1988-1990-ZBA APPEALS (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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RECOMMENDATION Vrder for the Board to decide whether or not this proposal meets the standards t forth in the zoning regulations,it must dtermine what section 6.3.I.9 means by the phrase "the'marine or coastal environment".While'this�.seems to be d:ielatively broad.term,I believe that Article VI,Section 174-24,subsection C.2 futher defines that term by specifying the following areas of concern: wildlife habitat estuarine systems,and fisheries etc. I believe that shellfish is indeed wildlife, therefore its habitat is wildlife habitat;that shellfish are indeed fish,therefore we are considering a fishery; and that shellfish and eel grass are part of the estuarine ecosystem,therfore they are part of the estuarine system.Webster defines the term "environment" as ''All the conditions,circumstances,and influences surrounding and affecting the development of an bbganism or group of organisms". In terms of wildlife habitat,I advise you that this situation does have the potential to destroy shellfish'habitat through uses allowed by the structure. In terms of fisheries,I have repeatedly stated that situations of this type would indeed substantially reduce the productivity of the shellfish resource in the berthing areas as well as the approach path of vessels using this structure. In terms of the estuarine system,I believe the key word is system.A simple definition of that word is that a group of parts combine to make a whole,and tha whole is equal to a system.Therefore,any detrimental affects to one or more parts do in fact affect the entire system.As I have tried to educate you in the past,shellfish and eelgrass are an important part of a system that is in fact the marine environment.Shelffish are an 'important food source for other organ- isms,both large and small.Shellfish larvae are a component of the diet of many fish species,including baitfish which are than consumed by'larger fish,and so n' . You might believe that one project might not bring an entire ecosystem crashing to its knees and you are probably correct.However,you must then examine the entire system to see if there are other similar situation which also contribute to the overall demise.I believe that this is possible in this case. Therefore,I submit to you the recommendation that.in my professional opinion this project will cause or contribute to the substantial disruption or degrad- ation of the marine or coastal environment.And that this disruption and/or degradation shall occur through direct or indirect impacts including uses allows by said structure. I believe that the applicant must prove that these assertions are false.And I urge you to deny this proposal outright if the applicant cannot provide this Fro proof. . I welcome any further questiond or discussion regarding this matter. Resp ectfully, Paul Somerville 01