Barnstable County Secures $2.8M Grant to Lead U.S. Sanitation Innovation
More than 200 volunteers support river herring migration monitoring across Barnstable County
BARNSTABLE, MA (July 9, 2025) – Today the Barnstable County Commissioners approved a major Gates Foundation grant to the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) to establish a U.S.-based certification program for reinvented toilets. They also received updates on the region’s extensive volunteer-led river herring monitoring program, on the status of the AmeriCorps Cape Cod Program, and they acknowledged a new partnership to expand child advocacy services on Nantucket.
MASSTC to Establish U.S.-Based Certification Testing for Reinvented Toilets
The Barnstable County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a $2.8 million grant agreement with the Gates Foundation to support the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC)—a division of the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment—to establish the first U.S.-based ISO 30500 certification platform for non-sewered sanitation systems, commonly known as “reinvented toilets.”
Brian Baumgaertel, Director of MASSTC, and Sara Wigginton, Deputy Director of the Wastewater Division and MASSTC Program Manager, joined the Commissioners to present the proposal and answer questions.
These advanced self-contained systems are designed for areas without centralized sewer infrastructure and are vital for improving public health and environmental conditions in underserved communities worldwide. The initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #6: access to clean water and sanitation for all.
As part of the project MASSTC will hire and train three new staff members. A certification testing coordinator, a system operator, and a temporary lab assistant will conduct performance testing, manage operations, and ensure compliance with international standards.
“This puts us on the global map,” said Vice Chair Mark Forest. “MASSTC is no longer just a Cape Cod leader—it’s now part of an international effort to solve one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges.”
Testing is expected to begin in early 2026. With continued support from the Gates Foundation and collaboration with the National Sanitation Foundation, the goal is to bring reinvented toilet systems to market by 2027. The program is designed to be financially self-sustaining beyond the grant period through vendor testing fees.
MASSTC was selected following a site visit by the Gates Foundation’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene team, who praised the center’s technical expertise, proven track record in wastewater technology testing, and expanding laboratory capabilities. The project will also involve working with consultants to achieve laboratory accreditation and to develop a secure, purpose-built testing facility.
In addition to global applications, this technology could benefit Cape Cod directly by offering alternatives to traditional septic systems and by expanding housing possibilities on smaller lots and in environmentally-sensitive areas.
Community Volunteers Power 2025 River Herring Monitoring Program
Today Abigail Archer of Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and Michael Palmer of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) shared that over 200 trained volunteers contributed 1,800 hours this spring, completing more than 3,500 observations across 20 river herring runs in 11 Cape towns. Their efforts continue to drive one of the most effective and collaborative citizen science programs in the region and demonstrate the value of sustained community involvement.
New tools, including a public-facing data dashboard and real-time tracking system are helping herring run coordinators adjust in-season volunteer coverage which helps to generate more accurate estimates of river herring population sizes. The data collected by volunteers is then submitted to the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries to calculate the population estimates for each river herring run. Data from two Cape Cod runs (in Brewster and Wellfleet) were used in the most recent stock assessment performed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission which showed that herring populations are remaining stable in those two runs. Still, many runs—especially high-priority sites like the Mashpee River—remain under-sampled. The program needs more volunteers to meet its coverage goals and ensure reliable data across all time shifts.
“The best way to help is to volunteer—or spread the word that we need more people to show up, count fish, and care,” Palmer said.
Residents can learn more and sign up at APCC’s website ahead of the 2026 season. Association to Preserve Cape Cod | Preserving Nature for 50 Years
Children’s Cove and A Safe Place Expand Services on Nantucket
Stacy Gallagher, Director of Barnstable County’s Children’s Cove, and Jennifer Frazee, Executive Director of A Safe Place Nantucket, presented a new interagency agreement allowing forensic interviews and coordinated support services to be provided directly on Nantucket for the first time. This partnership eliminates the travel burden for families seeking trauma-informed care and was made possible through A Safe Place’s new facility, which includes purpose-built spaces for Children’s Cove’s services.
More details at: Children’s Cove and A Safe Place Nantucket Enhance Partnership to Bring Critical Child Abuse Services Directly to Nantucket – Barnstable County
AmeriCorps Cape Cod Navigates Funding Changes, Continues Recruitment
AmeriCorps Cape Cod Program Director Misty Niemeyer and Cooperative Extension Director Michael Maguire updated the Commissioners on the program’s status amid recent federal funding changes. While the program was not awarded a 3-year competitive grant, it is still under consideration for a 1-year formula grant for the coming program year.
Following a court-ordered injunction, federal funding for current grant year was reinstated. The 2025–2026 service year will begin September 1, with members starting service on September 15. Recruitment is active, with 95 applications received. Barnstable County has committed over $570,000 to support the program in FY26 and is exploring diversified funding to ensure its long-term sustainability. Commissioners reaffirmed the County’s strong support for the AmeriCorps Cape Cod program and their appreciation for the program’s contributions to environmental stewardship and disaster preparedness across the region.
Barnstable County Receives National Procurement Award; Deborah Childs Promoted to Deputy Director of Finance
Barnstable County has received the 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® (AEP) Award from the National Procurement Institute—the first time the County has earned this honor, and only the second time any public agency in Massachusetts has received it. The award recognizes innovation, efficiency, and transparency in public purchasing. Chief Procurement Officer Jennifer Frates was commended for her leadership. An announcement to provide further detail and to highlight her work is forthcoming.
County Administrator Michael Dutton also announced the promotion of Deborah Childs to Deputy Director of Finance. Childs, who continues to serve as County Accountant, has been instrumental in strengthening fiscal operations and will support strategic budgeting and financial transparency in her expanded role.
“This is a significant milestone for Barnstable County,” said Dutton. “Deborah’s work has been key to building capacity in our finance area. Jennifer’s achievement reflects the professionalism and dedication of our team—and places the County among the most forward-thinking public agencies in the nation.”
About Barnstable County Regional Government of Cape Cod: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offers a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
