HomeMy WebLinkAboutWRS Engineering shellfish report revised 10-28-24WRS Engine ering
LLC 467 Ocean
Street Hyannis, MA
02601
508-776-0956 royokurowski@gmail.com
September 12, 2024, Revised 10-28-24
By Hand
Delivery Barnstable Conservation Commission
C/O Edwin Hoopes
200 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
Re: Jason Stone Trust Notice of Intent
application Shellfish Survey Results
Proposed dredging boat lift and float area 183 Bay shore
Hyannis, MA
02601 Map
325 Parcel 180
Dear Commissioners,
In accordance with Chapter 703 “Private Docks and Piers” section 703-3(6-7) Filing protocols,
please refer to the following for the Shellfish survey res ults . The regulations require the follo wing:
(6) A shellfish surv ey , including an analysis of shellfish habitat suitability, and substrate sediment
analysis. The minimum area surv eyed shall include a 50-foot radius from the proposed project.
The ac tual samples shall represent no les s than 0.5% of this area.
(7) The shellfish survey report shall include as a minimum:
(a) The resume of the person(s) conducting the s urvey, including their qualifications for
conducting such a survey;
(b) The date, time of day and tidal conditions at the time of th e survey;
(c) A narrative explaining the methodology and equipment utilized, location and
number of trans ects/quadrants utilized, results obtained, observations and
conclusions.
Shellfish Report and Survey Methodology
On September 5, 2024, John Lowell conducted a shellfish s urvey at the subject site. The survey
methodology was consistent with standard practices throughout Barnstable and Cape Cod and other
municipalities in southeastern Massachusetts. The survey consisted of sampling transects parallel
and perpendicular to the shoreline and proposed site improvements.
The site contains an existing pier and boat lift and a narrow sandy beach to MLW. There is an
existing wooden dock extending south out towards the chan nel. There is an exis ting float and boat in a
lift with pilings on site. There are a few oysters and some rock weed noted on the rocks below MLW. A
heavy tidal flush occurs in this area. We encountered some knobby and channel whelks during the
course of the survey. There are some oysters in between MLW and MHW. A few very large quahogs
were sampled along the north side of the stone jetty.
No eelgrass was present on this site.
66 approx. 3’X3’ sampling plots were es tablished at 10’ increments along the jetty to the 120’ mark. A
second area was sampled laterally northward along the beach for 60’ from MHW to 20’ eastward
towards the channel. A standard quahog rake lined with ½” mesh was us ed for all sampling plots.
Please see below for a map and res ults of the survey.
According to MassMapper’s most recent data for Shellfish Suitability Areas the species for this location
are Soft-shell clam, Bay Scallop, Quahog and American Oyster. However, that area is only designated
to the south of the subject site and not within the proposed scope of work for this project. The green
area is designated as an approved “Shellfish Growing Area” only . Eelgrass and other subaquatic
vegetation was not disc overed nor was it shown as mapped habitat on the MassMapper’s website.
We also believe that the dredging will improve the resource area for the intended and licensed use of
the facility. The additional dredging to create the adequate depth for the lift will minimize disturbance to
the benthic substrate by minimizing any scour caused from boating and propwash. Also, due to the
strong tidal fluctuations, an abundance of shellfish was not found in the area. The temporary
displacement will be minimal and the area will be allowed to flourish in a more conducive environment
subsequent to construction.
Please refer to attached report for survey res ults and credentials/experience of Mr. John Lowell. Thank you
Sincerely ,
WRS Engineering LLC
Roy E. Okurowski P.E., C.H.
Enclosed: Shellfish Survey and Results from John Lowell, dated 6/12/24