Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $830,000 to Help Cape Cod Towns Address Nitrogen Pollution

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $830,000 in grants have been awarded to nine Cape Cod municipalities to support projects that reduce nitrogen pollution and help the towns meet septic system (Title 5) and water protection regulations. 

“We are committed to protecting and preserving our natural resources — and the waterbodies on Cape Cod are some of Massachusetts’ finest,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Cape residents deserve clean and healthy water, and these grants are essential to addressing nitrogen pollution once and for all.” 

The Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Areas (NRNSA) Grant Program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), helps communities develop plans to comprehensively address wastewater and other sources of nitrogen pollution. Excess nitrogen has been an ongoing problem in Cape Cod, where it has fueled the growth of nuisance plants, weeds, and algae that use up much of the oxygen in the water — harming water quality and forcing out indigenous fish and plant species. 

“When people are on the Cape, they want to experience the fresh salt air and enjoy time on the water.” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “This funding is a critical step in reversing decades of nitrogen pollution and protecting what makes the Cape so special.” 

State regulations allow Cape communities to choose a watershed-wide solution to mitigate nitrogen pollution by applying for a Watershed Permit. Alternatively, a Town may choose to address wastewater solutions, via Title 5, by using improved septic technologies for new construction in areas heavily impacted by nitrogen. MassDEP is supporting the work of towns that choose the comprehensive Watershed Permit solution by providing both technical and financial assistance.

The nine Cape Cod towns receiving NRNSA grants are:

• Barnstable — $137,719
• Brewster — $ 58,680
• Bourne — $ 100,000
• Dennis — $150,000
• Falmouth — $7,182
• Mashpee — $130,000
• Truro — $59,199
• Wellfleet — $37,220
• Yarmouth — $150,000

Please visit MassDEP’s NRNSA Grant Program webpage for more information. 

Statement of Support:

State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro):

"Nitrogen pollution remains one of the most urgent environmental and public health challenges facing Cape Cod, threatening our estuaries, shellfisheries, and the long-term vitality of our tourism-based economy. These grants will directly benefit towns in my district — Barnstable, Brewster, Dennis, Truro, Wellfleet, and Yarmouth — as they work to meet updated Title 5 requirements and advance smart solutions tailored to local conditions. I'm grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and MassDEP for investing in practical, science-driven tools that help Cape communities protect water quality, comply with state standards, and safeguard the natural resources that define this special region."

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