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Proposed Warrant Article Regarding Improvement Dredging in the ACEC. Improvement dredging prohibited in ACEC Concerns about access heightened by 2007 inlet formation ‘08 RMP Update: examine need, impacts & regulatory issues
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Proposed Warrant Article Regarding Improvement Dredging in the ACEC
Improvement dredging prohibited in ACEC Concerns about access heightened by 2007 inlet formation ‘08 RMP Update: examine need, impacts & regulatory issues Background report: results of 2 years of study & basis for recommendation
Evidence of Need: -Hydrographic survey: channels passable but some areas worsened by lower low tides -Inlet configuration study: southerly migration & continued dynamic change in the area around the inlet -Allowed us to Identify area of greatest potential change within ACEC
Area of potential improvement dredging follows traditional channels Limited to area that is most likely to be directly affected by inlet dynamics
Resource Impacts Shellfish Resources: assessment during environmental permitting
Resource Impacts Eelgrass Resources - assessment during environmental permitting
Regulatory Issues • 3 areas of state regulation: • Chapter 91 prohibition • Wetlands Protection Act review • Water quality certification • Best options: • Variance from state regulations • Change in state regulations • Either requires RMP amendment
RMP Amendment • Identify conditions under which permit could be sought: • Municipality/public purpose • Within designated zone • Maintain/restore historic navigation access • Minimum dredging necessary to maintain access • Amendment clears pathway (not a proposal) • All environmental reviews still needed
Process • Outreach meetings • Seeking TM approval in all four towns • Seeking Selectmen endorsement of the TM warrant article