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West Falmouth plan shown as meeting targets on paper but some embayments lag
Summary
Sciencewares' draft shows West Falmouth meeting the watershed target on paper but identifies three sub‑embayments (Snug Harbor, Mashapakwa Creek, Harbor Head/Oyster Pond) that exceed local targets and may need targeted actions or an outfall option.
Kristen Rathgen presented the West Falmouth draft watershed plan and said the whole watershed meets the modeled TMDL target on paper (current load ~6,100 kg vs. target ~6,700 kg) but that several sub‑embayments exceed their localized targets. "DEP considered West Falmouth to be the first watershed on paper to achieve its TMDL," Rathgen said, while cautioning that model results and in‑water monitoring may not align everywhere.
Rathgen described options including targeted abutter IAs, potential outfall placement and culvert widening to improve flushing; she told the committee that with an outfall some subwatersheds would meet targets without extensive septic work, while Oyster Pond in particular may still fall short even with widespread IA performance. The committee and residents pressed on mapping (where the wastewater treatment plant and outfall are shown), project status for culvert and PRB projects, and when town actions or funding requests will be presented to town meeting.
