HomeMy WebLinkAboutMark Burgess response to DMF comments (2)
Grant, Kelly
From:Mark Burgess <shorefrontconsulting@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, February 14, 2020 1:38 PM
To:Nuttall, Ryan (FWE); Grant, Kelly
Cc:Caia, Conrad; Boeri, Robert (ENV); ONeil, Terry (FWE ); Shields, Thomas (FWE ); Feeney,
Eileen (FWE)
Subject:Re: Carrus, NOI, Yarmouth
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Hi Everyone (last time):
Just to quickly (not so quickly) address some of the questions in the letter from Eileen.
1) TOY restriction; no problem
2) if the float is removed, the topography at this site makes it impossible to drag it over the marsh and through the
existing vegetated buffer.
The float would have to be removed by a professional and transported to a ramp for loading on a truck.
3) First, this is not an argument; respectfully, I am merely passing along information for the benefit of others who might
not be as familiar with Mr. Logan's study.
The dock meets the current regulations at the local and state levels, and is completely in accordance with the Small Dock
and Pier Guidelines, etc.
The clearance used to be measured to the decking for the 1:1 ratio; then grating was used to offset/mitigate any lower
deck elevation. Several years ago, DMF commented that this was no longer good enough, and that the clearance should
be measured to the underlying stringer; much the way the 5' public access clearance at MHW is measured for Chapter
91. (We) designers followed suit; raising the docks up, even though most of the town (and state) regulations were not
changed, it became a "preferential" comment that we designers incorporated out of respect. Now comes along Mr.
Logan's study, which I have read in great detail. His study only suggests that there is marsh loss at the 1:1 ratio, and he
concludes that his data is a little disjointed, or not comprehensive enough to prove that the 1.5:1 ratio actually results in
better marsh growth, partially because there were not many docks or walkways in his study that were designed as such.
So admittedly, while the logic is solid, the necessary data to support it is not complete, and he states this in his
conclusions. At least, that is my take-away/understanding of the report.
Again, respectfully, I understand the concept and I always ask my clients what they want, or if the 6 foot height is ok
with them. It's only another foot if we maintain the 5-foot clearance at MHW for public access. So if public access stairs
aren't used, then one foot more is ok, unless the neighbors start screaming. Each site is different. For others (like Clark)
the dock can be lowered by making it narrower. I have many, many docks and walkways at the 1:1 ratio, in various
orientations, with and without grating, with completely healthy, 100% marsh under them. I did my own small study here
on the Cape in 2019, with data spanning about 10-15 years, and am happy to share that data with anyone who requests
it.
The impact of raising the dock to the 1.5:1 ratio is not that terrible; I've only had to do it once in 20 years, and it was
quite recent. I can tell you that the neighbors come out in force when a dock is that high. They don't want to see it, and
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they get upset; really upset.
As a designer, I accommodate that by stepping down the dock as soon as it is over the salt marsh. Now, because of sea
level rise, I don't step down as far as I used to either. In 20 years, sea level will rise about a foot (current estimates), the
marsh will migrate somewhat to adjust, and docks will go even higher.
4) Dredging is not proposed; that is a typo in the narrative; my apologies.
Thank you again.
Have a good weekend.
Regards,
Mark Burgess
Shorefront Consulting
"If You Want A Dock, We Have To Talk"
"Engineers get to work when others say it can’t be done….."
290 Center Street, Dennis Port, MA 02639
Phone: 508-280-8046
Email: shorefrontconsulting@gmail.com
Web: www.shorefrontconsulting.com
Facebook: Shorefront Consulting
I build my business on referrals.
If you know anyone who can benefit from my services, please let me know.
On 2/14/2020 9:32 AM, Nuttall, Ryan (FWE) wrote:
Dear Commissioners,
Attached is the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DFM) comment letter addressing the
submitted revised plans for the Carrus project in the Town of Yarmouth.
Thank you,
Ryan Nuttall
Sent on behalf of Eileen Feeney
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