Yesterday, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection [DEP] released its long-awaited draft regulations intended to fix the disaster that is Title 5. The release follows the DEP’s preliminary announcement in June 2022 of pending changes to septic system siting in nitrogen sensitive areas. [See our post on the June announcement.]

When implemented, the regs. will “govern the construction and maintenance of septic systems and the transport of septic-system waste” and, hopefully, rescue nitrogen-impaired estuaries like Shoestring Bay from certain destruction. [Read the Conservation Law Foundation’s Press Release on the Announcement]

Make Your Presence Known: Public Hearings
Now comes the long slog of review and approval of the new regulations. DEP is accepting public comment until December 16, 2022 and holding three hearings, both in-person and remote, to allow citizens to voice their concerns. Save Our Shoestring will be at all three hearings and we strongly encourage our allies to show up and be counted.

Session 1 – 11/30/22 at 6pm
In-person & Remote, MassDEP, 20 Riverside Dr., Lakeville, MA, November 30, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Register for remote session in advance.

Session 2 – 12/1/22 at 1pm
Remote Only, December 1, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. Register in advance.

Session 3 – 12/5/22 at 6pm
In-person & Remote, Barnstable Town Hall, 367 Main St., Hyannis, MA, December 5, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Register for remote session in advance.

Once we’ve had a chance to review the DEP proposals, we’ll be back with a summary of the regulations and our take on whether they represent the best interests of Shoestring Bay and all Cape waterways.