In The News Archives

WBUR: For 46 Years, Pilgrim Nuclear Plant Has Used Water From Cape Cod Bay. How Has It Impacted The Ecosystem?

The Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth pumps about a half-billion gallons of water from Cape Cod Bay into the plant every day. The water cycles continuously, passing through the plant’s condenser, and returning to the bay about 10 minutes later — and 30 degrees warmer. Full Article

WCBV Chronicle: What’s the story behind your water?

Watch the whole program…

Cape Cod Times: The Future of Cape Cod

A unique coalition of local organizations – the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Cape & Islands Association of Realtors, and the Housing Assistance Corp. – has come together to create the Future of Cape Cod…Full Article

Barnstable Patriot: Coalition urges targeted uses of new rental tax

The Future Cape Cod coalition, comprised of Association to Preserve Cape Cod, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Cape Cod & Islands Association of Realtors and Housing Assistance Corp., are asking communities to adopt a model bylaw that would direct at least 50 percent of the local option portion of the tax to an Infrastructure and Community Investment Stabilization Fund for housing, wastewater, broadband, transportation, and competitive marketing of the Cape…Full Article

Cape Cod Times: Group proposes bylaw for towns to direct half of rental tax to special fund

“…Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, said the model bylaw was a “broad concept,” designed to “protect these new revenues from being allocated out to smaller initiatives.”..” Full Article

Falmouth Enterprise: Coalition-Backed Model Bylaw Suggests New Fund For Falmouth

“The Association to Preserve Cape Cod, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Cod & Islands Association of Realtors and Housing Assistance Corp. have formed the Future Cape Cod coalition and are asking each of the 15 Cape towns to consider adopting a bylaw that would set up a special fund to pay for housing, wastewater, broadband, transportation and marketing of Cape Cod…” Full Article

CapeCod.com: APCC Calls on Eversource to Discontinue Herbicide Use

“DENNIS – The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) is calling on Eversource Energy to pursue different alternatives to vegetation control along the energy supplier’s power lines across the Cape…” Full Article

WCAI: Short Term Rental Tax and a New Trust Fund to Help Pay for Wastewater Management

“In December, the Commonwealth passed a new short term rental tax that includes the establishment of a trust fund to pay for waste water management on Cape Cod and the Islands. We discuss which rentals must collect the new tax, and which are exempt. We also discuss the role of the Water Protection Trust Fund in helping towns pay for wastewater clean up and management…” Listen

Cape Cod Times: Cheers & Jeers – Increasing toxic emissions is appalling

“The Association to Preserve Cape Cod recently sent a letter to the acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Andrew Wheeler, opposing the EPA’s proposed policy change relating to mercury and other toxic emissions from coal- and oil-fired power plants…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: Barnstable BOH delays decision on changes to water protection rules

“Not taking action is a good thing,” said Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and a Mashpee selectman. “Now the town can focus on getting its plan completed and approved…” Full article

Wicked Local: Emissions roll-back a direct threat to Cape

“Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of Association to Preserve Cape Cod, and Don Keeran, its assistant director, provided The Cape Codder with the following letter they sent to Andrew Wheeler, acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, expressing opposition to the EPA’s proposed policy change relating to mercury and other toxic emissions from coal- and oil-fired power plants…” Full article

Wicked Local: County delegates urge action on climate change

“Climate change is real and is an urgent threat to life on Cape Cod as we know it today. All levels of government have to do their part to lead on this issue, especially now that the Trump administration has taken the country down a reckless path that not only ignores the challenges we face but actively increases the threat to the Cape with a backward-looking energy policy,” said Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of Association to Preserve Cape Cod…” Full article

CapeCod.com: APCC Opposes EPA’s Proposed Rollback of Coal Plant Emissions

“The Association to Preserve Cape Cod recently sent a letter to the EPA’s acting administrator expressing concerns with the proposal which would rollback 2011 regulations which put restrictions on air emissions from power plants to limit neurotoxin exposure…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod towns adapt to new short-term rental law

“I think it’s one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation in a generation on the Cape,” said Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, of the 2.7 percent tax dedicated to water pollution projects, that is part of the rental tax bill…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: Barnstable: Wastewater plan in the works

“Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, praised the town for preparing to submit a plan, but noted it is not finished yet…” Full article

The Enterprise: Governor Approves New Taxes, Regulations For Short-Term Rentals

“Mr. Gottlieb, who helped draft language outlining the fund, said its creation was the “most significant legislative achievement for Cape Cod in a generation,” and will benefit numerous towns, including Mashpee, where he sits on the board of selectmen…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: Easing of Barnstable’s nitrogen rules could prompt lawsuit

“Local environmental organizations, including the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, oppose the proposed amendment, contending the town still does not have a comprehensive plan — or funding to enforce one — that would be a catalyst for reconsidering the interim regulations…” Full article

Cape Cod Chronicle: Expansion Of Room Tax To Short-Term Rentals Signed Into Law

“…Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, called the water protection fund “the most significant legislative achievement for Cape Cod in a generation…” Full article

Cape Cod Times – Opinion: Vineyard Wind can launch a reformation

“…Yes, there are impacts, but as so well expressed at a news conference last month by Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, “The impact to the environment and to the human race will be catastrophically more significant if we choose to do nothing.”…” Full article

CapeCod.com: Cape Environmental Group Supports Lawsuit Aimed at Protecting Ocean Wildlife

“HYANNIS – Attorney General Maura Healey has joined in on a multi-state lawsuit against U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and the National Marine Fisheries Service in an effort to end a plan allowing suspected harmful seismic testing for offshore oil and gas resources in the Atlantic Ocean…” Full article

The Enterprise: Massachusetts Sues To Prevent Drilling In The Atlantic

“Massachusetts is one of nine East Coast states taking legal action to challenge a Trump administration plan that would open the door for offshore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: Short-term rental tax garners mixed Cape & Islands response

“A bill awaiting the governor’s signature that would allow the state and municipalities to tax short-term rentals has been one of the most hotly debated on the Cape…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: State joins lawsuit to stop offshore oil, gas survey

“BOSTON — The state of Massachusetts has joined other Atlantic Coast states in an effort to stop five companies from using airguns to survey the ocean floor for oil and gas, as allowed under Nov. 30 authorizations by the National Marine Fisheries Service…” Full article

CapeCod.com: Association to Preserve Cape Cod Formally Endorses Vineyard Wind

“DENNIS – The Association to Preserve Cape Cod has formally endorsed offshore wind energy developer Vineyard Wind…” Full article

Barnstable Patriot: Vineyard Wind gets support from APCC

“Choosing the path of what it calls “responsible environmentalism,” the Association to Preserve Cape Cod is putting its support behind the Vineyard Wind project…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: Association to Preserve Cape Cod announces support for wind energy project, moves on climate

“DENNIS — A particularly dire report released two months ago has spurred Cape Cod’s largest environmental group to pivot toward efforts to prevent drastic changes in the climate, a move the organization announced Wednesday with its endorsement of Vineyard Wind…” Full article

State Capitol Briefs: Vinyard Wind Files Feir, Gets Preservation Group Endorsement

“Vineyard Wind has taken another big step toward installing the first offshore wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts. Company officials said Tuesday that they have filed their Final Environmental Impact Report with the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs…” Full article

WBUR: Vineyard Wind Project Gets Endorsement From Prominent Cape Environmental Group

“Announced Wednesday, the support from the Association to Preserve Cape Cod [APCC] comes as New Bedford-based Vineyard Wind enters a period of potentially contentious public hearings on its recently-submitted environmental impact statement…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: Curious Cape Cod: Old buoy network keeps tabs on water quality

“…Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, said, “Maintaining volunteer participation and engagement is a challenge. It’s fairly common to have people drop out or move away in these types of citizen science.”..” Full article

Barnstable Patriot: Health Board halts move to lift sewering cap

“…Don Keeran, assistant director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, said his organization and BCWA share the same mantra: No net increase in nitrogen load…” Full article

Barnstable Patriot: APCC invests $1.2M in Three Bays stormwater management

“The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) is partnering with the town of Barnstable Department of Public Works (DPW), the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, the Horsley Witten Group and the Barnstable Land Trust on a five-year local, state and federally funded project to improve water quality in the Three Bays watershed through better stormwater management…” Full article

Mashpee Enterprise: : River Projects Would Revive Flow Through Old Bogs

“Town Meeting in May could be asked to fund two ecological projects that aim to restore abandoned cranberry bogs to the free-flowing rivers that once teemed with native fish…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: : The endangered Species Act

“Passed by Congress in 1973 and signed by President Richard Nixon, the Endangered Species Act represented a watershed moment in the preservation of flora and faunas…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: : $2.2M awarded for water projects, including on Cape Cod

“BUZZARDS BAY — The Environmental Protection Agency awarded $2.2 million in federal grants to Southeastern Massachusetts towns, nonprofits, universities and regional planning organizations Monday for projects largely dealing with water quality and wastewater cleanup of estuaries…” Full article

Edible Cape Cod: : Fighting the Good Fight

“After fifty years, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod has established itself as the reigning environmental champion for the region, working for the adoption of laws, policies and programs that protect and enhance Cape Cod’s natural resources and quality of life…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: : Association to Preserve Cape Cod marks 50 years of service

“DENNIS — One of the most ardent advocates for the region’s environmental health turns 50 this year…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: : APCC weighs in on Vineyard Wind project

“The Association to Preserve Cape Cod shared its concerns and comments in a letter sent Wednesday to state officials about a wind farm planned for federal waters off Martha’s Vineyard…” Full article

Wicked Local: APCC: A half-century of environmental advocacy

“The Association to Preserve Cape Cod, based in Dennis, is marking its 50th anniversary in 2018…Contributor Carol K. Dumas asked Executive Director Andrew Gottlieb about the operation of the group and its future plans:…” Full article

The Enterprise: Amended Rental Tax Bill Creates Water Protection Fund

“The Massachusetts House of Representatives approved legislation March 22 which will provide assistance to Cape Cod towns in their efforts to improve water quality, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod said in a statement Monday, March 26…” Full article

Cape Cod Times: Cheers & Jeers: Senate must close home-rental loophole

“No one likes a new tax, but we applaud the Massachusetts House vote this week, 117-30, to close a loophole that allows short-term rentals offered by homeowners and such online companies as Airbnb to avoid paying a room occupancy tax…” Full article

Keeping Massachusetts Beautiful:

The Association to Preserve Cape Cod has been working for the past 50 years to protect Cape Cod’s ecosystem and natural beauty. We spoke with Andrew Gottlieb, APCC’s executive director, to learn about the challenges his organization is facing. Watch the video

Cape Cod Times: Cape officials join in condemning Trump drilling proposal

“Everyone who lives or owns property on the Cape in some way is reliant on the continued perception and reality of clean water,” said Andrew Gottlieb, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod.” Full article

Cape Cod Times: Cape environmental steward turns 50

The Association to Preserve Cape Cod turns 50 this year. While some Cape Codders may be unaware of its efforts, everyone who lives, visits or works here has benefited from APCC — our regional advocate for the Cape’s environment and quality of life… Full article

CapeCod.com: APCC Presents Stormwater Management Plans for Three Bay

COTUIT – The Association to Preserve Cape Cod presented a three-year plan to the public Monday in Cotuit to clean up Three Bays by managing stormwater pollution… Full article

CapeCod.com: APCC Asks Governor Baker To Send Letter Opposing Drilling Plan

The Association to Preserve Cape Cod has sent a letter to Governor Charlie Baker regarding the Trump administration’s offshore oil drilling plan… Full article

Wicked Local: Fed’s offshore oil plan raises local concerns

But the risk is too high, Association to Preserve Cape Cod declared in a letter it has sent to Walter Cruickshank, acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Coonamessett River restoration project underway

Four centuries of human impacts to the lower Coonamessett River will be reversed as part of a massive effort to restore the river’s natural course… Full article

Cape Cod Times: EPA pulls speakers from workshop

PROVIDENCE — The centerpiece of a science workshop on Monday was supposed to be the release of an exhaustive report that had been years in the making on the health of Narragansett Bay and threats that include climate change.

But the focus shifted to the intersection of science and politics when on Friday, without explanation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency canceled the speaking appearances of three of its scientists to discuss the findings in “The State of Narragansett Bay and Its Watershed,” a 500page report that was funded in part by the agency… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Stop wiping out herring close to shore

Herring loom large in the history of Cape Cod — it’s no coincidence that pretty much all of our towns have a “Herring River,” nor that one of the first public positions created in Colonial days was “herring warden,” charged with overseeing one of the community’s most important economic resources… Full article

Cape Coder: Fed directs $10M to Cape water quality projects

After years of anticipation, $10 million in federal grant funding will be coming to Cape Cod to help pay for for 16 water-related projects… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Restoring our water

It’s not often when local officials ask for $7.5 million from the federal government and end up receiving $10 million. As a matter of fact, it’s extremely rare, if not unprecedented… Full editorial

Cape Cod Times: Cape receives $10M in federal funds for water projects

WEST YARMOUTH -The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service on Wednesday awarded funding for the project as part of a $150 million nationwide investment in watershed protection initiatives… Full article

The Cape Codder: Officials caution of bacteria in Brewster’s Walkers Pond

BREWSTER — Testing by Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod technician Bryan Horsley on Aug. 29 turned up microcystis and anabaena, two of the more common toxin producing types. … Full article

Wicked Local: Brewster plans new culvert for Crosby marsh

BREWSTER — Many people drive down Crosby Lane in Brewster for the town beach and the adjacent, mile-long state beachfront, or to view and visit Tawasentha, the historic home of Albert Crosby… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Barnstable ponds tested for toxic algae blooms

HYANNIS — Karen Malkus-Benjamin is a summer fixture along the shores of Barnstable’s ponds, lakes and saltwater beaches, but it’s no vacation… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Video system installed at Brewster herring run

A video monitoring system was installed at the Stony Brook Herring Run Tuesday afternoon to count juvenile herring. Experimental software technology is being used to count the juvenile herring. Christopher George, an Association to Preserve Cape Cod intern, is doing the project as part of his project for a master’s degree in environmental studies at Antioch University New England… Full article with photo gallery

Cape Codder: Sensors count herring hatchlings at Brewster run

BREWSTER — No longer can little herring sneak out to sea anonymously. Facial recognition is being applied at the Stony Brook herring run in Brewster… Full article

Capecod.com(Ocean 104.7): Cape Cod Group Calls for Improved Stormwater Policies After Shellfish Closures

DENNIS – The Association to Preserve Cape Cod says the recent closure of shellfish beds on Cape Cod highlight the need for better stormwater management practices… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Pleasant Bay towns join forces on watershed planning

HARWICH — One of the innovations hailed in the recent update of Cape Cod’s water quality management plan was a watershed approach to cleaning up the region’s coastal water bodies and ponds… Full article

Capecod.com(Ocean 104.7): Barnstable Clean Water Coalition to Hold Series of Summer Talks

BARNSTABLE – The Barnstable Clean Water Coalition is holding a series of weekly summer talks to emphasize the importance of the vital resource… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Fishermen, environmentalists continue battle over protected area off Cape Cod

Environmentalists often work with fishermen to reach a middle ground that benefits the environment and eases the regulatory burden on the industry… Full article

Capecod.com(Ocean 104.7): Cape Environment Organization Expresses Concern for Monument Review

DENNIS – The Association to Preserve Cape Cod is expressing concerns over the review of national monuments by the Department of the Interior, including the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine Monument… Full article

Capecod.com(Ocean 104.7): OneCape Summit Awards Presented to Gottlieb, Pleasant Bay Alliance

HYANNIS – A Mashpee selectman and a local environmental organization were presented awards last week during the OneCape Summit in Hyannis… Full article

Cape & Plymouth Business: PARKING GARDENS:Blending art and science to create a strong first impression

If you have ever visited Sandwich, Massachusetts, you have most likely heard of heritage Museums & Gardens. The 100-acre property located in historic Sandwich Village is a premier destination for both residents and visitors alike…. Full article

The Barnstable Patriot: Protecting and Restoring Cape Cod’s Natural Resources

Rain gardens are a fun and easy way to help the Cape Cod environment. Local residents will have an opportunity to help create such a garden at the Osterville Village Library on June 15… Full article

WCAI: Protecting and Restoring Cape Cod’s Natural Resources

New initiatives are happening to protect and restore the natural resources of our region. Andrew Gottlieb, the new executive director at the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, joins us on The Point to discuss plans. Mindy Todd hosts… Listen Now

Cape Cod Times: Gottlieb takes reins of Association to Preserve Cape Cod

DENNIS — Andrew Gottlieb, a Mashpee selectman and former head of the county’s water protection collaborative, has been hired as the new executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, the nonprofit environmental watchdog announced Sunday… Full article

Wickedlocal.com: Towns’ appeal fails in court

Four Cape towns do not have standing to challenge the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) approval of Eversource’s planned herbicides on Cape Cod… Full article

Cape Codder: APCC voices concern over Eversource spray plan

In a letter to the director of the Rights-of-Way Program for the Massachusetts State Pesticide Bureau, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod stated opposition to Eversource Energy’s plan to spray herbicides along its right-of-way in 10 Cape Cod towns as part of the utility company’s vegetation management program for 2017… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Cape officials push for Sea Grant program’s survival

Judith McDowell and Bob Rheault were both drawn to Washington this week for the same reason: They wanted to salvage a threatened federal program that plays a key role in Cape Cod’s marine-dependent industries…. Full article

Cape Cod Times: herbicide spraying set for Cape, Vineyard

Thirteen towns on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard are scheduled for herbicide spraying beneath electric transmission lines this year to control invasive and tall-growing plant species this year… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Truro pushes limits on house size

TRURO — As new houses in Truro stretch in size beyond neighbors to the north and south, the Planning Board will try to interest often-wary town meeting voters in setting limits, at least within the town’s Seashore District… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Cape environmental watchdog to step aside

DENNIS – Edward DeWitt, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, will retire next month after nearly six years in the post – but he won’t be ending his decades of involvement with the environmental advocacy group… Full article

Cape Cod Times: hundreds of Pilgrim opponents question NRC

PLYMOUTh – Paul Gunter traveled from Washington, D.C., Tuesday to hear how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would explain a detailed email characterizing Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station as poorly equipped and poorly run…. Full article

Dennis Enterprise: ‘Saving Gaia’: A collaboration of artists and environmentalists on Cape Cod

Artists and environmentalists on Cape Cod came together on Jan. 13 to promote and celebrate their common aspirations for preserving the Cape Cod they all cherish. A large, enthusiastic group of like-minded people joined them at “Saving Gaia: The Seven Thunders,” the closing reception for the two-month multimedia exhibit at the Miller White Fine Arts gallery in Dennis… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Art reception welcomes environmental leaders

The multimedia exhibit “Saving Gaia: the Seven Thunders” at Miller White Fine Arts will close with a free reception with area environmental leaders. The exhibit consists of local contemporary artists’ interpretations of a sci-fi film script by Rory Marcus in which a young couple saves the world from catastrophic climate change, along with Marcus’ four-minute film trailer created from the artists’ images… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Cape herring counts plummet

BREWSTER – With help from $1.67 million in federal grants, Brewster replaced a 2-foot-wide pipe with an 18-foot-wide culvert under Route 6A in 2011, restoring tidal flow to 20 acres of salt marsh and 3,000 feet of stream habitat, allowing more herring easier access to 400 acres of spawning habitat… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Activists urge Baker to demand Pilgrim shutdown

PLYMOUTh – Citizen activist groups from across the state are urging Gov. Charlie Baker to insist the Nuclear Regulatory Commission permanently shut down the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, based on observations contained in a mistakenly leaked in-house email, penned by the leader of a federal inspection team scouring the plant earlier this month…Full article

The Enterprise: Bog Work – Radar

Brian horsley (from left) of the Association to Protect Cape Cod, Beth Lambert of the state Division of Ecological Restoration and Maggie Payne of the Natural Resources Conservation Service use a ground penetrating radar to survey the middle and upper bogs on the Coonamessett River… Full article

Cape Cod Times: River restoration

At least two river restoration projects on Cape Cod demonstrate the value of repairing wetlands, which benefits the local economy, increases coastal resiliency from rising seas and storm surges, restores habitat for wildlife, fish and shellfish and filters pollution… Full article

Cape Cod Times: Who actually pays for the Kline house disaster?

One of the most common “human-factor” causes of accidents is when an operator proceeds against his or her better judgment. For instance, one may know the weather is too inclement for travel, but such factors as fear of job loss become the motivation to push on against our better judgment… Full article

Falmouth Enterprise: heritage Trail Planned For River Corridor

Although the main benefactors of the Coonamessett River restoration project will be native fish species and other wildlife, Falmouth hikers and local history buffs can look forward to a new 3.5-mile recreation trail, complete with wheelchair-accessible educational kiosks and a picnic amphitheater…Full article

Boston Globe: Cape Cod’s big drinking water problem: When you live on what’s essentially a sandbar, pollution, septic systems, and political roadblocks add up to one tough challenge.

ON AN OVERCAST JULY MORNING, Diane Carlson wades calf-deep into Cape Cod Bay to harvest her oysters, which grow 900 feet off the Brewster shore. She leans over a metal cage just revealed by the rapidly receding tide and flips open the lid. All chitchat ceases. “I have to count now,” she says. “I can’t talk when I’m counting…” Full article

Falmouth Enterprise:Falmouth Part Of Capewide Environmental Restoration Effort

Edward J. DeWitt, executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, shared his vision of a Cape Cod united in tackling environmental restoration with members of the Falmouth Water Stewards at an annual meeting last Thursday, July 21… Full article