Tom Pazerki from Merrell Engineering, alongside environmental attorney Barry Fogle, presented the details of the project. Pazerki outlined plans to realign the bulkhead, moving it inward by approximately 31 feet over an area of around 3,300 square feet. He assured the commission of the implementation of erosion control measures, including a floating turbidity barrier and temporary sheathing to safeguard the bulkhead area during construction. Additionally, excavation processes would involve dewatering pits and debris management during low tide, coupled with comprehensive stormwater management efforts. These include inspecting and possibly replacing a catch basin and installing a new pipe with a tide gate to prevent saltwater intrusion.

Despite the detailed presentation, technical difficulties temporarily disrupted the session, but the commission members remained focused on the environmental compliance aspects of the proposal. A commissioner raised concerns about the grading process and its alignment with existing regional grades to mitigate environmental impacts. Pazerki clarified that grading would only affect newly created land under ocean areas, avoiding alterations to existing pier areas.

The commission’s scrutiny extended to the engagement of the town engineer, with questions about whether the engineer had adequately reviewed certain structural concerns, particularly a wall near a boat ramp. There was consensus on the need for additional documentation to ensure review and prevent assumptions regarding the wall’s construction. Consequently, the hearing was extended to April 1st to allow for further details and documentation.

Another agenda item involved a request from 15 Darilin Lane LLC for a continuance concerning common dock construction, postponed until July 1st due to personal reasons affecting the applicant. The commission unanimously agreed to this extension. Simultaneously, a request to extend an order of conditions for a project on Manot Road and Beach was considered. This project, involving the reconstruction of groins and beach nourishment, faced delays due to lengthy approval processes with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The representative highlighted frustrations with the protracted timeline, seeking a five-year extension, which the commission approved without further questions.

Compliance issues also surfaced during the meeting. A certificate of compliance was sought for a project on Oet Avenue, where a restoration tree had been removed without authorization. The homeowner, who attended the meeting, participated in discussions about remaining compliance matters. The commission emphasized the importance of adhering to environmental regulations.

The commission also addressed a matter involving a small boardwalk situated within a salt marsh. Staff recommended its removal due to unclear property boundaries and the prohibition of construction within salt marshes. The homeowner expressed confusion about the ownership of the boardwalk, and staff assured that, if it was on town property, the Department of Public Works would oversee its removal.

Additionally, the meeting touched on a tree planting requirement related to a leaching field. The homeowner requested leniency, proposing a smaller tree in a different location due to concerns about proximity to the septic line. Staff hesitated to waive the requirement, citing sufficient space for planting if done correctly, while the homeowner explained that past septic installation work led to the removal of the original tree.

A vista corridor pruning issue was also discussed, with staff noting that the work had been completed without proper notification and not in accordance with regulations. The homeowner agreed to allow commission access for inspections, with the understanding that further vista work would require filing a Request for Determination of Applicability.