Nitrogen is a nutrient that occurs naturally in nature, but too much nitrogen is
profoundly affecting the ponds, estuaries and coastal waters of Falmouth and Cape
Cod. 97% of Falmouth's homes and businesses depend on septic systems to treat their
wastewater. Septic system nitrogen leaches into the groundwater and is carried to
coastal waters. The nitrogen over-enriches these saltwater environments, resulting
in a process called eutrophication. Plants that love nitrogen grow rapidly, then
die and decompose, impacting desirable eel grass beds and overall water quality.
Nitrogen also enters groundwater from fertilizers, animal waste and roadway runoff,
but septic systems are the largest contributor. Falmouth's drinking water, which
is drawn from Cape Cod's sole source aquifer, is well protected but would also benefit
from the nitrogen mitigation measures.
In response, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
and the Massachusetts Estuaries Project (MEP) have determined the quantity of nitrogen
that can be assimilated by an estuary without causing water quality impacts related
to nutrient enrichment. This quantity is known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).
MEP information is available at http://www.oceanscience.net/estuaries/.
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Restore and protect water quality and the quality of life in Falmouth |
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Enhance the economic sustainability of our community |
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Preserve the beauty and value of our property for future generations |
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