In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in Hazards Room, URI Coastal Institute, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI.

Members Present
Jennifer Cervenka, Chair
Raymond Coia, Vice Chair
Don Gomez
Ron Gagnon, RIDEM
Jerry Sahagian
Mike Hudner
Trish Reynolds
Michelle Collie

Members Excused
Joy Montanaro
Lisette Gomes

Staff Present
Grover Fugate, Executive Director
Jeff Willis, Deputy Director
Janet Freedman, Geologist
Anthony DeSisto, Legal Counsel

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chair Cervenka called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

Chair Cervenka called for approval of minutes:

• April 09, 2019
  Motion: Vice Chair Coia
  Second: Mr. Gagnonn
  Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote

3. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

No matters to report.

4. STAFF REPORTS

Mr. Fugate updated the Council on the following:

• CRMC presentation to the Senate on offshore wind farm project and the review process focusing on Vineyard Wind review and how the decision was reached based on the limitations of the consistency process.
• April 25th, 9:30 a.m. at Quonochontaug there will be an event that will highlight and celebrate Quonochontaug Community and Coastal Habitat Resiliency project which was mainly funded through a NOAA Coastal Resilience Grant awarded to CRMC in 2018.

5. APPLICATIONS REQUESTING EXTENSION OF ASSENT:

B2001-12-018 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Interstate 195 Relocation Project, Providence, RI

Mr. Willis gave a brief overview of the Assented project and the extension process explaining that certain aspects of the overall project will not be completed until the spring of 2020. Mr. Willis explained that State departments and municipalities can request a longer period of time than the usual one year. Mr. Willis stated that CRMC staff believed the project is beneficial to the State of Rhode Island and recommended approval of the extension as the project.

Peter DeSimone of RI Department of Transportation was sworn in and identified himself for the record. Mr. DeSimone explained that three ongoing projects were in completion process but required more time due to conformance inspections and contractor warranty. Mr. DeSimone asked for an extension of time through the Summer of 2021.

Mr. Willis confirmed that the request for two additional years was reasonable.

Chair closed public comment period.

Mr. Sahagian motioned approval of the extension request. Mr. Hudner seconded the motion.

Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.

5. APPLICATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN OUT-TO-NOTICE AND ARE BEFORE THE FULL COUNCIL FOR DECISION:

2019-03-046 CAROL OLMSTEAD -- Construct and maintain an experimental coastal erosion control structure consisting of a dune/dike with an ELCORock geosynthetic sand container core. The core will be covered with sand and planted with American Beachgrass. Sand shall come from an upland source. The structure shall be monitored for three years after installation or event of failure. If the structure fails all geosynthetic components shall be removed and the sand distributed on the beach. Located at plat 175, lot 15; 33 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly, RI.

Ms. Freedman gave a brief overview of the application requesting approval for an experimental erosion control project using geosynthetic sandbags to create a base for a dune which will be covered with sand and planted with Beachgrass. Ms. Freedman explained that this method would allow for natural habitat growth. Ms. Freedman explained that regulations were put into effect for this area of Misquamicut (and Matunuck) that allows for a little more structure than nature based erosion control with this project being the first to take advantage of the regulations.

Ms. Freed stated that the project was reviewed and approved by the technical review panel as it is considered an appropriate use of experimental erosion control with a good chance of success during normal to moderate storm events.

Ms. Freedman stated that the applicant has set up an escrow account on file with CRMC so in the event of erosion control methods failing, the synthetic bags can be cut, sand dispersed and bags removed.

Ms. Freedman stated that it will be stipulated that quarterly status reports will be required during the three year experiment and a full report on success/failure will be required at end of the three years. At the end of three years, the owner can either remove the structure or apply for an additional timeframe.

Chair Cervenka asked about maintenance of the structure. Ms. Freedman stated that normal maintenance can be done by the owner but may need a bobcat if sand distribution is required. Ms. Freedman described the bags as 8’ long x 2-3’ round made by an Australian company and being used successfully in Massachusetts.

Mr. Gomez asked about the terminus of the structure. Ms. Freedman stated that on one side the structure will be built to a stone wall and the other side will have a small space between this structure and the neighbor’s structure.

Mr. Sahagian asked about erosion control in Type 1 waters requiring a special exception.

Mr. Fugate stated that special exception was required for hard structures but that this project was not considered a hard structure.

Carol Olmstead introduced herself to the Council and thanked Ms. Freedman for her guidance regarding this new technology for erosion control.

Chair Cervenka closed the public comment period.

Mr. Hudner motioned approval of project with staff stipulations. Mr. Gomez seconded the motion.

The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

9. ADJOURN

Motion to Adjourn:
Motion: Vice Chair Coia
Second: Chair Cervenka
Motion carried on unanimous voice vote.

Meeting adjourned at: 6:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa A. Turner
Recording Secretary

CALENDAR INDEX