02/11/2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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5 Board of Selectmen Minutes February 11, 2019 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Hearing: Expansion of Existing Shellfish Aquaculture License (Shellfish Grant), Mark C. Burtis, 53 Nehoiden Road, Mashpee MA: (continued) Mr. Burtis indicated this is a family business, and the commercial operation is fully functional. A site at the Little River Boatyard has been secured to load and offload the shellfish without utilizing the Town landings. Cold Storage facilities have also been procured. Maps of the proposed expansion were included in the application. The 7-acre site encompasses the existing 1-acre site. Most of the site abuts the Town of Falmouth. A portion of the area abuts the Nature Conservancy and there are no negative issues apparent. Best Management Practices would be incorporated into the daily grant operation adhering to federal, state and local regulations. During the winter months the oysters will be bottom grown for protection. The quahogs will be raised closer to the shoreline. The map shows a floating platform within the inside of the grant area used to cull and clean the shellfish. Mr. Burtis indicated he is quietly working as a good steward of the pond. There have been no negative comments from the Shellfish or Conservation Departments. The project will create a sustainable and positive impact on the reduction of nitrogen in the estuary, create jobs and maintain a safe and healthy market of locally grown shellfish in the community. It was also noted that kayakers regularly paddle through the grant area in the shallow waters. Ashley Fisher, Shellfish Constable indicated that 11.5 million oysters are required to remediate Hamblin Pond. The targets in the pond will support the Town's efforts in meeting nitrogen reduction goals. When considering a project of this size it was disclosed the Wampanoag Tribe has an 8-acre grant in the Popponesset flats. The Town of Mashpee does not have any limits as to the sizing of an aquaculture grant. It was disclosed the Town has received 13 letters in opposition to the project. One letter is written from a Falmouth resident, the remainder of letters are from Mashpee residents. The letters are on file in the Office of the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen. The Board opened the Hearing to solicit comment. Don Barton, 236 Monomoscoy Island voiced concern shared by many that the approval of the oyster grant would impact the residents near the pond and the boaters enjoying the waters. Although both applicants are knowledgeable and faithful, this request is massive over reach. It is a commercial farming exercise that has never been reviewed before. Mr. Barton indicated that many of the stakeholders are not in town during the winter months and the request is tantamount and the equivalent of nearly 5 1/3`d football fields including end zones.