1/27/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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5 Board of Selectmen Minutes January 27, 2020 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Hearing: New Shellfish Aquaculture License (Shellfish Grant); Thomas F. Smith— Great River Oyster Company, 226 Monomoscoy Road, Mashpee, MA: (continued) The Board opened the Public Hearing to solicit comment. George Benway, former Mashpee Harbormaster indicated he resides adjacent to the proposed site location and is in support of the aquaculture opportunity. Mr. Benway indicated there are several moorings within the subject area that may be required to be relocated if the program is supported. There was concern with regards to the lack of sufficient water flow in this area. Mr. Benway asked who would be responsible to clear the grant area of equipment in the event the project is not successful. Ashley Fisher, Shellfish Constable indicated she is working on the regulations and requirements. All gear will be required to have identification markers. If a project is not successful, owners would be notified, and if the Town removes the equipment, it would be at the owner's expense. John Wilson of 202 Monomoscoy Road stated that he resides to the west of the proposed oyster farm site. In his opinion, Mr. Wilson stated the site is a poor location for aquaculture with very low water flow. There are a lot of kayakers and boaters who utilize the shallow area. Concern was voiced with regards to the debris and with warm water conditions it is likely the project would fail. Mr. Wilson indicated he is in support to clean the waters with aquaculture, but this may not be the appropriate site location. Don Barton, 236 Monomoscoy Road stated this project is a large scale oyster farming operation and it is very dis-concerning especially against the backdrop of the nature conservation area. The objective is a poor natural choice for oysters in extremely shallow waters. With the warming of waters, this may bring forth oyster contamination, illness and shellfish closures. The area is poorly flushed. There was concern regarding the year round shellfish operation and contamination due to bird waste. The Hamblin Pond waters are already contaminated due to bird waste. Mr. Barton indicated the site is a confined and populated location. To exclude the waters from public use is regrettable. In addition,the monetary level of area homes would be impacted by the grant. The proposed site would also have the appearance of an aircraft carrier on a small inlet. For these reasons, Mr. Barton requested the Board of Selectmen deny the grant application. Seconsett Island resident Mark Burtis an aquaculture grant holder indicated he cannot support a project with the foundation to place seed shellfish from another area without a State issued propagation permit or Town aquaculture license. This would open the door for Pandora's box and place the general public at risk as well as the bays and rivers. Mr. Burtis indicated it is imperative to buy from reputable nurseries with a known point of origin to the point of delivery. All Mashpee growers adhere to best management practices. Mr. Burtis indicated the data is in and it is proven the small aquaculture grants reduce nitrogen. Mr. Burtis stated there are not a lot of resources to grow shellfish in the Town of Mashpee. His comments are trying to defend the oyster grower, one who conforms to the legal requirements. When asked if the proposed Smith grant is suitable for producing Mr. Burtis affirmed that oyster can be grown in this estuary. Ms. Fisher added that oysters could be grown at this site with floating gear only. The bottom is muck and it is likely to create high fatality. It is also important to ice the product within 2 hours of harvest. This would work and plans are vetted at the State level to prevent the public health from getting ill. With past violations, there was uncertainty regarding Mr. Smith's level of compliance and there was serious concern for the health and safety of the public.