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Mr. Wall asks the Commission t look closely at the impacts because the applicable performance <br /> standards in 310 CMR 10.27, because if the project goes forward, it cannot have any short or long <br /> terra adverse effects on habitat of the rare species. He also states that Natural Heritage's letter <br /> response is barred ori-the information that was provided in the NOI for 1,666 sf. and not 90,000 sf. <br /> o he contends that the letter is based upon inaccurate information and also not enough time t <br /> review the fall scope of operations. <br /> Agent McManus reads the Natural Heritage letter for the record which states that the project meets <br /> the states listed species performance standards. The agent states that the current plan was <br /> submitted along with the narrative which shows the schematics of the grow-out bags. <br /> Chairman Fitzsimmons comments that he did not find the word "tremendous"'in the Audubon letter <br /> indicating a level of their concern which he says might be exaggerated. The Chairman also states <br /> that when he walks the Spit now he sees fi hermen, wir� mer and lots of people which have not <br /> bothered the plovers or terns. During the. summer, on the bay side you would see all kinds of power <br /> boats from all over,and he would consider this.a much bigger distraction than-an aquaculture <br /> project. <br /> Agent McManus states that he feels confident that Iatural Heritage certainly took all activities of the <br /> proposed aquaculture farm into account as part of their review process. <br /> Stan Humphries, Coastal Geologist with LEC: states that there were two letters that had.been <br /> submitted to the Commission; March 22 which comments on the resource areas and performance <br /> standards and a May 23rd response to Coastal Engineering's comment. The most important is the <br /> migration of the sedimentation over the last 20 years and as-it relates to the project which the <br /> Commission should be n erned'with is the impact of current and wave alteration of the structures. <br /> being literally on the bottom.. M,r. Humphries i more concerned With the lower water elevations <br /> and the waves and currents which could result in some erosion and increased sedimentation., <br /> Agent-McManus asks Mr. Humphries if he has ever personally heard of any impacts resulting from <br /> established aquaculture farms to rare,spe' cies habitats. Mr. Humphries explains that he was not <br /> mmenti ng on the value of the tidal belt as a.rare endangered species habitat; he is strictly looking. <br /> at it as sedimentation and geologic processes. The agent asks Mr. Humphries if thea are any <br /> examples he could site where existing aquaculture farms have adversely affected geologic <br /> processes and Mr. Humphries answers that he does not have any information on that right noir. <br /> Fick York, Town of Mahpee Shellfish Constable, states that he is also a marine biolit. nd <br /> would like to point out some information that might be useful. He explain 'that the Town's <br /> comprehensive plan states that Ma hpee wants to promote shellfish aquaculture as long as there i <br /> no adverse impact on natural resources. Mr. York states that he does not feel there is any negative <br /> impact with this project and the sedimentation will not be altered by the bags as they do not stop the <br /> sand fro' moving at all; the sand will go right through thea: by therm and around there. Mr. York <br /> also says that shellfish aquaculture sites actually enhance bird population and other wildlife as it <br /> provides more food and more species diversity which is a benefit for a healthy eco system. <br /> Roy 'Gra ki would like clarify some of Mr. Wall's comments; one being that DEP previously <br /> became involved because of an appeal that was filed which required a superseding order.' They <br /> called DEP to ask them if they have ever dealt with similar projects and they did not know ghat they <br /> were talking about. <br /> Joyce Mason, Town,Manager, questions why Mr. Cook wasn't advised that'he did not have all the <br /> information needed and she i -hopeful that in the future, the applicant will be given ample time t <br /> respond. Agent McManus states that he did hand Mr. Cool( a written advisement of what should be <br /> included in the narrative which was given to Mr.. Cook more than a week'ago. <br /> { <br />