11/10/2015 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT COMMITTEE Minutes

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7 Community Preservation Committee Minutes November 10, 2015 Review of CPA Pr 'ects PMposed for the May,2016 Town Meeting: Great River Boat Ramp Improvement Project: (continued) With regards to mitigation, communication was received from Andrew McManus; Conservation Agent -dated November 10, 2015. Mr. McManus states in his memo the MA State Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) have strict standards in place for the protection of salt march. In projects such as boat ramps, mitigation is typically required for the restoration of impacted salt march areas in close proximity to the affected areas. however, in construction, the full impact of an area is not fully known, and therefore mitigation costs cannot be fully realized. Ms. Laurent added that mitigation, a requirement of the special permit, may be required by the State and/or the Army Corps of Engineers. The preference is for the mitigation to be on the subject property, although it is not known in advance of what would be required for mitigation. In consultation with the Community Preservation Coalition in Boston it was reported the Community Preservation Committee cannot spend funds on mitigation elsewhere. The mitigation would strictly be required to be expended on the Great River Boat Ramp property. The Community Preservation Committee cannot authorize the use of CPA funding on property not acquired with CPA funding. If CPA funds are awarded for this project, the on-site mitigation requirement would be a restriction of the CPA grant. Ms. Laurent indicted the Town is in agreement and would have to apply to the CPA restriction. If the requirement arises, the Town would be required to locate funding elsewhere for mitigation. Current, the $50,000 is a guesstimate. Any unused funds would be, returned to the CPC. The mitigation requirement will not be known until the Town files for the permitting. Ms. Laurent re -iterated the Town would comply with the assurance funding, if unused for this project would be returned to the CPC. Mr. York added the mitigation would most likely take place at the site location. CPC member Larkin stated the CPC is required to be specific as to what is requested at Town Meeting and CPA funding shall be used exclusively for mitigation on the subject property. Discussion followed with regards to the proposed kayak launch. It was noted there has been an increase in the number of kayakers. In Masbpee this is the only public access point to launch kayaks in the entirety of Waquoit Bay. To design the most efficient boat ramp, this should be included in the project design, and since the site is restricted there is not an adequate area for kayak launching. Town Manager Collins indicated he is in support of the project proposal with the revised cost. Mr. Collins explained, the project is not just for recreational purposes, it is greatly needed for the shellfish nitrogen removal program.