RI Coastal Resources Management Council
...to preserve, protect, develop, and restore coastal resources for all Rhode Islanders
...to preserve, protect, develop, and restore coastal resources for all Rhode Islanders
In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room A of the Administration Building, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI.
Members Present
Anne Maxwell Livingston, Chair
Paul Lemont, Vice Chair
Ron Gagnon, DEM Rep
Don Gomez
Paul Beaudette
Mike Hudner
Jerry Sahagian
Joy Montanaro
Members Excused
Tony Affigne
Raymond Coia
Staff Present
Grover J. Fugate, Executive Director
Jeffrey Willis, Deputy Director
Dave Beutel, Aquaculture Coordinator
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Livingston called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Chair Livingston called for approval of the minutes from the previous meeting.
Vice Chair Lemont motioned for the approval of the minutes from the May 10, 2016 Semimonthly meeting; seconded by Mr. Gomez. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote.
3. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
None were heard.
4. STAFF REPORTS
Mr. Fugate reported on the following items:
Mr. Goldman reported on the following items:
5. REPORT – Deepwater Wind, LLC -- update from Ted Hofbauer,CVA presentation on the FIR 2015 and FDR 2016
Mr. Hofbauer informed the Council that ABS continues to work with Deepwater Wind to get the documents that are required regarding the 2016 FIR and FDR. Mr. Hofbauer stated that the RDR for 2016 work for the substructure is almost complete. Mr. Hofbauer stated that the a few documents are being reviewed to complete the FIR. Mr. Hofbauer stated that they are reviewing recent updates to the DCS and questions regarding the cable part of the project. Mr. Hofbauer stated that information on the turbines would be received, as per the agreement, eight weeks prior to the start of the installation. There was discussion on the maintenance of the towers/turbines after installation. Mr. Hoffbauer explained the process of transporting the towers for installation and the inspection process. Mr. Fugate explained that the cable project from the towers to Block Island was completed and informed them of the RI HPHC and Narragansett Tribe issues with uncovered artifacts in the area.
6. APPLICATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN OUT-TO-NOTICE AND ARE BEFORE THE FULL COUNCIL FOR DECISION:
2015-07-027 DAVID BLANEY -- Construct and maintain a kelp farm in the Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. Please note that the location of the farm has been changed based upon information received by the RI Department of Environmental Management. The method of cultivation will remain as originally proposed. The dates have been changed for the farm to start on November 1 and be finished by May 1 of each year. Located in the Harbor of Refuge, Narragansett, RI.
Mr. Beutel gave brief overview of the application for the Council stating that Mr. Blaney was requesting to pursue a 2.75 acre kelp farm project in the Pt. Judith Harbor of Refuge in Narragansett, RI. Mr. Beutel stated that during the review process Mr. Blaney agreed to relocate the farm further off the center wall to resolve concerns of both the Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Beutel explained that kelp would be grown in a suspended method and the kelp grows up to the surface using a series of lines and anchors with the kelp planted on the ropes in between. Mr. Beutel stated that two objections were received during the review process, one of which was from someone a significant distance away being concerned with their view being impacted. Mr. Beutel did not feel as this was an issue as there were many boats that traverse the area from commercial vessels to recreational traffic. Mr. Beutel stated the RIDEM also objected based on potential negative impact on migratory waterfowl and hunting. Mr. Beutel explained that during the review process of the objection, Senator Sosnowski facilitated a discussion between DEM objectors, the applicant and CRMC which resulted in the alternative site that was no longer objected to. Mr. Beutel stated that Mr. Blaney would only work the site from November 1 to May 1 during a time when there is less activity in the pond. Mr. Beutel stated that the applicant had agreed to remove the aquaculture gear and apparatus during the May to November months as it is in an area that serves as anchorage in the Harbor of Refuge. Mr. Beutel stated that the staff had recommended approval and the applicant agreed to three staff stipulations. Mr. Fugate confirmed for Mr. Gagnon that the applicant would need return before the Council if a modification was sought. Mr. Gagnon asked for confirmation that the applicant would work there between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily only during the period when sea ducks were present. Mr. Beutel stated that the CRMC and applicant did not agree to that stipulation as kelp farming is a very low impact activity.
Captain David Blaney was sworn in and identified himself for the record. Captain Blaney confirmed for Chair Livingston that he understood the stipulations discussed. Captain Blaney explained, at Mr. Gagnon’s request, the work involved in checking the lease. Captain Blaney stated that once the lines were seeded, he would visually check the site once a week to make sure all connections were proper and the lines were together. Mr. Blaney explained that he got his seed from UConn as they have been doing research in this area.
Mr. Gagnon stated for the record that RIDEM was happy the CRMC and the applicant were willing to sit down and work with DEM on their concerns.
Vice Chair Lemont motioned for the approval of the application. Mr. Sahagian seconded the motion. Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.
10. ADJOURN
Vice Chair Lemont motioned, seconded by Mr. Sahagian, to adjourn.
Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Turner
Recording Secretary
Stedman Government Center
Suite 116, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879-1900
Voice 401-783-3370 • Fax 401-783-2069 • E-Mail cstaff1@crmc.ri.gov
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