HomeMy WebLinkAboutDMF Letter NOI Town of Barnstable (Long Pond Fishway) to Barnstable ConComThe Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Division of Marine Fisheries
(617) 626-1520 | mass.gov/MarineFisheries
Maura T. Healey
Governor
Kimberly Driscoll
Lt. Governor
Rebecca L. Tepper
Secretary
Thomas K. O’Shea
Commissioner
Daniel J. McKiernan
Director
October 23, 2026
Barnstable Conservation Commission
367 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Dear Commissioners:
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) has reviewed the Notice of Intent
(NOI) application by the Town of Barnstable to install a reinforced concrete weir through the
Centerville River to Long Pond in the Town of Barnstable. The project aims to improve fish
passage to Long Pond. The project was reviewed with respect to potential impacts to marine
fisheries resources and habitat.
Long Pond has been identified by MA DMF as diadromous fish passage, migration, and/or
spawning habitat for alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), blueback herring (Alosa
aestivalis), American eel (Anguilla rostrata), and white perch (Morone americana) [1].
MA DMF offers the following comments for your consideration:
• The proposed restoration project will require a MA DMF Fishway Construction Permit.
The proponent should coordinate with Brad Chase (brad.chase@mass.gov) and Michael
Burgess (Michael.Burgess@mass.gov) about the requirement and fishway design.
• MA DMF recommends a spring time-of-year (TOY) restriction on in-water construction
activities from March 15 to June 30 to protect sensitive life stages of eels and river
herring [2]. No in-water work should take place during this time.
• MA DMF recommends a fall time-of-year (TOY) restriction on in-water construction
activities from September 1 to November 15 to protect sensitive life stages of river
herring [2].
• Fuel spills from refueling of construction equipment will adversely impact sensitive
resource areas. Impacts to resource areas can be avoided by prohibiting all land-based
equipment from being refueled on-site. If equipment is refueled on-site, adequate
containment and clean up material should be required to minimize impacts.
Questions regarding this review may be directed to Amanda Davis at amanda.davis@mass.gov.
Sincerely,
2
Amanda Davis
Environmental Analyst
MA Division of Marine Fisheries
cc:
Nicole Perlot, Epsilon Associates, Inc.
John Logan, Alicia Hecht, Mike Burgess, Brad Chase, MA DMF
Patrice Bordonaro, CZM
AD/ah
References:
1. MA DMF. MassGIS Data: Diadromous Fish. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massgis-
data-diadromous-fish. Accessed February 8, 2023. 2023.
2. Evans, N.T., K.H. Ford, B.C. Chase, and J. Sheppard. 2011. Recommended Time of Year
Restrictions (TOYs) for Coastal Alteration Projects to Protect Marine Fisheries Resources in
Massachusetts. Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Technical Report, TR-47.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/time-of-year-recommendations-tr-47/download