Cape & Islands News

"Part-way Charlie" Girard: Failure may be his thing

Coast Guard air crews rescue fatigued rower at $80,000 cost

   This Dave Curran video includes and interview with the rescued rower.

Charlie Girard made it 130 miles east of Cape Cod this time

By Walter Brooks, video, photos by Dave Curran

It is said that rowing is a sport for dreamers. As long as you put in the work, you can own the dream. When the rowing stops, the dream disappears.

A not-so-intrepid looking rower appears a bit concerned as he gets out of the CG rescue helicopter this afternoon.

Here Charlie is pulled aboard the CG helicopter.

The rowing stopped for "Part-way Charlie" Girard this morning ten days after to rowed out of Town Cove in Orleans headed for his homeland.

At Air Station Cape Cod, you can imagine that the airmen who risk their lives almost daily for sailors in distress hope that the Frenchman  disappears along with his dream and his desire to row across the Atlantic.

This was the third time they had rescued the fellow.

On the right you can see a concerned Girard deplaning, and below that, our Coast Guardsmen rescuing him for the third, and hopefully, last time as he tricked us once again into thinking he's a serious athlete.

Send him the bill

As one of our commenters wrote in  our story about his departure a few days ago, "Well, Charlie gave up again!! I guess my prediction of brown pants happened sooner than the folks expected. It is a shame that the taxpayers continue to rescue extremely dumb and unqualified sailors from 15-20 knot winds and 5-7 foot seas.What did he anticipate??The tropical depression that scared him is falling apart and more than 350 miles away from him. CHARLIE IS A FRAUD!!!! Make him pay for the rescue."

The Coast Guard reported that Girard, 28, from France, called them around 8:25 a.m. today using a satellite phone and then activated his Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon to help the Coast Guard to find his position.

Coast Guard Air Station then Cape Cod launched a Falcon jet and a Jayhawk helicopter rescue crew to hoist Girard from his 21-foot row boat and return him to Cape Cod.

The rower was wearing a survival suit at the time of the rescue. He had departed Orleans on May 19, 2009 heading for France.

"If at first you don't succeed, failure may be your style."
                      - Quentin Crisp.

At the time of his rescue winds were about 23 miles per hour with seas around seven feet. Water and air temperature was 49 degrees Fahrenheit with visibility around one mile.

"Trying to pinpoint his location in the fog was challenging," said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Hopkins, the helicopter commander for the rescue. "Visibility was only about a quarter of a mile, we overflew him twice. Luckily he had an EPIRB which helped us hone in on his location."

Girard was rescued by the Coast Guard in 2007 about 50 miles east of Provincetown attempting the trans-Atlantic voyage.

This time he got 130 miles off the Cape before throwing in the oars.

Gov. Patrick hails Cape Wind permit approvals

First offshore wind farm in country gets green light from state
Governor Deval Patrick, Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles, issue unusually strong statement supporting immediate construction of Cape Wind

The state Energy Facilities Siting Board has finalized a Certificate of Environmental Impact and Public Interest granting all of the state and local permits necessary for the Cape Wind Associates wind energy project to proceed to construction.

Governor Deval Patrick today hailed a state board's approval of permits for the controversial Cape Wind project saying, "The time has come to see the first offshore wind farm in America rise off the Massachusetts coast, a powerful symbol of our commitment to a clean energy future."

"Massachusetts has done its job to give this project a long and thorough review on the merits, and the federal review process is winding to a close. The time has come to see the first offshore wind farm in America rise off the Massachusetts coast, a powerful symbol of our commitment to a clean energy future."
     - Governor Deval Patrick

The Siting Board voted 7-0 on Thursday, May 21, to grant the Certificate, with minor modifications. Undersecretary for Energy Ann Berwick, who serves as Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles's designee as chair of the Siting Board, signed the revised Certificate today. The Certificate, or composite permit, brings to completion more than seven years of environmental review and permitting for Cape Wind at the state and local level.

"Massachusetts has done its job to give this project a long and thorough review on the merits, and the federal review process is winding to a close," said Governor Deval Patrick. "The time has come to see the first offshore wind farm in America rise off the Massachusetts coast, a powerful symbol of our commitment to a clean energy future."

"With impacts and benefits analyzed, mitigation commitments in hand and permitting complete, this project is ready to move forward," said Secretary Bowles. "Soon, the Commonwealth will cement its position as the natural hub for the American offshore wind industry."

Cape Wind Associates filed an Initial Petition for a Certificate, or composite permit, from the Energy Facilities Siting Board on November 21, 2007, followed by an Application for a Certificate on December 28, 2007, after being denied a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) permit by the Cape Cod Commission for the transmission cables connecting the Cape Wind wind farm, which would be located in federal waters, with the electricity grid on the mainland.

"With impacts and benefits analyzed, mitigation commitments in hand and permitting complete, this project is ready to move forward. Soon, the Commonwealth will cement its position as the natural hub for the American offshore wind industry." - Secretary Bowles.

State law allows developers of energy facilities to petition the Siting Board for a comprehensive permit if the company is prevented or hindered by an adverse permitting decision or undue delay by a state or local agency. Cape Wind sought, and the Siting Board has granted, the equivalent of the DRI approval for the transmission cable, plus eight additional state and local permits required for construction of the cable.

Following a year-long process of discovery, trial-type hearings held in November 2008, and briefs submitted in December 2008 and January 2009, the Siting Board directed staff to prepare a Tentative Decision granting the Certificate, including all nine state and local permits.

The Siting Board further directed Cape Wind and the towns of Barnstable and Yarmouth to discuss conditions to be included in the composite permit. Local permits, such as wetlands Orders of Conditions and street openings, had not been issued previously because the Cape Cod Commission's denial prevented towns from granting permits.

"This proceeding has developed an unparalleled evidentiary record, and the Siting Board has made an authoritative ruling based upon that record."
    - Undersecretary Berwick

Following issuance of the Tentative Decision on May 11, 2009, Cape Wind and the Town of Barnstable agreed upon conditions for the road opening permit, and those conditions were incorporated into the Siting Board Certificate. The Siting Board also left in place a prior agreement between Cape Wind and the Town of Yarmouth that provides for local input into the construction of the cable.

In accordance with the standard of review established for such matters, the Siting Board found that:

• The transmission project is needed, in order to connect the wind farm, in federal waters, to the mainland power grid;
• Granting a composite permit is compatible with considerations of environmental protection, public health and safety;
• It is reasonable to exempt the project from the Cape Cod Commission jurisdiction; and
• Issuing such a Certificate would serve the public interest and convenience.

"This proceeding has developed an unparalleled evidentiary record, and the Siting Board has made an authoritative ruling based upon that record," said Undersecretary Berwick. "I thank the members and staff of the Siting Board for their thoughtful review of this renewable energy project and its implications for the Commonwealth."

Decisions of the Energy Facilities Siting Board are appealable directly to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

Coast Guard boat capsizes during training 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard

Coast Guard boat capsizes during training 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard

(Above a typical PSU boat)"Unfortunately, events like these remind us of the risks associated with Coast Guard training and operations," said Rear Adm. Tom Atkin, Commander of the U.S. Deployable Operations Group.

The Coast Guard reported that it pulled five of its own members from the water Wednesday after their 25-foot response boat submerged while training about 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard.

One member suffered an ankle injury and another showed symptoms of hypothermia.

All five members, assigned to Port Security Unit 301 in Cape Cod, Mass., were recovered by another PSU boat crew conducting training nearby.

The crew was transported to Coast Guard Station Menemsha where they were met at the pier by paramedics.

Coast Guard Cutter Jefferson Island, a 25-foot response boat from Station Menemsha, and a Coast Guard Auxiliary boat are currently on scene with the overturned vessel.

Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England is working on a plan to salvage the swamped vessel.

"Unfortunately, events like these remind us of the risks associated with Coast Guard training and operations," said Rear Adm. Tom Atkin, Commander of the U.S. Deployable Operations Group. "Our teams are trained to operate as safely and efficiently as possible, mitigating risk whenever possible. We will look into this case thoroughly for the benefit of those involved and for all those Guardians operating around the globe."

Sears Auto Center in Hyannis fined $2,445 for violating state environmental regs

Holding tank regulations violated by Mid Cape auto care company

   Map courtesy of MSN Live Search.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) assessed a $2,445 penalty against Sears Auto Center on Route 132 in Hyannis for violating holding tank regulations and state hazardous waste regulations.

Sears Auto Center performs basic auto repair and oil changes at its Cape Cod Mall facility.

In March 2008, in response to a complaint, MassDEP conducted an inspection of the auto center and identified violations of the hazardous waste regulations related to manifest documentation and the waste holding tank. Waste oil is stored in the holding tank until it can be shipped off-site for proper disposal. A waste shipping manifest is required to ensure that the oil is handled and disposed of properly.

All required documentation regarding waste manifests and disposal of waste was subsequently submitted to MassDEP in October 2008.

“Massachusetts state regulations are intended to protect the environment, public health, and the safety of workers,” said David Johnston, director of MassDEP’s Southeast Regional Office in Lakeville. “Adherence to state permit requirements is the responsibility of all businesses.”

A consent order signed with MassDEP requires Sears Roebuck and Company to complete an integrity assessment of the on-site holding tank and submit a compliance certificate to obtain final approval of the holding tank.

In April of this year, a Hyannis company was fined by the MassDEP for delayed notification following a HAZMAT spill.  

Release courtesy of the MassDEP.

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

Gov. Patrick gives town hall talk last night on Dennis Village Green

Vigorous questions from concerned Cape Codders

   A large crowd for a murky, cold night, greeted the Massachusetts Governor on the Village Green in Dennis last night for a contentious at times "Town Meeting."

Governor brought his one friend on Beacon Hill, Zoe his yellow Labrador

By Sam Pearsall, photos by Sam Pearsall and Walter Brooks

"Zoe, that man I think can be trusted," said Patrick to a man who offered his dog a biscuit.

Many brought their own seats.

The usual groups made their pitch.

Deval and Zoe even listened to other pols.

"Sheila" of Yarmouth told a touching personal story about mental illness.

Gov. Patrick began his Dennis "Town Meeting" bleakly last night by saying, "Tax revenues are off by $9 billion. Even if we laid off every single state employee we would still be deep in a hole," he said as his yellow Labrador, Zoe, proudly followed his every footstep below the gazebo.

The youngest to pose a question to Patrick was Margaret, 17: "Do you think the economy will start looking up and jobs will start coming around?" And despite the disheartening opening speech, Patrick told the girl to be hopeful and assured her that the economy is cyclical in nature, which is "why you shouldn't give up." He added, "Right now decisions we have to make are ones that will make us stronger when we come out the other end.

Though the economic recession was a key topic at last evening's Town Hall Meeting, there were plenty of other topics raised by locals in the community that also hit home to many. In fact, Patrick's opening speech was brief, only about 10 minutes long, and then went right into answering questions from the crowd of Cape Codders, eager to share their piece.

But before the floor opened up to questions, the governor laid down some ground rules.

Thanks for coming out and indulging in your citizenship... and I hope that we can just have a real conversation tonight," he said. "We can differ and disagree without being disagreeable so let's keep it respectful."

"Sue," self described as a mother and Cape teacher, asked Patrick if he supported the Drop-Out Prevention Bill, which would increase the age when students are allowed to drop out of high school. "I am sympathetic but I'm not sure you've really solved the problem by having a kid who is 17 or 18 and hates being in school and isn't stimulated by it by requiring them to stay in the seat and get a diploma. So I'm not sure if the question of age goes to the issue," he said.

"Charles" of Dennis proposed adding a sales tax to soda and bottled water after he heard the governor ask for suggestions from citizens in the Commonwealth of how and where to raise revenue. Patrick explained there is a discussion to remove the exemption of sales tax from soda, bottled water, as well as candy to generate additional revenue.

Patrick handles Cape Wind antis with usual aplomb

Glen Watley, of Save Our Sound and CEO of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound, requested a response from Patrick regarding the total expected economic impact of Cape Wind on Cape Cod. The governor, who has strongly and consistently supported the Cape Wind project, said it could only be a hypothetical figure until "the deal is done" and one knows the contract price between the generation company (Cape Wind) and the utility company.

"I think a lot of people aren't opposed to wind turbines, it's just the site of Cape Wind they disagree with," said another Cape Wind opponent, Luke of Yarmouth, who offered alternative project ideas. Blue H and Verdant Power would build similar wind farms, however, they would be more than 20 miles off shore where some expect there is more wind energy than Nantucket Sound offers.

"I've said all along there are thoughtful views on the other side of that question. The fact is Cape Wind is not a panacea and neither are those projects. We probably need them all or some combination of them and others-even on shore," said Patrick over a barrage of claps from the crowded lawn.

In the heat of such debate, "Danny" from Dennis stood up to offer something insightful-a small dog biscuit for governor's pup. "Zoe, that man I think can be trusted," Patrick laughed as Danny held out tasty offering.

Tax anything but candy

Changing the subject was "Earl" from South Dennis who wanted to jump into the highly debated healthcare conundrum. He, along with handfuls of others, advocated for the single payer system in Massachusetts, which he claimed was the only cost-effective way to reform healthcare. "It would be hard, Earl, to do this all by a state all on our own," Patrick said, "but we are certainly due nationally for a serious conversation about single payer and we can have that in the healthcare reform that the Obama Administration is looking at."

"Charles" of Dennis proposed adding a sales tax to soda and bottled water, and as Deval added that candy would also be taxed he blurted out that he doesn't think that's a good idea as the woman next to him pulled an open package of peanut M&M's from his pocket.

Receiving services, beyond basic healthcare, was another big debate last night as "Kathy," a mother of two autistic children, prodded for answers about how to get the resources she needs for her teenage children as they begin the transition to adulthood. "Sheila" of Yarmouth told a touching personal story about mental illness plaguing youth and adults that received applause from the audience. Patrick hoped to speak with her further about her proposed "healing center" on the Cape.

"Michelle" from Dennisport, ended the chilly chat on the Green on a high note: "I just want to commend you. I have watched you, Governor, swim against the tide... not just by Boston media, but by members of your own party who made this journey for you-in my opinion-very difficult." A loud applause roared from the lawn. "I beg you to continue your journey with us, regardless of what goes on on the Hill because darlin' you shine," she ended as claps continued and Patrick gave her a hug of gratitude.

Addressing Chatham and Cape Cod's imminent water woes

Is Chatham's water plan truly comprehensive?

Addressing the Cape's water needs on the grand and small scale

   Many landscaping companies work with conservation commissions and encourages the use of native plantings rather than harsh fertilizers that leak nitrogen into the Cape's water sources. Photo from the Talbot Ecological Land Care website.

By Lacy Clark

Chatham's recent decision to fund a $60 million wastewater treatment facility demonstrates a commitment to protecting the natural beauty of Cape Cod water.  This wastewater treatment facility would divert and clean out the nitrogen generated by individual septic systems in Chatham.  Nitrogen easily leaches from septic systems and stimulates the growth of algae in nearby bodies of water (including well-water).  This algae chokes out other plant life and eventually blocks the sun to other organisms.  As Len Short from the Orleans Pond Coalition (OPC) said, "Nitrogen creates dead zones on Cape Cod."  The nitrogen from septic systems, if not dealt with correctly, would have eventually overwhelmed the health and biodiversity of ponds, streams, and shoreline ecosystems.

Comprehensive vs. close to home

Information regarding the Comprehensive Wastewater/Nutrient Management Plan including public hearing notes and fiscal studies may be found on the Chatham town website here.  The May 2009 newsletter sent to all Chatham residents is available in PDF form here.

The amount of money involved with Chatham's wastewater treatment facility should indicate a comprehensive action to eliminate the threat to Cape Cod water.  Indeed, the title of the project is the Comprehensive Wastewater/Nutrient Management Plant.  Yet, this grand commitment to fighting the disastrous effects of nitrogen from septic systems neglects some of the other ways that nitrogen as well as other harmful chemicals are getting into our water.  So far, there has been no discussion about what can and should be done on a smaller scale in conjunction with such an ambitious and well-funded project.

Is Chatham leading the way for other Cape towns?

The costs of this project will be supplemented with federal stimulus grants but the general burden of this transition from individual septic systems to a community septic system will be shouldered by taxpayers.  All the experts agree that although it’s expensive, it is absolutely necessary for the health of Cape Cod residents and ecosystems.  Len Short, speaking for OPC again, is excited that Chatham may be setting the precedent for other towns on the Cape to make an economic investment into securing clean water.  

Green lawns vs. the "Cape Cod lawn"

"We know that between ten and possibly as much as twenty percent of the nitrogen making its way into our saltwater estuaries comes from lawn fertilizer." - Ponderings

A drive through Chatham reveals unbelievably green lawns pressed right up against precious Cape Cod coastline.  The Orleans Pond Coalition notes in its most recent seasonal newsletter Ponderings that "We know that between ten and possibly as much as twenty percent of the nitrogen making its way into our saltwater estuaries comes from lawn fertilizer." They go on to note that there is such a thing as a distinctly "Cape Cod lawn" (their italics) which is "reasonably green in the spring and early summer and brown in August."  Cape Codders know what a Cape Cod lawn really is but summer residents of Chatham may expect superficially perfect lawns.    

Organics and alternatives

There are great alternatives to an over fertilized lawn.  Not using fertilizer is best, but there are organic fertilizers and slow-release fertilizers available.  Another solution is to plant more native plants in your yard.  A few landscaping companies on the Cape have started opting for more environmentally friendly landscaping techniques.  Two examples of such companies are Littlefield Landscaping in Eastham and Talbot Ecological Land Care in Mashpee.

Protecting the Cape's greatest assets

By allowing the overuse of fertilizers we are only undermining what makes Cape Cod truly special and attractive to our summer guests in the first place.  The beauty of our aqueous systems and the unique creatures that live there are Cape Cods most valuable assets.  We can't expect every landscaping company to come around to environmentally sound practices on their own; there is a lot of pressure on landscaping companies to produce the rolling green lawns that we see now.  If this issue is to be addressed it would require a democratic approach.  After all, the people who live here year-round are the people who attend town meetings, set the agenda, and vote.  More importantly though, the people who live here year-round are the people who will be left with damaged water ecosystems.

The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program is a great online resource.  Their website offers some helpful tips about environmentally sound lawn care.  For more information, visit the Friends of Pleasant Bay or Pleasant Bay Resource Management Alliance. 

Anti-wind farm group to protest at Governor's Dennis Town Meeting tonight, CPN to support him

Association sends email blast to embarrass Patrick
Homeless advocate, CPN also urge attendance tonight at 6:30

Governor Deval Patrick will be at a public "Town Meeting" tonight at the Village Green in Dennis on Route 6A at 6:30 p.m.

The bucolic Dennis Village Green on Route 6A across from the Cape Playhouse won't look like this around 6:30 tonight when at least three feisty special interest groups plan to put the governor on the hot seat.

The purpose of the meeting is for the public and ask questions, and if the anti-wind farm supporters have their way tonight, many questions are likely to come from members of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound.

The supporters of better treatment and more funding for the homeless will be there  too.

Alan Burt, a local advocate for the homeless sent out a press statement today calling for a "huge turnout" to ask about a proposed million-dollar budget cut for the Department of Mental Health's Cape and Islands office.

The Alliance wants people to question Deval Patrick on Cape Wind's cost to ratepayers and ask about possible alternatives to building the 130-turbine wind farm in the Nantucket Sound where many of their financial supporters have waterfront homes.

The local 12,000 member Clean Power Now group also emailed members urging they attend to support Patrick in his quest to turn Massachusetts into the nation's leader in renewable energy technology.

Ted views Figawi from a sinkpot; Memorial Day homage

Senator Kennedy views Figawi Sail Race from powerboat
As the rest of Cape Cod honors the fallen of our wars

Lest we forget

Senator Edward Kennedy spent the afternoon on a powerboat with his son Ted Jr., Vicki and Ted Kennedy III and a daughter-in law watching the finish of the Figawi sailing race from Nantucket to Hyannisport. The Senator was on the powerboat for approximately 3 hours on a beautiful Memorial Day weekend on Cape Cod. Top photo by David G. Curran.

Meanwhile every Cape town held a ceremony to pay homage to our veterans and the fallen from all America's wars. The ceremony in Harwich's Brooks Park was one of the largest with a band concert and flag ceremonies by the various scout troops. Photo above and on right by Pat Brooks.

For the fallen

God of our fathers, known of old--
Lord of our far-flung battle line--
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine--
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget--lest we forget!

The tumult and the shouting dies--
The Captains and the Kings depart--
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget--lest we forget!

Far-called our navies melt away--
On dune and headland sinks the fire--
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget--lest we forget!

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe--
Such boastings as the Gentiles use,
Or lesser breeds without the Law--
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget--lest we forget!

For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard--
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding calls not Thee to guard.
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord!

Scofflaws stealing Railtrail iron couplings

Dismantling is where a bike path extension is planned

Special to cc2day by Jon Mayo

Scofflaws have apparently been dismantling the old railroad tracks just west of the Dennis Town Hall and upland from the Indian Lands Conservation Area.

They have concentrated on taking the parts that hold the rails down, which has resulted in a crooked and dangerous array of dislodged tracks. Most troublesome is the fact that old wiring is also dislodged and sticks up in fashion that could easily injure passing pedestrians.

Work ceases within sight of the Town Hall, indicating that the collectors were attempting to avoid detection. Long-term plans slated for the Rail Trail may potentially convert these tracks to a Rail Trail extension, but there is no indication that the dismantling is part of those plans.

What to do

If anyone has seen these unscrupulous folks, (surely they made much noise), it may be appropriate to report to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) at (617) 626-1250, or email here, or Dennis Police at (508) 394-1313, or email here.

Local transfer stations report a big drop in drop-offs

Increased recycling, decreased consumer activity means less refuse on the Cape

   The Treasure Chest at the Harwich Transfer Station is always a big draw.

By Bethany Gibbons

Some hawk-eyed observers of economic trends look to the production of cardboard boxes as an indicator of consumer spending, but a truer barometer of a region’s fiscal health may be found much further down the line. The volume of garbage delivered to transfer stations and landfills around the country is down, and Cape Cod’s transfer stations are not immune to the trend. A sampling of local stations revealed a drop in overall volume of up to 30 percent, with construction debris earning the dubious distinction of most precipitous decline, while residential trash weight also went on a crash diet.

Less consuming, less waste

Bourne operates the Cape’s only open landfill, with both residential trash and construction debris accepted from towns across the region, and they are seeing less waste of all kinds. “We are certainly seeing a decline,” said operations manager Dan Barrett. “We’re down by about 25 to 30 percent.” Barrett pointed to the economic slow-down as the cause of the decline. “People aren’t going out to eat as much,” he said. “There’s less waste from restaurants. People just aren’t consuming as much.”

You never know what you can pick up at the Treasure Trove in Harwich.

The landfill’s steep decline in trash tonnage is mostly caused by the Cape’s slumping construction industry, although residential garbage disposal has also slowed. “New home construction is down; remodeling is down,” said Barrett. The result is less construction refuse for the landfill to process.

Recycling at Bourne is flat, according to Barrett, so that component of the operation is not responsible for the drop in residential trash volume. He described the town’s swap shop as an integral part of the facility and activity there has picked up.

Construction & residential numbers down on the Mid Cape

In Yarmouth, transfer station superintendent Robert Angell reports a decline of 18 to 20 percent across the board. “We’ve seen a bigger drop in the construction and demolition numbers, but residential trash is still down 10 or 11 percent,” he said. Yarmouth and Barnstable share a commercial disposal facility separate from the residential disposal site with the refuse carted by rail car from the facility to SEMASS.

Although steady in some areas, others report an increased interest in consumer recycling over the years.

“People are purchasing less,” explained Angell. “There’s less packaging and less residue from non-use. The economy leads to that. There’s not as much restaurant waste, not as many wine bottles. People are recycling more, but they’re also consuming less.”

Most recycling items steady, newspaper down

Angell reported little change in recycling volume, but said that there have been less newspapers in the recycling bin. The swap shop in Yarmouth is seeing a surge in customers. “We’re doing brisk business there,” Angell said. “As soon as it’s open, the parking lot is full. We just opened for the season, and are only open three days a week, but it’s full the whole time.”

Lower Cape dip not as severe

At the smaller transfer stations on the Lower Cape, reduction in trash volume is not quite as severe. Harwich DPW director Lincoln Hooper described a drop in overall volume of three percent. “Commercial disposal is down by five percent, but residential trash is up by two percent, for a combined decrease of three percent,” he said. “Last fall was the first time in at least 10 years that I saw an overall decrease,” he added.

Humans are the only ones with a keener interest in the goings on at the Harwich swap shop.

The town’s residential trash tonnage reached an all-time-high of 8,625 tons in 1999, but 2007 saw residential tonnage drop to 7,300. Hooper blamed the drop on increased recycling, citing an increased recycling rate over that time span. “People are more environmentally responsible,” he said. Hooper described the Harwich transfer station as the “premier recycling facility,” and said they recycle anything there is a market for. “We had the first hazardous materials disposal in the area, which I started in 1997,” he said. “We also had the first paint shed, and the first automotive recycling shed – I don’t mind being the first penguin off the ice flow.”

Treasure Chest a big hit even with inventory down

The Harwich swap shop, open to even those without a sticker and known as the ‘Treasure Chest,’ is dear to Hooper. “I personally support that operation,” he said. “Business is booming at the Treasure Chest but the inventory is down, and not because people aren’t bringing stuff in. It’s just that the need now is that much more dramatic.”

The Eastham swap shop is also very popular, according to DPW director Neil Andres. Volunteers staff the unheated shop year-round. “The volunteers get all the good stuff,” said Andres, “But I tell people if they want to volunteer, they can get the first pick, too.”

Andres reported seeing a drop in the volume of trash, but also explained that recycling has expanded.  “It now includes plastics one through seven and not just one and two,” he said. “And the economy is mixed in. We’ve seen drops over the past four years.”