The meeting’s most pressing topic involved a request by Boyce Kempson for maintenance and improvement dredging on Scranton Avenue. The project aimed to achieve a depth of seven feet and was a continuation of previous dredging efforts. However, a critical point of contention arose concerning the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) recommendation to maintain a 25-foot setback from mean low water. The applicant sought a variance to dredge within 10 to 15 feet of mean low water, citing historical permits that allowed closer proximity without adverse effects. The commission had to consider the operational needs of the piers against potential environmental impacts, with no concerns raised about the dredging itself, but deliberation was required over the variance request.

The commission also addressed procedural and environmental concerns related to dredging projects. Discussions touched on dewatering methods, disposal site testing for dredge spoils, and fuel spill precautions during upland refueling. The applicant clarified plans to dewater on a barge before transferring materials to land, addressing potential contamination issues. Despite discrepancies in DMF recommendations regarding refueling, a motion to close this hearing was unanimously approved.

Another agenda item involved an amendment request from Acme Falmouth Mass LLC concerning the marina layout on Scranton Avenue. The proposed changes aimed to reduce the footprint of floating piers while retaining fixed piers for a travel lift. The reconfiguration, considered a positive modification for operational efficiency, fell within previously permitted guidelines, resulting in no immediate concerns from the commission.

The commission also tackled enforcement orders for unpermitted vegetation removal by property owners on Church Street. Complaints had been raised about significant vegetation clearing within a coastal bank buffer zone, verified by site visits. The property owners claimed the clearing was unintentional, conducted by an uninformed landscaping company, and suggested allowing the area to recover naturally. However, commission members emphasized the risks of permitting invasive species to regrow, advocating for a restoration plan to ensure compliance and prevent erosion.

In a related discussion, the meeting addressed restoration challenges for a coastal area dominated by invasive plants and exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Participants noted previous unsuccessful planting efforts due to wind exposure. The commission considered employing herbicides to manage invasive species while preserving root systems to prevent erosion. The need for a planting plan prioritizing native shrubs was stressed, with a continuance set for April 2nd to develop an appropriate strategy.

Further enforcement actions were discussed for unpermitted activities at Shore View Avenue, involving unauthorized salt marsh vegetation removal and deck construction. The commission emphasized the need for a restoration plan to address the deck’s expansion and manage the salt marsh area’s degradation. A continuance was agreed upon to allow for updated survey data and plan preparation.

These included approval for a small deck addition on Edgewater Drive, a raised house on Matoxet Road, and invasive species removal on Benjamin Ny Lane.