CAC Minutes 06_28_16
SCITUATE COASTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
June 28, 2016
South Humarock Beach Association
Present: George Simmons, Keith Jansen, Tim Kelley, Richard Harding, Nancy Durfee, Frank Snow, Peggy Dinger
Advisors: Rebecca Haney
Agenda: Approval of the 5/17/16 Minutes 5-0
Minutes: Approval of 04/18/16 Minutes 5-0
Discussion: Keith welcomed the 35+ Humarock residents that attended. We each introduced ourselves. Tim Kelley took the microphone to lead the meeting. Both welcomed people and encouraged them to ask questions.
The 2016 study for the town of Scituate was discussed and the link will be listed tomorrow on our website as well as many other helpful links. He went through describing some of the best links for information. Groundswells created the large amount of flooding last year after high tide. He mentioned a thanks to David Ball for creating the bond between Bob Thompson, Director NWS Taunton for their early warning system.
There was a discussion about different grasses to shore up the dunes. Switchgrass is a native species that will survive by the ocean. It is a good tool to solidify the sand and dunes. He described channeling of water. There is the least amount of damage where there are no large space laps. When channeled in areas it digs deeper, undermining of the seawalls. Recommendations are on the Stormsmart website. Tim said that every winter makes different changes that we have to adapt to.
Keith Jansen opened up a discussion about the South River Dredging project. Questions began with a discussion about the logistics of moving the sand. Near shore dumping was permitted previously and is desirable. Rebecca answered that it is a regulatory issue. You need to get the sand to the beach. Nancy answered with the alternatives analysis and said that we need to get the easements to get it onto the beaches. More discussions regarding if they would be dumping in front of houses and how deep it may be. Nancy answered that they are trying to make it beneficial to the beachfront owners. (NAI = No Adverse Impact)
There was a discussion asking to encourage cooperation. The question was raised: Is the dredging a navigation project? Nancy responded that we want to use the material the best way possible. Depending on the sand makeup they will decide how they can spread the sand/cobble around. Keith Dobie responded about dredging the river and possibly to bring in a bigger dredger. Questions regarding easements were Is it ok for walking by. Can they have a picnic, a fire, alcohol? If reasonable, they would agree. There may need to be negotiation. A resident noted that previous renourishment did what it was supposed to do. Nancy answered that the timeline may be late fall or next spring for the dredging. The residents need to fill out the survey regarding the dredge project. Most residents are saying yes. Another resident asked What percentage of signups do you need to move forward and what are the adverse issues of the project. Has to be 100% of area for project. The final result would be--Pro would improve -- con no improvement.
Someone asked how much sand it would be and said we need the right kind of cobble. Nancy said anywhere between 20-30, up to 60,000 cu. yds. Someone asked if there could be a temporary easement.
Keith restated the benefits to the area if this project gets done. Cohasset had no easements; as it was a public beach and no one was impacted. There is an environmental bond bill is working on it. We will be researching funding sources for beach nourishment. Our easement language is the simplest possible.
George opened the discussion on the CZM. David Ball of Rebecca Rd spoke on the recommendations of the beach study. There will probably be an electronic copy of the study that will be linked to our site. The area will be Atlantic up to Fourth Cliff. More questions were asked. They worry about sand washing right down across and it flowed over. Water overflows unstopped eroded under homes on pilings. Someone asked about wave attenuating devices. Engineering suggests many opinions. If the easements weren't given, would they consider putting it out for purchase for homeowners at a reasonable rate.
Frank replied to someone that was worried about the potential break through on Central Ave. and he said people are trying to sort out the best, most manageable solutions.
George closed out and thanked everyone for coming.
A short meeting to vote on items was held just after the public part.
We voted to approve the 5/17/16 minutes and to adjourn the meeting at a 5-0 vote.
Handout: Scituate Coastal Advisory Commission
Conduit To Community