In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room A, Administration Building, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI.

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

Members Excused
Joy Montanaro
Trish Reynolds
Lisette Gomes

Staff Present
Grover Fugate, Executive Director
Jeffrey Willis, Deputy Director
Janet Freedman, Geologist
Caitlin Chaffee, Coastal Policy Analyst
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:

• October 8, 2019, October 22, 2019, November 12, 2019
• Motion: 10-08-2019 Vice Chair Coia; 10-22-2019 Vice Chair Coia; 11-12-2019 Mr. Gomez
• Second: 10-08-2019 Mr. Gomez; 10-22-2019 Mr. Gomez; 11-12-2019 Vice Chair Coia

Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote

3. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

None.

4. STAFF REPORTS

Mr. Fugate updated the Council regarding:

• Council Members received Certificate of Appreciation for Shoreline
• Presenting at the National Climate Leadership Conference in March 2020
  • Topic will be Beach SAMP
• Update on StormTools and Coastal Hazards Assessment Worksheet and Training
• Update on Providence Dredge Project
  • Received ACOE Permit
  • Dredging should be done by end of December 2019

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

2019-09-031 CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE -- To perform the installation and monitoring of nature based infrastructure in order to evaluate bluff erosion mitigation practices. The project will include: Creation of a stone sill and minimal amount of fill for planting medium in the intertidal zone and salt marsh plantings in order to mitigate bluff erosion in the southern end of Rose Larisa Park. The stone sill will be in approximate alignment with an existing riprap revetment on the adjacent property and extend northerly for 130 linear feet. Located at Rose Larisa Park, Bullocks Point Avenue, East Providence, RI; plat 414, lots 7, 8, 8.1

Ms. Freedman gave a brief overview on the project stating that the CRMC (partnered with The Nature Conservancy -- TNC) received a Regional Coastal Resiliency Grant from NOAA for the experimental mitigation project. Ms. Freedman explained that the grant was a continuance of an earlier grant where review was done on living shorelines in other New England States. Ms. Freedman stated that monitoring and documenting the project to show benefits of living shorelines from a resiliency standpoint and cost standpoint – as opposed to hardened shorelines.

Ms. Freedman explained that the project site, Rose Larisa Park had a very steep eroding bank and that alternatives to hardened shoreline were being looked at by City to be effective in the face of sea level rise. Ms. Freedman stated that Phase I included an intertidal sill made with stones with gaps in places for sediment release and that a salt marsh will be planted behind the sill. Ms. Freedman further explained that Phase II will be treatment of the bluff. Ms. Freedman explained that the permit would be for both phases of the project and that The Nature Conservancy is looking for further funding ($100,000) for Phase II to be ready for spring planting. Ms. Freedman confirmed that the phases were not interdependent. Ms. Freedman is optimistic that funding will be arranged. Ms. Freedman explained that work that will be required for Phase I of the project such as trimming of trees on the bluff to eliminate the shading on vegetation and the removal of the existing seawall but that a small portion of the seawall will be kept and monitored.

Ms. Freedman stated that no comments had been received from the Public Notice period, that a Water Quality Certification had been received and that the project had an US EPA NEPA review. Ms. Freedman explained that CRMC was awaiting an ACOE permit which will be issued with a stipulation on the correct positioning of the 5’ gaps in the stone sill. Ms. Freedman stated that the stone sill will also be used to attenuate wave energy allowing the creation of the wetland behind the sill.

Chair Cervenka asked if any other states used this method of infrastructure. Ms. Freedman stated that the North Carolina program was very successful with this kind of nature based infrastructure showing accretion in the marshes and bluff protection during hurricanes.

Ms. Freedman stated that work schedule would include a no cutting restriction from June 1 to July 31 based on Bats Management Guidelines for newly born bats.

Mr. Gomez asked about the timeframe of the coir logs. Ms. Freedman stated that the timeframe of the project would be 10 years and that expected outcome is to gain more habitat and vegetation filling in the area to provide a working system after the coir logs degrade.

Ms. Chaffee addressed the Council stating that there was a very good working relationship between the City of East Providence and CRMC. Ms. Chaffee stated that NOAA and the ACOE are looking forward to seeing the mitigation measure in place and results of testing new techniques. Ms. Chaffee stated that for Phase II, the project will apply to the Habitat Trust fund and that CRMC is optimistic that funding will be awarded to continue onto Phase II.

Ms. Freedman stated that a recently published study stated that that there is a higher cost to fix damaged bulkheads than creating living shore marshes.

Chair Cervenka asked if any other had been tested in Rhode Island. Ms. Freedman stated that Save The Bay had created a living shoreline a few years ago but used a different design – it was successful but took a bit longer for growth as it was a high working area.

Mr. Gomez asked if results or reports could be made to the Council to show progress. Ms. Chaffee confirmed that a marsh presentation could be a topic for the CRMC Education series as well as a field trip for Council members.
Ms. Freedman confirmed for Chair Cervenka that the project met all CRMC requirements for both phases of the project.

Present for the City of East Providence: Erik Skadberg – City Engineer
Ms. Skadberg addressed the Council stating that he had worked with Ms. Freedman and Ms. Chaffee for 1.5 years and that the City was very excited about the project. Mr. Skadberg stated that the project location was a good place for this project and that support would be provided from the City of East Providence Highway Department.

Mr. Skadberg confirmed for Mr. Sahagian that he was familiar with CRMC staff recommendations, had read the staff report, and agreed with staff stipulations.

Present for The Nature Conservancy – John O’Brien, duly sworn.

Mr. O’Brien explained the partnership with both CRMC and the City of East Providence. Mr. O’Brien stated that TNC would be holding the contracts for the work for Phase I. Mr. O’Brien also confirmed that TNC wrote the grant proposals.

Chair Cervenka closed the public comment portion of the meeting.

Mr. Gomez motioned for approval of the application with stipulations based on the report and acknowledgment from the City and TNC. Mr. Gagnon seconded the motion.

Motion carried on unanimous voice vote.

7. ADJOURN

Motion to Adjourn:
Motion: Chair Cervenka
Second: Mr. Sahagian
Motion carried on unanimous voice vote.

Meeting adjourned at: 6:34 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa A. Turner
Recording Secretary

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