04/23/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 NOI 17 Sunset Circle, Eric L. Coelho. Proposed removal of the existing timber wall and replacement with a new vinyl sheet pile wall,permit the existing pier, and install native vegetation plantings. (Representative: Cape and Islands Engineering, Inc.) 43- 3414 The applicant, Eric L. Coelho, was represented by Cape and Islands Engineering. The project involved removal of an existing timber wall and replacement with a new vinyl sheet pile wall, along with permitting of the existing pier and installation of native vegetation plantings. It was reported that the applicant was awaiting a response from Natural Heritage and had requested a continuance in order to proceed with a complete submission. MOTION: To approve the request to continue 17 Sunset Circle to May 7, 2026. Motion by: Sandi Godfrey Seconded bv: Richard Sahl Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. Sarah Thornbrugh, Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey, Richard Sahl ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOI 358 Shore Drive West, Maushop Village Trust c/o Distinctive Property Services. Proposed annual beach nourishment activities. (Representative: GEI Consultants, Inc.) 43- 3415 The applicant, Maushop Village Trust, was represented by Joseph Brethren and Blake Peters of GEI Consultants, who presented the proposal. Mr. Brethren explained that the project involved continuation of an annual beach nourishment program along approximately 1,100 feet of shoreline, following expiration of a prior permit. He stated that the proposal included placement of up to 14,200 cubic yards of clean, compatible sand from an upland source within coastal beach, land under the ocean, and land subject to coastal storm flowage, with annual surveys to determine required volumes. During Commission discussion, concerns were raised regarding the long-term sustainability of beach nourishment efforts, including where displaced sand ultimately accumulates and its potential impacts on other coastal areas. The increasing scale of nourishment activities and the need to evaluate cumulative impacts were also discussed. Questions were raised regarding the timing and logistics of sand placement, and the applicant's representatives explained that nourishment typically occurs in May using a conveyor system to transport sand from an upland staging area to the beach, where it is then graded to match the desired profile. Broader concerns were raised regarding shoreline management, noting that beach nourishment may temporarily offset erosion but does not address underlying coastal processes. Questions were raised as to whether alternative approaches, such as dune stabilization or structural measures,had been considered, along with concern regarding permitting nourishment activities on a long-term or perpetual basis without further evaluation of alternatives. In response, the applicant's representatives stated that structural alternatives such as offshore breakwaters are not currently permitted by the state and that nourishment remains one of the few feasible options for maintaining beach profile. Additional context was provided regarding sediment transport in the area, noting that nourished sand tends to move eastward and contribute to shoaling within Nantucket Sound. It was 9