3/22/2018 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Resource Area: Land Under Ocean, Land Containing Shellfish, Salt Marsh, BVW,Coastal Bank, LSCSF (Little River) The Engineer from J E Landers-Cauley Engineering, represented the applicant. He explained the proposed project consists of the razing of an old dock and pilings and reconstruction of the fixed pier, ramp, float and two spring piles. The fixed portion of the dock will be permanent and the ramp and floats will be removed each fall. The fixed section of the pier is proposed to be 50’ long and supported by piles. The ramp will be constructed of aluminum railing and wood. The limit of work will be delineated. He noted the proposed activity will have a minimal effect on the shellfish habitat. He described the methodology of placing the piles. He gave the dimensions: new dock 4 x 49 feet long, ramp 3 by 10’, float 8 x 16 feet and he also noted the placement of the piles. He noted they have an order of conditions to put in vinyl sheet piling to replace the bulkhead. The Agent showed some images of the property, existing dock, the bulkhead, coastal bank, salt marsh. He read the comments from the Shellfish Constable and Harbormaster. The Harbormaster stated the proposed dock is in close proximity to Little River Marina which becomes congested in the summer months with boating traffic waiting to fuel their vessels. There have been objections from neighbors concerning the distance of the proposed dock extending into the river. In his opinion, the dock will extend too far into the river and will impede the safe navigation of vessel traffic. The Harbormaster offered a plan showing a shorter version of the dock which will coincide with the Shellfish Constable’s recommendation to have several pilings removed. The Shellfish Constable recommended removing the six foot “L” shape and 10 feet of walkway on the proposal, move ramp and float in and eliminate piling on the North end of the float. This would result in eliminating four walkway pilings and one float piling to minimize the loss to shellfish habitat. The Agent said he would defer to the expertise of the Shellfish Constable and Harbormaster. He commented on the access steps over the dock and said the posts proposed to anchor these access steps are not necessary and didn’t see the need for additional posts because it would be an additional disturbance to the saltmarsh. Mr. Cavossa stated he tried to reach out to all of his neighbors regarding this project. He said his boat continually sits on the bottom and is digging a hole there every time they tie it up. He met with the engineer to make some determination of what would fit in the neighborhood. He noted on the plan the proposed dock and the other docks that are in proximity. Rick York, Director of Natural Resources, stated this is a highly productive shellfish bed which was noted on the application that this is land containing shellfish. The number of pilings impact shellfish activity and in addition, he stated the Harbormaster recommend shortening the dock as does the Shellfish Constable. He described the pilings proposed and which ones could be eliminated. Following a lengthy discussion, the engineer requested a continuance on behalf of the applicant in order to work out the details. Mr. Bob Luckraft, owner of property directly across from the proposed dock noted Little River is very narrow. He noted his dock on the plan. He said if Mr. Cavossa builds his dock he will reduce the distance on the river of navigable water. He noted the other docks in the area. It was noted the navigation is not within the purview of the Commission. Mr. Luckraft also noted that he has more than one boat and his second boat is docked elsewhere as there is no room for an additional boat at his dock. He questioned the need to accommodate more than one boat in a dock design. No further comments from the public