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Falmouth committee weighs permeable reactive barrier to intercept nitrogen plume at Snug Harbor
Summary
The committee reviewed groundwater data showing a nitrate plume entering Snug Harbor, discussed likely PRB siting along Nashawina Street or the bike path, estimated drilling and construction costs for test wells, and set a fast timeline for a grant letter of intent that requires selectmen approval.
FALMOUTH — Members of the Water Quality Management Committee considered a proposed permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for Snug Harbor, a targeted, near‑term intervention meant to intercept a documented groundwater nitrate plume before it enters the harbor.
Data and site: Committee slides and discussion identified Snug Harbor as a local hotspot with elevated nitrate at shallow and deeper well depths; map and transect plots presented to the group indicated the plume is entering the harbor area and that a PRB sited near Nashawina Street could intercept flow. The committee discussed alternatives including locating a PRB under or near the town bike path, noting ownership and easement questions because parts of the bike path may be owned by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
Costs, grant timeline and tests: Committee members emphasized the need for preliminary analysis wells and agreed a prudent grant application should include (a) analysis wells to determine plume depth and stratification and (b) a cost range for PRB construction using different media (wood chips, emulsified vegetable oil). One member said drilling a monitoring well is likely to cost in the range of $7,000–$10,000 per well (presentation estimate). The committee reported an upcoming grant letter‑of‑intent deadline (Jan. 17) that would require the selectmen’s approval to submit; committee members agreed to return in two weeks with an organized request to place the application on the selectmen’s consent agenda.
Matching funds and permissions: Members noted some grants require matching funds but that DEP will consider match waivers in some cases; they also flagged potential easement or permitting issues if construction would occur on the bike path. Committee members proposed a phased grant package: preliminary wells, cost estimates and a conditional construction‑option based on well results.
Next steps: The committee asked staff and proponents to prepare a brief update in two weeks that lays out a proposed grant application package and a request for selectmen authorization for submission. No construction decision was made at the meeting.
