Hyannis Marine is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct work in waters of the United States in conjunction with dredging in various areas of Hyannis Inner Harbor basin in Hyannis, Mass., and disposing of dredge material in an upland area.
The proposed work involves dredging of approximately 8,200 cubic yards of material to various depths (ranging from a depth of – 8 feet Mean Low Water to a depth of – 16 feet MLW) from an area of approximately 56,600 square feet. Some of the dredging is new and some is deepening of existing permitted areas. The work is proposed in Hyannis Inner Harbor at 1 Willow Street in Hyannis.
The dredging portion of this proposed project will impact approximately 56,600 square feet of Essential Fish Habitat for various species and life stages. Habitat at this site can be described as silt and sand. Loss of this habitat is not likely to adversely affect any species using the area since the harbor bottom is of poor habitat quality and any life stages of any species using the area would only be present during the months when dredging would not be occurring because of the state-imposed time-of-year restrictions.
The only species which might be present during the time when dredging would occur is winter flounder.
Studies by the applicant’s consultants, Woods Hole Group, from 2003 to 2006, did not reveal the presence of winter flounder at the applicant’s property during the months of February, March and April. In addition, the substrate in the basin is of poor habitat value for winter flounder spawning. Therefore, the Corps has made a preliminary determination that the site-specific adverse effect will not be substantial. Further consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding Essential Fish Habitat conservation recommendations is being conducted and will be concluded prior to the final permit decision.
The application for the federal permit was filed with the Corps of Engineers in compliance with Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, which provides for federal regulation of any work in, or affecting navigable waters of the United States.
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Source: usace, January 6, 2011