Water Quality and Wastewater Infrastructure
The coastal waters of Cape Cod have provided a rich habitat for many important fish and shellfish. In recent years, the quality of many of our coastal water bodies has deteriorated due to an excess supply of nitrogen-containing compounds. This excess nitrogen fuels the rapid growth of some species of phytoplankton and seaweed (also known as algae), which suffocates eelgrass, a submerged plant that provides ideal habitat for for bay scallops and other coastal species.
A large portion of the excess nitrogen in our coastal waters comes from on-site septic systems, which were designed to remove bacteria and viruses, but not nutrients like nitrogen. In order to remedy this problem, the Cape must invest in wastewater treatment systems that remove nitrogen.
APCC has spearheaded efforts to facilitate the development of needed wastewater infrastructure on Cape Cod. From working to establish a regional wastewater entity, the Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative, to the passage of the Massachusetts Clean Water Act as part of the 2008 Environmental Bond, APCC has been at the forefront of addressing one of the most pressing issues on Cape Cod.
To better educate the public about the deteriorating quality of coastal bays, and the need for wastewater infrastructure on Cape Cod, APCC has written and produced a series of flash animation cartoons, featuring “John” and “Shelley,” the bickering bivalves. These quick-witted shorts are shown on public access channels across the Cape, and are also featured on our website. CLICK HERE to watch Episodes 1&2 of John and Shelley : The Bickering Bivalves, and learn more about the problems poor “Shelley” faces on a daily basis, and what “John” can do to help.