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Cavanaugh, Kimberly
From:Eric Schwaab <eschwaab@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, September 1, 2025 9:21 AM
To:Ells, Mark; Santos, Daniel; Hoopes, Edwin; Beaudoin, Griffin; Cavanaugh, Kimberly;
Lovell, Cynthia; Collopy, Kelly; Martin, Gerard (DEP); Lisa Daluz; Bettina Abe; Bloom,
Charles; jeffreydaluz38@yahoo.com; Maria Reid
Subject:Re: for Tom Lee, Chair Barnstable Conservation Commission - Follow-Up on 268
Stevens Street Pump Station – Dewatering Conditions
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
Tom Lee, Chair
Conservation Commission
230 South Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
September 1, 2025
RE: Follow-Up on 268 Stevens Street Pump Station – Dewatering Conditions
Dear Mr. Lee,
This letter follows up on our earlier comments regarding the Notice of Intent for the proposed sewer
pump station at 268 Stevens Street. We urge the Commission to adopt a robust set of conditions for any
dewatering associated with this project.
As you know, the Barnstable DPW has already removed an estimated 10 million gallons of groundwater
from the Stewarts Creek watershed. The wetlands at 32 Pleasant Hill Lane and Aunt Betty’s Pond remain
impaired from prior unpermitted dewatering.
On Thursday (8/28), we met with Director Santos and members of his staff to appeal for design changes
that could reduce impacts to this sensitive area. Director Santos acknowledged that altering the design
of the dewatering plan could reduce the 850-foot “cone of influence” to a much smaller radius, at
reasonable cost. However, he indicated he was reluctant to order these changes without a condition
from your Commission.
We therefore recommend that the Commission condition any approval on submission of a revised plan
that reduces the dewatering cone of influence to no more than 50–100 feet.
Monitoring and Restoration
The DaLuz family, whose property lies within the affected area, remains deeply concerned about the
long-term health of this watershed. They request greater scientific detail in the monitoring plan,
particularly regarding restoration actions should groundwater levels fail to rebound as expected.
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At present, no one assigned to the project appears to have training in ecological restoration. The impacts
of prolonged drought combined with multiple dewatering events are unknown, as are the risks of
discharging millions of gallons of nutrient-rich, PFAS-contaminated water into Aunt Betty’s Pond. Wildlife
has already begun to disappear—swans and river otters that once thrived there have moved on. What is
the plan to restore Aunt Betty’s Pond so that these species, and the broader ecology, can recover?
We recommend that the Commission require a full ecological and wildlife survey prior to any resumption
of pumping, and that the monitoring plan include specific restoration targets and timelines to allow
meaningful evaluation of recovery across the watershed.
Accountability and Bonding
Finally, given the slapdash construction practices already observed at this site, the DaLuz family
requests that the Commission require the project be bonded. This would ensure financial accountability
and compensation should lasting damage occur to the wetlands, pond, or their property.
Conclusion
We respectfully request that the Commission condition approval on:
Reduction of the dewatering cone of influence to 50–100 feet.
A scientifically robust monitoring plan, including restoration protocols.
A full ecological and wildlife survey of Aunt Betty’s Pond and adjacent wetlands.
Restoration targets tied to clear timelines.
A project bond to protect residents from permanent ecological or property damage.
Thank you for your careful attention to this matter and for the efforts of the Commission and staff. We
look forward to a positive outcome at the September 9th hearing.
Respectfully submitted,
Eric Schwaab
157 Melbourne Road
Hyannis, MA 02601
On behalf of the DaLuz family
On Thu, Aug 28, 2025, 07:39 Eric Schwaab <eschwaab@gmail.com> wrote:
with attachment ;-)
On Thu, Aug 28, 2025 at 7:37 AM Eric Schwaab <eschwaab@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Sir/Madam,
While the agenda for this item has not been posted, kindly refer this letter to Tom Lee, Chair of the
Conservation Commission for consideration on the 9/2 hearing which I am told will include
consideration of 268 Stevens Street Pump Station NOI.
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We respectfully urge the Conservation Commission to deny the 268 Stevens Street Pump Station
NOI unless and until the applicant provides a full alternatives analysis, quantified discharge
volumes, water quality standards, and enforceable monitoring protocols that protect the wetlands,
ponds, and hydrology of this vulnerable area.
Thank you for your consideration,
Eric Schwaab
157 Melbourne Road
Hyannis, MA 02601