Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment Endorses EPA Report on Proposed Machine Gun Range Threat to Upper Cape’s Water Supply Reserve
May 11, 2023 (BARNSTABLE, MA) Yesterday at the County Commissioners’ regular meeting, the Department of Health and Environment concurred with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s draft decision to prohibit the Army National Guard’s proposed Machine Gun Range in the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve.
“The draft decision comes after extensive research, analysis, and assessment of the potential impacts on Cape Cod’s aquifer, surrounding communities, and public health. The Department of Health and Environment agrees with the EPA’s analysis and recommendations in their Draft Report” said Sean O’Brien, Director of the Department.
Health and Environment Director O’Brien, along with Bethany Traverse, Health Communications Coordinator, provided the Barnstable County Commissioners with an in-depth overview of the EPA draft report. The proposed range sits atop the Sagamore Lens which is the largest of the six lenses that make up Cape Cod’s sole source aquifer, which is protected under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. The range is also within the boundaries of the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve, a 15,000-acre conservation area established by the Commonwealth in 2002 to protect its ecologically significant wildlife and the largest source of drinking water for Cape Cod.
The groundwater from the Sagamore Lens provides approximately 3 million gallons of drinking water per day to community public water supply systems in the towns of Sandwich, Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Barnstable and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
The EPA draft report found that “groundwater contamination at the proposed machine gun range would pose a significant public health risk” based on the volume of potential contaminants that would be released to the environment via firing propellants and residues, as well as degrading bullets, casings, and fragments deposited on and in the soil.
The EPA estimated that approximately 1.3 million bullets would be fired at the site annually, ultimately resulting in more than 275 tons of bullet components released to the environment over a 50-year timeframe.
To view the presentation by Barnstable County’s Department of Health and Environment, please visit https://www.capecod.gov/MPMPRG
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO WATCH OR JOIN A FUTURE COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING Stay informed and engaged with Barnstable County meetings by visiting the Meeting Center at www.capecod.gov. Find the Commissioners’ calendar, meeting agendas, and useful resources on how to participate. You can also live-stream meetings on YOUTUBE. Barnstable County is committed to providing accessible accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Contact Justyna Marczak, Barnstable County ADA/Non-Discrimination Coordinator, at jmarczak@capecod.gov or call 508-375-6646 for additional information.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at capecod.gov.
Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment Endorses EPA Report on Proposed Machine Gun Range Threat to Upper Cape’s Water Supply Reserve
May 11, 2023 (BARNSTABLE, MA) Yesterday at the County Commissioners’ regular meeting, the Department of Health and Environment concurred with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s draft decision to prohibit the Army National Guard’s proposed Machine Gun Range in the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve.
“The draft decision comes after extensive research, analysis, and assessment of the potential impacts on Cape Cod’s aquifer, surrounding communities, and public health. The Department of Health and Environment agrees with the EPA’s analysis and recommendations in their Draft Report” said Sean O’Brien, Director of the Department.
Health and Environment Director O’Brien, along with Bethany Traverse, Health Communications Coordinator, provided the Barnstable County Commissioners with an in-depth overview of the EPA draft report. The proposed range sits atop the Sagamore Lens which is the largest of the six lenses that make up Cape Cod’s sole source aquifer, which is protected under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. The range is also within the boundaries of the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve, a 15,000-acre conservation area established by the Commonwealth in 2002 to protect its ecologically significant wildlife and the largest source of drinking water for Cape Cod.
The groundwater from the Sagamore Lens provides approximately 3 million gallons of drinking water per day to community public water supply systems in the towns of Sandwich, Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Barnstable and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
The EPA draft report found that “groundwater contamination at the proposed machine gun range would pose a significant public health risk” based on the volume of potential contaminants that would be released to the environment via firing propellants and residues, as well as degrading bullets, casings, and fragments deposited on and in the soil.
The EPA estimated that approximately 1.3 million bullets would be fired at the site annually, ultimately resulting in more than 275 tons of bullet components released to the environment over a 50-year timeframe.
To view the presentation by Barnstable County’s Department of Health and Environment, please visit https://www.capecod.gov/MPMPRG
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO WATCH OR JOIN A FUTURE COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING Stay informed and engaged with Barnstable County meetings by visiting the Meeting Center at www.capecod.gov. Find the Commissioners’ calendar, meeting agendas, and useful resources on how to participate. You can also live-stream meetings on YOUTUBE. Barnstable County is committed to providing accessible accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Contact Justyna Marczak, Barnstable County ADA/Non-Discrimination Coordinator, at jmarczak@capecod.gov or call 508-375-6646 for additional information.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at capecod.gov.
