To the Editor:
I write to clarify the purpose of the Public Hearing being held in Mattapoisett on Thursday, March 5 at 7:00 pm at Old Hammondtown School. This hearing will be chaired by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), at the request of the Board of Selectmen, to allow the public to learn about and comment upon the large private dock being proposed for 3 Goodspeed Island. The major issue of interest to DEP in the March 5 hearing is whether and how the proposed pier will interfere with public uses of the shoreline and harbor. Written comments are requested by DEP and may be submitted following the hearing until March 25, 2015.
The March 5 hearing is not part of the appeal being pursued by the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission to overturn a Superseding Order of Conditions (SOC) granted for the pier by the DEP Regional Office in Lakeville. The SOC process also is administered by DEP, but is separate from the March 5 hearing. The SOC appeal is considered by DEP’s Dispute Resolution Branch in Boston; a decision is expected sometime next summer. No public hearings will be conducted as part of that process.
It is easy to become confused because, while two different permits are needed to build a pier, the process for granting both permits is administered by DEP. However, the laws and regulations governing each permit, and the processes for permit evaluation, are separate. More information about both permits is available from the Conservation Commission office at Town Hall, or from our group on Facebook or at goodspeedislandpier@comcast.net.
Thank you,
Mike Huguenin
Friends of Mattapoisett Harbor