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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission <br /> 16 Great Neck Road North <br /> Mashpee, MA 02649 <br /> • A monopile-supported pier with select sections using paired piles for stability; <br /> • A 3' x 10' aluminum ramp; <br /> • A 12' x 30' floating dock, secured by four piles; and <br /> • Four tie-off piles to allow vessels to be secured during storm events. <br /> The pier would not extend farther seaward than existing neighboring piers and would remain within the lateral <br /> spacing of adjacent structures. Construction materials include timber and composite components with through- <br /> flow decking to improve light penetration over the marsh. <br /> Site Conditions and Resource Areas (40 Popponesset Island Road) <br /> Portions of the pier traverse coastal bank, beach, salt marsh, and land under the ocean. No vegetation removal is <br /> proposed. The terminal end of the pier would be located in approximately 2.2 feet of water, with the float <br /> maintaining approximately 1.7 feet of water at mean low tide. <br /> The applicant stated that mitigation is not required under Chapter 172 due to the reduced pile count and use of <br /> monopiles, which are intended to lessen shading and physical impacts. <br /> Agency Comments and Technical Issues (40 Popponesset Island Road) <br /> The Commission received or discussed comments from multiple reviewing entities: <br /> • Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF): <br /> DMF recommended increased vertical separation over the salt marsh (generally 1.5:1 clearance) and <br /> expressed concerns regarding the proposed stairs and shellfish habitat. While not all sections of the pier <br /> meet the recommended clearance, the applicant argued that through-flow decking and pier orientation <br /> would provide sufficient light penetration. <br /> • Harbormaster: <br /> The Harbormaster requested additional information, including boat type, size, and mooring <br /> configuration, and coordination with abutters. The applicant indicated ongoing discussions and agreed to <br /> provide additional details. <br /> • Shellfish Constable: <br /> No formal comments had yet been received at the time of the hearing, though commissioners <br /> emphasized the need for shellfish review due to the location within productive shellfish areas. <br /> • Abutters: <br /> A concern was raised by the northerly abutter regarding setbacks. No written abutter approval letter had <br /> yet been provided. The applicant explained that shifting the pier could trigger the need for additional <br /> abutter approvals under Chapter 91 and committed to resolving the issue prior to the next hearing. <br /> Commission Discussion and Concerns (40 Popponesset Island Road) <br /> Commissioners raised several substantive concerns, including: <br /> • Float Clearance: <br /> The proposed 1.7 feet of water at mean low tide is below DMF's recommended 2.5 feet. Commissioners <br /> questioned whether the pier could be shifted seaward or otherwise modified to increase clearance. <br /> • Tie-Off Piles and Number of Boats: <br /> Questions were raised regarding the necessity of four additional tie-off piles,particularly given the <br /> presence of float piles and fenders. The applicant clarified that the design anticipates two boats, one on <br /> each side of the pier, and that the tie-off piles are intended to prevent vessels from contacting the float <br /> during storm conditions. <br /> 9 <br />