The Alternative

The Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) is a program of the

Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment

Barnstable County Commissioners Request State Support for Clean Water Trust

Last week, the Barnstable County Commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter to Governor Healey and the Massachusetts General Court urging significant funding for Cape Cod in the upcoming Environmental Bond Bill. As the region’s need for wastewater and environmental infrastructure continues to grow, Commissioners called for a $500 million allocation to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust.

Commissioners Urge State Leaders to Prioritize Cape Projects in Environmental Bond Bill 

The region’s need for environmental and wastewater infrastructure funding has steadily increased, and the Commissioners are calling for a proposed $500 million allocation to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. This investment would ensure that Cape towns can continue accessing low-interest loans—critical for unlocking 25% loan forgiveness through the Cape & Islands Water Protection Fund. Without new state investment beginning in 2026, this support could be at risk.

WANTED: Podcast Intern Interested in Local Water Issues

Are you passionate about podcasts and looking to hone your editing skills? Do you want to contribute to quality storytelling and water improvement efforts on Cape Cod?

We’re looking for a motivated and detail-oriented intern to join our creative team and help transform our One Drop Leads to Another podcast interviews into polished, engaging episodes.

24th Annual Cape Cod Canal Clean Up

AmeriCorps Cape Cod and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are proud to host the 24th Annual Cape Cod Canal Clean Up on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The event, held in honor of Earth Day, invites community members to preserve and beautify the region’s most distinct landmark. 

The event is free and open to the public. Volunteers of any kind, including families, clubs, and businesses, are encouraged to register. Participants will also enjoy a complimentary lunch, family-friendly activities, and more after the cleanup. Collected trash will be weighed to determine how much litter was diverted from the waterway.

We'll be there post-clean up alongside other local organizations to answer any questions you have. We'll also be launching our newest addition, the Wheel of Wastewater. You'll have to come see it! Answer a question, get a prize!

Wastewater Updates!

(The Cape Cod Chronicle) Select board Won't Back Wastewater Town Meeting Petition: "Bridges said the ponds coalition is in full support of both projects, but the lack of focus on wastewater, specifically the impact of wastewater from septic systems on water quality, is concerning. She believes adding a comprehensive wastewater management plan (CWMP) would address that issue and provide more structure around wastewater practices."

(Ed Markey Website) Sen. Markey, Rep. Schakowsky Introduce Legislation to Protect Clean Water and Wastewater Utilities “'Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) today introduced the Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act, legislation that would provide funding for clean water and wastewater utilities to become members of the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC)."

(Cape Cod.com ) Barnstable Commissioners Asking Governor For Funding Help On Water Projects: "The commissioners are seeking a $500 million allocation to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, which they say would ensure that Cape towns can continue to access low-interest loans. They say the region’s need for environmental and wastewater infrastructure funding has steadily increased."

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