

Capewide Wastewater Authority Urged

Acting on the belief that a regional approach to wastewater would save money, help score more government funds and be a speedier resolution to an ongoing problem, a special county commission voted Thursday night, February 16, 2012, to recommend creating a Capewide wastewater authority. Read Doug Fraser's article, reprinted here with permission of the Cape Cod Times (February 18, 2012).

Think Regionally, Act Locally - A Wastewater Crises Editorial

Read the Cape Cod Times Editorial Here's how to solve our wastewater crisis a joint statement from the entire Cape and Islands' legislative delegation: Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth; Sen. Dan Wolf, D-Harwich; Rep. Demetrius Atsalis, D-Hyannis; Rep. Randy Hunt, R-Sandwich; Rep. Timothy Madden, D-Nantucket; Rep. Sarah Peake, D-Provincetown; Rep. Cleon Turner, D-Dennis; Rep. David Vieira, R-Falmouth and reprinted here with permission of the Cape Cod Times, February 5, 2012.

Nitrogen suit settlement could have huge ramifications for Cape

Read Doreen Leggett's article reprinted with permission of the Cape Codder Jan 28, 2012.

Read, heed the science

Inrteresting editorial, reprinted with permission of the Cape Cod Times, (January 26, 2012) about moving forward with the Massachusetts Estuaries Project (MEP).

EPA, advocates look to settle lawsuits

Two lawsuits over Cape Cod's wastewater management plans are on their way to settlement, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court on Friday, but not if a group of congressional Republicans have their way. Read Patrick Cassidy's January 21, 2012, article printed with permission of the Cape Cod Times.

Report backs Mass. Estuaries Project data

Proceed on wastewater plans with confidence is the take home message of a lengthy final report that delves into whether the Massachusetts Estuaries Project should serve as a blueprint for the Cape’s future efforts to stop declining water quality. The full Doreen Leggett January 17, 2012, article is reprinted here with permission of the Cape Codder.

The Full Report
and Executive Summary:
Massachusetts Estuary Project (MEP) Linked Watershed Embayment Model Peer Review

The Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative has posted the full MEP Linked Watershed Embayment Model Peer Review and its Executive Summary.
The Executive Summary.
The Full Report

Drug Drop-Off Box Helps Keep the Water Clean

Don't flush unwanted medicines. West Harwich has installed a drug drop-off box that is open 24/7. Read Partick Cassidy's article, reprinted with permission of the Cape Cod Times, (December 31, 2011) detailing the advantages of this new, safe, and environmentally friendly, West Harwich service. We could use a drug drop-off box in Orleans.

The Cape Cod Times Looks Forward

Read the New Year's editorial, reprinted with permission of the Cape Cod Times, (January 1, 2012) about the challenges of wastewater management for the coming year.

Seven years of delays at Massachusetts Estuaries Project harming Buzzards Bay

Read the December 12, 2011 article, reprinted with permission of the Buzzards Bay Coalition, www.savebuzzardsbay.org, here.

Court filings hint at possible deal in wastewater suits

Settlement talks in two lawsuits dealing with Cape Cod's wastewater woes will continue for now, which local officials are taking as an indication that a deal may be in the works. Read Patrick Cassidy's report, reprinted with permission of the Cape Cod Times, (December 07, 2011) here.

County Peer Review Reports the MEP Science is Good

Read Sean Teehan's coverage, reprinted with permission of the Cape Cod Times (November 17, 2011), of the County Peer Review of the MEP science.

Watch a video of the regular meeting of the Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative Governing Board. Recorded November 16, 2011.

Weston & Simpson Presentation

View the November 16 Orleans Board of Selectmen meeting with the Weston and Sampson presentation from the Town of Orleans website.