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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLiz Lewis 150 Carriage Road McParland Comment Letter 1 TO: Conservation Commission FROM: Natural Resources, Town of Barnstable DATE: February 13, 2023 Re: McParland, 150 Carriage Rd Dear Commissioners, I was made aware of an email from Arlene Wilson concerning some differing opinions on my shellfish survey for the McParland proposal to install a pier at 150 Carriage Road. I would like to formally address some of these concerns as well as clarify some important topics for future considerations on seasonal and permanent pier structures. When I refer to permanent habitat loss, I am speaking to the actual square footage that the pilings take up in the sediment and not the other effects that a pier has on the environment. I am always clear to refer to these separately. There is no denying that pilings take up physical space in an environment where shellfish cannot settle. Somehow, despite countless amounts of literature, we are still debating if piers have a negative effect on habitat. “Docks and piers when placed in land containing shellfish or shellfish habitat have an adverse impact on the resource area value…” (Chapter 703: Private Docks and Piers, Town of Barnstable). There is healthy population of shellfish located on site and the habitat is suitable for both settlement and recruitment of quahogs as stated in my shellfish survey. It is a fact that pilings “change water flow patterns” around them and as a result it alters shellfish habitat (Coastal Georgia Research Council, 2005). I am still concerned about the stairs in this project causing more changes in water flow and sedimentation. The pilings themselves are also known to slow water flow causing settlement of materials creating a deposition area which in turn changes the chemistry of the bottom after accumulation occurs. “Properties within 100 ft. to 150ft. of a 50ft. pier could be subjected to wrack algae accumulation, sand deposition and shellfish population changes” (Kelty and Bliven, 2003). With a seasonal pier, these pilings are much smaller thus impeding less flow and it is gone half the year allowing the area to have a break and recover. As much as pumping in and out the pilings causes areas of disturbance and turbidity twice a year and localized liquidation of sediments, some of these habitats are able to recover which is why it is critical if a pier is permitted here, only a seasonal one should be considered. With the removal of a seasonal pier, it allows commercial shellfishers important access to the resource available here. Do keep in mind however, Natural Resources in no way supports Town of Barnstable Marine and Environmental Affairs Department 1189 Phinney’s Lane, Centerville, MA 02632 Derek Lawson, Director 508-790-6273 / Fax 508-790-6275 www.townofbarnstable.us Animal Control 508-790-6274 Natural Resources 5 08-790-6272 Harbormaster 508-790-6273 Sandy Neck 508-790-6272 Marinas 508-790-6273 Sandy Neck Gatehouse 508-362-8300 Moorings 508-790-6273 2 a seasonal or permanent pier at this site when there are alternatives available so the homeowners and guests can get their kayaks to the water. Ms. Wilson states that the salt marsh is expanding. Where is the evidence to support this? Is this anecdotal? The salt marsh dies back and grows again year after year, but are there aerial photographs of the marsh actually expanding? It may just be the seasonal changes here and not actual expansion, but if this is the case, that is great news! Then one needs to consider that it is expanding despite the homeowners walking on it bringing kayaks to the ocean from the lawn and over the marsh. This indicates that this happens somewhat infrequently as the marsh is not being significantly impacted by foot traffic. If this is the case, it would be unreasonable to install a pier to protect the marsh at the expense of the shellfish habitat. This is unnecessary destruction of habitat. There is not enough water to have a boat on the pier and to simply go over a salt marsh to put kayaks in, we can definitely find alternatives to what is proposed. Sources: Georgia Coastal Research Council. (2005). Environmental Effects of Docks and Marinas Prepared for Stakeholder workgroup Merryl Alber and Janice Flory June 2005. Kelty, Ruth & Bliven, Steve. (2003). Environmental and aesthetic impacts of small docks and piers, workshop report: Developing a science-based decision support tool for small dock management, phase 1: Status of the science.