HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Comment Letter 280 North Bay Rd, Daley 1
TO: Conservation Commission
FROM: Natural Resources, Town of Barnstable
DATE: July 14, 2023
RE: APPLICATION: Repair or replace timber bulkhead
APPLICANT: Charles M. & Janet M. Daley
LOCATION: 280 North Bay Road
Osterville, MA 02655
REPRESENTATIVE: Sullivan Engineering & Consulting, Inc.
711 Main Street, P O Box 659
Osterville, MA 02655
The proposed bulkhead repair/replacement is located within Division of Marine Fisheries
designated shellfish growing area DMF/SC21; approved status. The area has been rated a
10/10 (no votes for not familiar with the area and no votes for not significant) by the
Natural Resources 2011 habitat assessment group. The area is also directly adjacent to a
shellfish aquaculture grant. Since the work will be done using a barge and landing on
shore, Natural Resources is concerned about the impact this will have on the shellfishery.
On July 13, 2023, I conducted an assessment of the area in front of the existing bulkhead.
The sediment is incredibly conducive to the settlement and recruitment of both softshell
clams (Mya arenaria) and quahogs (Mercenaria mercenaria). There is a wild set of seed
softshell clams currently at this location and several very healthy adult quahogs were
found. During my assessment, a commercial harvester approached me to make sure I saw
the softshell clam set and to let me know he regularly harvests the area for both softshell
clams and quahogs.
Additionally, since the area is very close to the Cotuit Oyster Company’s grant line, Chris
Gargiulo was notified by Natural Resources of the proposed project. He also noted a set
of wild softshell clams and quahogs and stated the area is “fished heavily” by commercial
diggers. He does believe that there is a way to land close by at the right time of year, but
would like ample notice before the start of the project so he can plan planting activities
on his grant. Natural Resources would like Mr. Gargiulo to be included in pre-
construction meetings since this project may have impacts on his grant.
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 508-790-6272
Harbormaster 508-790-6273 Sandy Neck 508-790-6272
Marinas 508-790-6273 Sandy Neck Gatehouse 508 -362-8300
Moorings 508-790-6273
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Natural Resources also requests that the site selection of the landing of the barge and any
storage of materials be selected as to minimize impacts on the shellfishery. Any shellfish
that will be impacted by the landing of the barge and driving along the shore should be
removed and relocated at the expense of the property owner. We are also requesting the
landing area for the barge be staked so the access point remains in the same area
throughout the duration of the project and the work limits staked to minimize impacts
intertidally.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth A. Lewis, Shellfish Biologist