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6 <br /> Board of Selectmen <br /> Minutes <br /> February 11, 2019 <br /> APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS <br /> Public Hearing: Expansion of Existing Shellfish Aquaculture License (Shellfish Grant), <br /> Mark C. Burtis, 53 Nehoiden Road, Mashpee MA: (continued) <br /> Mr. Barton also related concern with regards to the noise from power washing, and the visibility of black <br /> plastic from all vistas close to the pond. Boaters will avoid this area and it would become an exclusion <br /> zone. The public areas will never revert back to recreational use. This is a big consideration for future <br /> generations. It was recommended the Town form its own nitrogen mitigation plan. And further, approval <br /> of this project would have a lasting impact and it is unclear if this could be reversed if it is approved. <br /> Susan Simmons, 105 Monomoscoy West stated she is upset and concerned. The pond is a great joy. The <br /> public owns the water and it should not be given to a commercial business. The health and safety of the <br /> pond is a concern Ms. Simmons addressed by noting the growing cages would have a negative impact on <br /> the eco-system, prevent the growth of eel grass and would attract birds which would increase the pollution <br /> in the pond. In addition to the unsightly project, properties may be devalued. <br /> Jacques Morin, 11 Hamblin Road indicated he cannot support this project in the waterway. Many <br /> residents use Hamblin Pond for boating, kayaking and for the pleasant views the abutting conservation <br /> lands provide. Mr. Morin indicated we all recognize the benefits of shellfish aquaculture. It is tantamount <br /> and seven-fold of a grant 1-acre in size. This is the size of 7 football fields with floating bags, each the <br /> size of Gillette Stadium. Mr. Morin stated that Hamblin Pond belongs to all residents of the pond. <br /> Mr. Morin also stated this area is critical and sensitive to nitrogen loading. The Town should address <br /> where the problem originates and sewer these areas. Without a proper flow, the waters become eutrophic. <br /> Dredging with large culverts would significantly increase tidal flow. It was suggested that culverts be <br /> added at the road bridge between Jehu and Hamblin Ponds. <br /> It was noted that correspondence was received from Peter Thomas, Chair of the Shellfish Commission in <br /> support to the grant request stating there are no adverse effects to native shellfish populations in this area <br /> and the Shellfish Division does not plan to utilize the area for shellfish seeding in the future. <br /> Stephen Nickerson, 17 Childs Road off Monomoscoy Island indicated he drove 100 miles to attend <br /> tonight's meeting in support of Hamblin Pond as a beautiful and scenic location. Mr. Nickerson urged the <br /> Board to not move forward with the shellfish grant as it would degrade the pond and become an oyster <br /> farm wasteland. Mr. Nickerson stated there is no reason and no urgency to move forward with the <br /> proposal. <br /> Ashley Fisher, Mashpee's Shellfish Constable indicated the upper section is the added area to the shellfish <br /> farm. The maximum amount of shellfish grown in a 7-acre nursery setting is 10% or 30,492 square feet <br /> as allowed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Burtis has a permit for 45,000 square feet. Two <br /> growing areas, rectangular in shape amount to 15,246 square feet per section. The maximum under <br /> federal laws is 30,000 square feet which is I/2 the size of a football field. This is what would be visible <br /> from the surface. <br /> Being no further comment,the Board took action to close the Public Hearing. <br />