01/11/2023 WATERWAYS COMMISSION Minutes

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Old Business: - DNR Director-Article Submission for May Town Meeting: DNR Director Ashley Fisher reviewed the status of the Article DNR is considering relative to limiting horsepower on boats using Santuit Pond. It was noted that Santuit Pond has been designated by the State as one of the dirtiest ponds in the Commonwealth.Ashley noted that they are reaching out to abutters, seeking comments and conducting technical research on the problem, need for action, as well as possible solutions in order to protect our water quality and shore line. Ashley showed a video of a presentation given by a consultant to the DNR, to the Select Board at a recent meeting highlighting the problem and their recommendation that a power restriction be considered which they believe could help mitigate the problem.The Pond has had numerous Cyanobacteria blooms over the past few years which have both environmental and human impacts. It is believed that reducing horsepower on boats will reduce sediment disturbance and resuspension of phosphorous. It is believed that reducing power will limit the sediment mixing that takes place.A chart was shown highlighting this and a key stat was that a 10hp motor mixes down to 6 feet.The average depth of Santuit Pond is 5ft 9in.And it is about 1 mile long and 1/2 mile wide. Hence the recommendation to limit boat motors to 5hp. - Following Ashley's introduction of the Article there was considerable discussion among Commission members as well as members of the Public who were in attendance. Questions were asked about:The measurable improvements such action might produce? How would we handle existing boats on the pond? Would we consider grandfathering in existing boats? If so for how long? Some members of the Public attending suggested that this horsepower restriction was not necessary and that a speed restriction alone might make a positive impact on the problem without the inconvenience to boaters.There was general agreement that there is a problem and all want a healthy pond. There was only disagreement and uncertainty as to the efficacy of the solution being recommended. - After considerable discussion the Commission asked Ashley to go back to the Consultant and get more information and insight into the impact of speed versus horsepower. How the relationship between the two interact.This will be a topic at a future meeting. - Expiration Dates for all Elements of the Co►nnrehensive Permit. Harbormaster Bob Tomaino reported on the expiration dates for all the permits that exist as part of the Town's Comprehensive Permit. Of note is that some permits expire before the Army Corp's permit in 12/31/2026.Gregg Fraser added that the Corps is now taking 18-24 months to respond to applications and all the sub permits need to be renewed before the complete application can be submitted to the Corps. Bob reported that our consultant BSC is now in the process of developing a proposal to us for this renewal effort and the Harbormaster's Office will be cognizant of time lines. - DIVB&arbormaster Funding a t: Harbormaster Bob Tomaino submitted a request for $32,000($15k navigation aids, $10k repairs/servicing,$2k Great River Shellfish markers and $5k for signage&waterways info repairs).A motion to approve the request and fund through the Waterways Improvement Fund was made by Gregg Fraser, seconded by Steve Mone and unanimously approved by all present. New Business: -A uaculturg Lease ication- a fit •James Pacheco, a resident of over 10 years and a commercial fisherman, presented his proposal for an aquaculture lease in Waquoit Bay. Ashley Fisher made stated that the proposal does not have to go through a MEPA review and Bob Tomaino stated that he had no concerns about the placement having any negative impact on navigation. Numerous questions were asked about the location,depth of the cages, concerns about abutters, markers etc.All questions were satisfactorily answered. Gregg Fraser