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10 <br /> Board of Selectmen <br /> Minutes <br /> March 1 , 2011 _-- <br /> A PPOI TTMEENTS &HEARINGS <br /> Public Hearin —Richard Cook ANlication for New One Acre Shellfish Gant-- <br /> o net B4r. ont'd <br /> On <br /> behalf o his client, Attorney I�rrane indicated that Ir. Cook has operated a <br /> shellfish grant in Ockway Bay since 1983 without complaint. 1t was described the <br /> applicant is seeking to operate a commercial shellfish farm off Popponesset <br /> Island, an addition location for shellfish farming with a deeper water depth to <br /> grow oysters. Deep waters allow for the oyster cages to be submerged. In <br /> shallow waters,the cages tend to sink and the oyster seedlings submerge into the <br /> mud and suffocate. It was explained.the objective is to allow the seedlings to <br /> grow in deep waters during the winter months. <br /> Attorney a noted the location of the bed has been approved by the <br /> Waterways Commission for navigation. It was determined the shellfish beds <br /> would not interfere with the natural process of oyster beds and boat navigation. <br /> Mr. Kirrane also stated that it is not his client's intent to create issues with the <br /> area neighbors. The cages would be located approximately 15"-1 "off the <br /> bottom. With the exception for extremely low tides,the cages would be invisible <br /> except for the buoys that mark the navigation of boats. <br /> Attorney Ki rr ne added this practice is an enwironmentally friendly industry. <br /> Each oyster is able to filter up to 50 gallons of water. He stated that it is the type <br /> of operation that should be promoted when possible. <br /> In his letter of February 22,2011, Mr. Cook indicated that he intends to grow <br /> oyster, quahogs and possibly scallops. The only shellfish existing on the site <br /> which consists of clean sand is a limited amount of quahogs. <br /> The Board of Selectmen opened the Dearing to solicit comment, and requested <br /> Input from Mate or Town officials first. <br /> Waterways Commission Chair Ken Bates indicated that it is a requirement of the <br /> application to have a letter from the abutter sting his or her approval of the <br /> project. <br /> r <br />