HomeMy WebLinkAboutNHESP Barnstable_23-2190
June 15, 2023
Barnstable Conservation Commission
200 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Babcock Holdings, LLC
11 Marchant Avenue
Hyannisport MA 02647
RE: Applicant: Babcock Holdings, LLC
Project Location: 11 & 27 Marchant Avenue, Barnstable
Project Description: Installation of a Revetment Connection, Stairs & Platform
DEP Wetlands File No.: 003-6097
NHESP Tracking No.: 23-2190
Heritage Hub Form ID: RC-56217
Dear Commissioners & Applicant:
The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries &
Wildlife (the “Division”) received a Notice of Intent in compliance with the rare wildlife species section
of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (310 CMR 10.37). The Division also received
the MESA Review Checklist and supporting documentation for review pursuant to the MA Endangered
Species Act Regulations (321 CMR 10.18).
The Division has determined that this Project, as currently proposed, will occur within the actual habitat
of the following species:
Scientific Name Common Name Taxonomic Group MESA Status
Charadrius melodus Piping Plover Vertebrate Animal Threatened
State-listed species and their habitats are protected in accordance with the MESA and rare wetland
wildlife habitat is protected pursuant to rare species provisions of the WPA. The Piping Plover is federally
protected as Threatened pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA, 50 CFR 17.11).
MA WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT (WPA) & MA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (MESA)
This letter is to inform you that the Division has reviewed the materials submitted with your combined
application under the WPA (310 CMR 10.37) and MESA (321 CMR 10.18) regulations and has determined
that additional information is required in order for the Division to complete its review pursuant thereto,
as specified below:
1. Alternatives Analysis: The Applicant must submit an evaluation of alternative methods for
stabilization of the coastal bank that includes approaches other than coastal engineering
NHESP No. 23-2190, Page 2
structures for protection. After an evaluation of alternative methods of stabilization and if other
methods of stabilization are not feasible, then the design of a coastal engineering structure should
be evaluated for minimization, including but not limited to lower height or width, shorter length,
modified location, landward shift, etc. The design of any coastal engineering structure should
avoid and minimize temporary and permanent impacts to the existing coastal resources (e.g.,
Coastal Bank, Coastal Dune, Coastal Beach, etc.).
2. Sediment Nourishment/Replenishment Plan: A nourishment or replenishment plan should be
developed utilizing the most current available information (e.g. CZM transect information, LIDAR,
survey or study data, etc.) to determine the annual amount of sand that would no longer be
eroded from the Coastal Bank if a revetment is installed at the site. In addition to this calculation,
the plan should include methods to monitor beach elevation, erosion, and establish trigger points
for additional nourishment events and/or specify an appropriate frequency for renourishment.
After receiving the above information, the Division will continue its review of the proposed project for
compliance with the MESA and the rare species provisions of the WPA. The Division reserves the right to
request additional information to understand the potential impacts of the proposed project on state-
listed species and their habitats.
No work or other activities related to your filing may be conducted anywhere on the project site until
the Division completes its review.
If you have any questions about this letter, please contact Amy Hoenig, Endangered Species Review
Biologist, at Amy.Hoenig@mass.gov.
Sincerely,
Everose Schlüter, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
cc: Cape Beach House LLC
MA DEP Southeast Region, Wetlands
John O’Dea, Sullivan Engineering & Consulting, Inc.