Coastal Resources Element 2.2

Inventory The Coastal Resources inventory identifies and summarizes a variety of Falmouth’s beaches, coastal banks, shellfish beds, commercial waterfronts, harbors, access points and coastal facilities. Detailed and specific coastal resource information, such as the Shellfish Management Plan and The Future of Falmouth’s South Shore, are found in various Town Hall departments.

Shellfish Beds & Habitat Areas The majority of Falmouth’s tidal ponds and rivers are seasonally approved for the harvest of shellfish from November thru April on an annual basis, with each water-body having various quantities of quality shellfish habitat. Areas open for year-round harvest vary from year to year and are more limited in scope, but typically consist of locations in Waquoit Bay, Bournes Pond, Little Harbor (Woods Hole), Great Harbor (Woods Hole), Quissett Harbor and Megansett Harbor. Shellfish resource habitat maps highlight these water-bodies and are available at the Town of Falmouth Shellfish Department and the Conservation Commission office. The significant shellfish habitat areas are as follows:

The Megansett Harbor area (1,049 acres) has significant populations of seeded quahogs, clams and oysters as well as occasional populations of bay scallops.

West Falmouth Harbor (201 acres) is a significant resource for quahogs, soft-shell clams, oysters and scallops. The scallop population has been recently improved due to a local scallop program executed by the Shellfish Constable.

Great Sippewissett Marsh (29 acres) has pockets of clams and quahogs, but has been experiencing degradation in water quality from runoff and septic systems, which has led to a prohibition on shellfishing. The designation of this area as a District of Critical Planning Concern is attempting to curb some of this degradation.

Quissett Harbor (113 acres) is known for its oyster habitat and resources. This area is heavily used for recreational boating and is marginally utilized for shellfishing due to limited access and parking.

Great Harbor Woods Hole (288 acres) contains some bay scallops and a significant population of quahogs. This area is generally approved (open for fishing), but isn’t extensively harvested due to poor access.

Great Pond (274 acres) has historically contained significant populations of quahogs and clams, but over development, road runoff, septic systems, and marine use continue to degrade its resource. These aforementioned factors have led to water quality issues and seasonally closed shellfishing. Municipal sewering, and fewer moorings and docks would improve this resource.

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 1 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004 Green Pond (136 acres) exhibits quality quahog habitat and growth, but has experienced declining populations of soft-shell clams. Heavy recreational boating, leaching septic systems, road runoff and algal blooms have inhibited this resource.

Bournes Pond (152 acres) is seeded and has been largely approved for the harvest of shellfish and contains a Family Area near the mouth of the pond. This pond also has viable areas of eel grass, an indicator of good shellfish habitat.

Eel River/Childs River (243 acres) has significant quantities of seeded soft-shell clams and quahogs, and is fished both commercially and recreationally. This is an area impacted by over-development, stormwater run-off and recreational boating, which combined, have destroyed the eelgrass beds and scallop resources.

Waquoit Bay (1,035 acres) is a good quahog and soft-shell clam resource area that is seeded on an annual basis. This embayment has been impacted by nutrient loading and boating activity, but is actively monitored and enhanced by the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Reserve.

Significant Harbors & Coastal Locales

Falmouth’s 67.9 miles of shoreline on tidal water contain the following twelve significant harbors and coastal locales:

Megansett Harbor is a coastal area in North Falmouth, north of Wild Harbor Road and inland of Buzzards Bay, and contains the water bodies of Megansett Harbor, Rand’s Canal, Fiddler’s Canal and Cedar Lake. The majority of the shoreline in this area is classified as sandy beach with additional coastal resources, such as setback dunes behind southern Megansett Harbor and the west side of Rand’s Canal and the cliffs off the north side of Westwood Road. Fiddler’s Cove consists primarily of marina infrastructure, as do areas within Rand’s Canal. The remainder of this coastal area varies in topography and contains several freshwater wetlands and a salt marsh.

Megansett Harbor is valuable from both a shellfish and recreational aspect. The northern section contains significant shellfish beds and the southern area supports mooring areas, a landing and beach. Fiddler’s Cove contributes only to the recreational aspect, containing a marina with additional moorings. This protected cove is an ideal location for storing boats, while offering easy access to the Bay. Rand’s Canal is lined by a moderate amount of residential development and has several private docks and moorings. Both Rands Canal and Cedar Lake are active herring runs.

The Old Silver Beach Coastal Area is in North/West Falmouth, south of Wild Harbor Road and north of Little Island Road, and contains the open water resources of Wild Harbor and the Herring River. Most of the shoreline consists of gently sloping sandy beaches and low-lying inland topography with the exception of the Falmouth Cliffs,

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 2 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004 which abruptly rise 50 to 60 feet from the shore. Both Wild Harbor and the Herring River possess significant tidal areas with large tracts of salt marsh.

The Old Silver Beach area supports both shellfishing and recreation. The Wild Harbor River contains shellfish beds (but is closed to shellfishing) and a herring run. The Herring River offers a herring run and salt marsh area, providing a diverse habitat for wildlife. Old Silver Beach itself is a popular locale for beach-goers.

West Falmouth Harbor is a well-protected water body made up of several arms and coves. This coastal area extends from Little Harbor Road in the north to the Oyster Pond/Brick Kiln Road area to the south. The harbor is the single open water area in this locality, and is the largest harbor on the Falmouth coast. This coastal area also possesses the largest dune complex in Town (with the exception of Washburn Island) located in the neck of the Chapoquoit peninsula. This tract is bordered by sandy beach to the west and salt marsh to the east, and makes up approx. 140 acres. Freshwater wetlands are also found inland of these resources. A mix of sandy beach (Chapoquoit Beach) and salt marsh, providing varied habitat for wildlife, borders the harbor itself.

West Falmouth Harbor, and its environs, is a very popular spot for recreational boaters. The harbor has a number of moorings and can be accessible via a high-traffic landing site. There is also valuable shellfish habitat and eel grass within the harbor, coexisting with the heavy recreational uses.

The Sippewissett Coastal Area is located south of the West Falmouth Harbor area and north of Gunning Point Road. This coastal area consists largely of wetlands, with Little Sippewissett Pond being the only open water resource. The Great Sippewissett Marsh encompasses approximately 140 acres of marshlands, ponds, tidal rivers and upland. Black Beach is located north of the Great Marsh and is a conservation area offering extensive wildlife habitat. Little Sippewissett Marsh contains at least 40 acres of wetlands and is largely town-owned. Woodneck Beach is a popular family beach in the area, and acts as a separation between the Bay and the Little Marsh.

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 3 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004 Together the Great and Little Sippewissett Marshes constitute 180 acres of salt marsh. Expanses of barrier beaches, coupled with strips of dune, separate these marsh areas from the Bay. South of the marshes the topography changes from flat tidal areas to sea- cliffs as the moraine becomes evident in the vicinity of Gunning Point Avenue and the Cape Codder condos.

The Quissett Coastal Area is the area south of Gunning Point Road, north of Gansett Road, and east of Buzzards Bay. Sandy beach lines much of the shorefront from the cliffs of Sippewissett to the mouth of Quissett Harbor. Racing Beach is located within this stretch and is composed of a large dune composite behind the sandy beach. Quissett Harbor has a mix of sandy beaches and rocky shore and shellfish resources abound.

The Knob peninsula is protected by the Salt Pond Bird Sanctuaries and offers a great public access point for passive recreation and scenic vistas to the west. The Quissett Harbor Marina serves recreational boaters in the area, as does the town landing and a large number of moorings.

The Woods Hole Coastal Area is bounded by Buzzards Bay to the west, Vineyard Sound to the east and the Woods Hole Channel to the south, and includes the open water areas of Great Harbor, Little Harbor and Eel Pond. There are six town landings and two beaches, Stoney Beach (private) and Nobska Beach, within this coastal area. Nobska Point, and lighthouse, dominate the eastern landscape and offer views and access from Church St. and Nobska Rd. A large portion of Woods Hole supports sandy beach, with man-made shorelines along both Great and Little Harbors serving the Steamship Authority, oceanographic institutions, U.S. Coast Guard and commercial fishing facilities.

Great Harbor is a significant port for ferries, research vessels, recreational boaters and one or two commercial fishing operations. Navigational aids and shoreline markers are critical to this active harbor. There is access to this water body via the three public landings, a public park and a fishing pier, but limited parking has, and continues to be, an issue. Little Harbor supports the Woods Hole Coast Guard facility as well as

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 4 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004 recreational boaters and moorings. Eel Pond is in the center of Woods Hole. It is filled to capacity with moorings and entirely surrounded by development. A public shuttle bus serves this area, as do the shuttle buses operated by the Steamship Authority.

The Oyster and Salt Ponds Coastal Area contains land and water bodies that lie north of Vineyard Sound, east of Fay Road and west of Shore Street. Oyster and Salt Ponds are the open water resources in this locale. The Surf Drive and Trunk River Beaches are located on the waterfront and are heavily used in the summer season, as is the Shining Sea Bikeway that passes thru this area. These beaches, in conjunction with neighboring salt marshes, protect and buffer the two ponds from the Sound. There are also a number of stone groins and seawalls along the sandy beach that have been constructed to impede local erosion and provide storm protection.

Oyster Pond is a fresh water pond that has experienced improving water quality since the installation of a weir in 1997. The shore of Salt Pond is largely protected from development, and therefore presents significant wildlife habitat and bird watching and hiking opportunities. Both Ponds have active herring runs.

Falmouth Inner Harbor Coastal Area runs from Shore Street to Dartmouth Avenue and is the Town’s primary port area. The Inner Harbor is lined with public, commercial and private marine facilities as well as abutting restaurants, shops and hotels. The shoreline of the harbor predominately consists of docks, slips and marine accessories. Falmouth Heights is within this coastal area, and also possesses a substantial amount of development along with the Heights Beach. A shoreline reinforced cliff area lies between the Inner Harbor and the Heights Beach, providing a scenic viewpoint of Vineyard Sound.

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 5 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004 The Inner Harbor is accessible with two town landings as well as other town-owned properties along its shore, which are interspersed between private property and marinas. There are a number of moorings within the harbor, yet it is open to shellfishing on a seasonal basis.

The Little and Great Ponds Coastal Area consists of the shoreline east of Dartmouth Avenue, west of Menauhant Road, and inland of Vineyard Sound. This area includes the Maravista peninsula, and Perch, Little and Great Ponds. Little Pond has a thriving marsh area on its northern fringe and Great Pond exhibits some sandy beach, salt marsh and freshwater wetlands. Great Pond is protected from the Sound by beach areas and a reinforced passageway, which is dredged on a maintenance program administered by the Waterways Committee.

Little Pond is made up of a shallow (mean 3 feet) 70 acres of water area, has no real public access and serves only the surrounding homeowners. Great Pond, the largest of Falmouth’s inland ponds, is valued for recreational boating. Due to poor water quality shellfishing is limited to a seasonal basis in some locales and the former herring run to Perch Pond is no longer viable. Great Pond is also fed by the Coonamessett River, which offers the town’s best herring run.

The Green Pond Coastal Area is bounded by Menauhant/Acapesket and Davisville Roads, to the west and east, respectively with the only inland water body being Green Pond. There are two marine facilities and one town landing located near the mouth of the pond. The Green Pond Bridge has been reconstructed and includes a handicap accessible fishing platform. A barrier-beach with inter-area salt marshes separates Green Pond from the Sound. Marsh grasses and undergrowth generally bound the shores of the Pond. Shellfishing is open on a seasonal basis and boating is popular, but the pond’s shallow depth inhibits navigation and larger vessels. In addition, a fish ladder is planned to improve the existing herring run.

Bournes Pond Coastal Area is bordered by Davisville Road to the west, Central Avenue to the east and Vineyard Sound to the south. The land surrounding Bournes Pond consists of residential development and some conservation land that provides public access. Menauhant Beach is a popular barrier-beach located at the mouth of Bournes Pond on Vineyard Sound. Bournes Pond contains a variety of salt marsh areas along its shoreline supplying valuable habitat and resource areas, provides small boat recreational use and allows seasonal and year-round shellfishing in various areas.

The Eel Pond and Waquoit Bay Coastal Area is the easternmost coastal locale, bounded by Central Avenue to the west and the Mashpee town line to the east. This area encompasses Eel Pond, Waquoit Bay, the Childs River and the Moonakis River as well as Washburn Island (333 acres). Waquoit Bay hosts several shoreline features, from the line of dunes at its northernmost border, to scattered saltmarshes and sandy beaches. Washburn Island also contains several small saltwater marshes and sandy beaches, specifically on its eastern side. This entire locale has been designated an Area of Critical Environmental Concern due to the need to protect water quality, shellfish beds and other environmental and visual resources.

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 6 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004

Public & Private Coastal Facilities

There are a variety of public and private facilities that provide coastal access including docks, piers, town landings, launching ramps, marinas and beaches. These locales and facilities enable residents and visitors alike to access and utilize the valuable shoreline and water bodies that distinguish Falmouth from other communities in the Commonwealth. The Town offers 24 landings, 7 of which have launching ramps, and one public marina located at the Inner Harbor. In addition to the Town Marina there are several large private marinas located in various harbors and great ponds. There are currently six active marinas in the Falmouth Inner Harbor, one on Green Pond, one on the Childs River (Eel Pond), one at Quissett Harbor and one on Wild Harbor.

The Town owns nine ocean beaches offering over 3.4 miles of ocean access. These beaches consist of: Megansett Beach on County Road (N. Falmouth), Old Silver Beach on Quaker Road (N. Falmouth), Chappoquoit Beach on Chappoquoit Road (W. Falmouth), Wood Neck Beach on Wood Neck Road (Sippewissett), Trunk River Beach on Oyster Pond Road (Quissett), Surf Drive Beach on Surf Drive (Falmouth Village), Falmouth Heights Beach on Grand Avenue (Falmouth Heights), Bristol Beach on Menauhant Road (Maravista), and Menauhant Beach on Menauhant Road (E. Falmouth).

Analysis

Area of Critical Environmental Concern Waquoit Bay and its surrounding environs (approx. 2550 acres), including Washburn Island, South Cape Beach, and the Moonakis and Childs Rivers, have been designated an ACEC since 1979. A bylaw governs this area and the 50 ft. buffer surrounding it. This bylaw prohibits both new construction (with the exception of accessory buildings) and the clear cutting of vegetation and habitat areas within the ACEC. ACEC regulations also protect various water areas that contain valuable shellfish and fisheries. The designated ACEC, coupled with the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (established in 1989), have actively been protecting, researching and monitoring this environmentally sensitive resource area.

District of Critical Planning Concern Falmouth has one District of Critical Planning Concern (DCPC) named the Black Beach/Great Sippewissett Marsh DCPC, which was designated in 1997 by the Cape Cod Commission. This District is located in the West Falmouth and Sippewissett area, south of West Falmouth Harbor, north of Wood Neck Beach and west of West Falmouth Highway. The purpose of this DCPC is to fortify local protection of the barrier beach, dune and salt marsh system and to prevent flood damage. Development and wetlands regulations have been incorporated into Chapter 235, Wetlands Protection, of the Falmouth Code to protect this sensitive district and its natural resources.

Public & Private Beach Areas All of Falmouth’s beaches and dunes (public and private) are sensitive coastal resources that are in need of protection, preservation, nourishment and enhancement. The Future

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 7 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004 of Falmouth’s South Shore, produced by the Coastal Resources Working Group, thoroughly discusses the erosion and degradation to Falmouth’s beaches over the past century caused by a complex combination of natural coastal processes and pervasive coastal armoring. The report surmises that armoring, jetties and groins have eroded and depleted once wide beaches and plentiful dunes. The recent release of this report, and attached planning recommendations, should be used to guide gradual changes to coastal policies, land uses and landownership over the next 100 years, ideally resulting in a more sustainable and publicly accessible coast.

Coastal Access Given the number of public beaches, landings, parking areas and piers, it is evident that Falmouth provides the public with a range of public access points. The Town recognizes the central role coastal access plays to the community, and continues to work toward providing additional locations for shoreline access in an attempt to accommodate the ever-increasing demand. Parcels have been recently purchased along Vineyard Sound and Bournes Pond to facilitate additional public access. Falmouth is committed to continue efforts to increase public access and protect the open coast for future generations.

Even with recent purchases, public landings and ancillary parking areas do not meet the current weekend demands. On a typical summer weekend, all of the public boat landings and ramps are crowded, congested and lack adequate parking. Woods Hole, Great Pond, Green Pond, Seapit and Megansett are the landings in which parking is the most lacking. Additional landing facilities are also needed, especially as the inland areas of town continue to be developed. New residents who don’t have immediate water access will continue to put additional stress on this situation.

Coastal User Conflicts The use of the Town’s coastal resources and access areas vary from passive recreation, such as sightseeing and sunbathing, to active water-dependent uses, such as boating and shellfishing. Due to the various user groups and activities, access and use conflicts undoubtedly arise. Specific guidelines have been established to reduce these conflicts and equitably manage the coastline. There are currently regulations in place that prohibit motorized boats within a specified distance to beaches, prohibit windsurfing before the evening hours in most coastal areas and a newly established bylaw governing the noise coming from sport boats.

Docks are another issue that raises conflicts between private landowners and both the public and the environment. Coastal property owners often seek to construct docks for boat access and recreation. But the establishment of docks can inhibit the public’s right of lateral shoreline access and negatively impact shellfish and eelgrass. The Conservation Commission, through the Wetlands Act, and the Board of Selectmen, by Special Permit, have the opportunity to mediate these conflicts through the dock permitting process. The Town is currently exploring the idea of Watersheet Zoning, which could delineate areas where docks, moorings, etc. are most appropriate and should be allowed as well as where shellfish and eelgrass should take priority and

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 8 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004 physical structures should be prohibited. This type of regulation could aid in structuring and streamlining the dock permitting process.

Adequacy of Existing Shoreline Facilities Town and private beaches are the major water-dependent use on Falmouth’s shoreline and provide significant storm protection. The Town beaches, while mostly erosive, are generally adequate in size, and have received periodic sand inputs and nourishments in the past. An expanded sand nourishment program could improve and enlarge existing beaches to increase storm protection and benefit resident and tourist visitors. To address and improve the long-range quality and viability of our beaches more substantial steps need to be taken, as highlighted in The Future of Falmouth’s South Shore. Periodic and regular nourishment should be employed to mitigate erosion and a revolutionary approach to coastal infrastructure and management should occur to restore coastal sediment sources, enhance public access and allow more natural processes of sand supply and nourishment over the long-term.

Various improvements to Town beach facilities, such as the addition of a bathroom facility at Menahaunt Beach, have recently been made, but additional improvements are needed. A high priority for facilities improvement is the rehabilitation of the Surf Drive Beach House. Improvements to this structure are needed to adequately house beach staff and serve visitors. Additional parking facilities are also needed to provide access to town beaches. The beach parking lots are often filled early in the day on summer weekends. A few new satellite parking lots, enabling beach access via shuttle buses or bicycle/walking, should be encouraged to meet the parking demands, while not exacerbating parking and congestion in the immediate vicinity of these beaches.

Sources of Poor Water Quality There are a variety of pollution inputs that have significantly degraded the water quality of Falmouth’s coastal ponds, estuaries and harbors, all of which have resulted from increases in population, development and water-use over the past 100 years. Nitrogen- loading from septic systems, stormwater runoff, boater wastes, and wildlife/waterfowl wastes all contribute contaminants to our fragile coastal waters. These pollutants affect the uses and resources of our coastal waters by threatening public health, degrading beaches, and damaging the habitats of fish, shellfish, and other wildlife.

As stated in the inventory as well as other elements of the Comprehensive Plan, high levels of nutrients, primarily nitrogen, have caused serious degradation of water quality in Falmouth’s coastal ponds. Excessive amounts of nitrogen triggers eutrophication (an over-fertilization of water-bodies characterized by excessive algal growth, depleted oxygen levels and fish kills), which has, and continues to, impact most coastal ponds and embayments. The principal source of nitrogen is septic systems, with some input from lawn and conventional agricultural fertilizers. All septic systems, including those in conformance with Title V, contribute nitrogen to the watershed. The problem is intensified by the density of residential homes (served by septic systems) surrounding our coastal ponds and the fact that nitrogen can flow great distances in groundwater with little or no attenuation by vegetation. A comprehensive approach to nutrient management, involving sewering of critical areas, reductions in use of fertilizers, and

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 9 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004 restoration of public bogs and wetlands must be enacted to curb this serious issue. This requires collaboration and cooperation between the Board of Health, Planning Board, Conservation Commission and the recently created Wastewater Division.

Stormwater runoff is another form of pollution that has, and continues to, erode Falmouth’s coastal water quality. Stormwater can contain fecal coliform, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, nutrients, toxic organics, herbicides and pesticides. Storm drains that discharge directly into coastal areas are the primary contributors of such pollutants. Since 1995 the DPW has been executing a Coastal Drainage Program that has been modifying critical direct discharges to leach stormwater, particularly the 1st flush, into the ground to eliminate pollution contributions. This program is based on priority with various drainage projects completed on an annual basis.

Beachwrack also discharges pathogens and litters our coastal areas. Animal wastes, litter, and other debris accumulate in the wrack and seaweed. Litter and trash cleanup projects involving volunteers should be established for the beaches to remove such debris on a regular basis to improve beach and water quality.

Areas of High Hazard & Erosion Falmouth contains 67.9 miles of shoreline on tidal water, 25.5 miles of which directly border Vineyard Sound, Woods Hole Passage or Buzzards Bay. With this extent of shoreline, Falmouth has a large quantity of properties (of significant value) within various flood zones. Properties and structures located in the velocity zone are considered to be in high hazard areas and are the most vulnerable to storm damage. The zoning bylaws, wetland regulations and the Board of Health curb new construction in these locations, but pre-existing structures predominate in some locations. These pre- existing structures are the most at risk within the community, and often have armoring and seawalls along their shorelines. Such seawalls can prevent local erosion, but cause erosion and storm damage elsewhere. The Future of Falmouth’s South Shore addresses these issues, and offers recommendations for alternative practices in hazard and erosion areas. In addition, a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan is currently being formulated, in cooperation with the Cape Cod Commission, to establish local hazard mitigation strategies to reduce coastal flood or storm damage.

Goals and Policies

Goal 1: To protect public interests in the coast and rights for fishing, fowling and navigation, to preserve and manage coastal areas so as to safeguard and enhance their biological, economic, and aesthetic values, and to preserve and, where appropriate, expand public access to the shoreline.

Policy 1: Development and redevelopment along the coastline shall not interfere with existing public access and traditional public rights of way to, and environmentally appropriate use of, the shoreline.

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 10 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004 Policy 2: The construction of walkways, where environmentally acceptable, shall be encouraged to enhance shoreline access for the public, including disabled individuals.

Policy 3: Public access shall be provided at all publicly funded beach-nourishment sites where such access will not impair natural resources. The Town may waive this requirement for nourishment sites it contracts on private lands.

Policy 4: Development and redevelopment should reflect that traditional maritime character or architectural style typical of the area and should be designed to maintain and enhance views of the shoreline from public ways, access points and existing development.

Policy 5: If an existing water-dependent facility is within 250 ft. of the mean high water line or shoreward of the first public way, whichever is less, it should not be allowed to change to a non-water-dependent facility unless a public benefit is provided to accommodate for the loss of the water- dependent use.

Policy 6: Development or redevelopment of water-dependent facilities should provide coastal access benefits to the general public. Such access should minimize interference with the water-dependent use.

Goal 2: To limit development in high hazard areas in order to minimize the loss of life and structures and the environmental damage resulting from storms, natural disasters and sea level rise.

Policy 1: Existing structures located in FEMA V flood zones may be reconstructed or renovated provided there is no increase in floor area or intensity of use. As an exception, where there is no feasible alternative, water- dependent structures and uses may be permitted subject to the approval of all permitting authorities.

Policy 2: In order to accommodate possible sea-level rise and increased storm intensity, ensure human health and safety, and protect the integrity of coastal landforms and natural resources, all new buildings, buildings substantially improved or buildings substantially damaged within FEMA A and V flood zones shall be designed one vertical foot above existing FEMA base flood elevations and State building code construction standards.

Policy 3: No new development or redevelopment shall be permitted on barrier beaches or coastal dunes as defined by the Wetlands Protection Act and associated regulations and policies. Existing structures may be reconstructed or renovated, provided there is no increase in floor area or intensity of. Water dependent public recreation facilities in these locations may be permitted if approved by all permitting authorities.

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 11 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004

Policy 4: Development and redevelopment on or within 100 feet landward of a coastal bank or dune shall been designed to have no adverse effect on the height, stability, vegetation or the use of the bank or dune as a natural sediment source. In areas where banks or dunes are eroding, the setback for all new buildings and septic systems at the top of the coastal bank or dune crest shall be at least 30 times the average annual erosion rate of the bank or dune.

Policy 5: Where fire, storm or similar disaster has caused damage to or loss of buildings in FEMA A and V flood zones, on barrier beaches, coastal banks, or coastal dunes of greater than 50% of their tax assessment valuation, all reconstruction shall be in compliance with current applicable regulations. In FEMA V flood zones, any reconstruction shall not enlarge or expand the use of an existing structure.

Policy 6: No new public infrastructure or expansion of existing infrastructure shall be made in FEMA V flood hazard zones unless it is shown that there is an overriding public benefit provided, and provided that such infrastructure will not promote new growth and development in flood hazard areas.

Policy 7: Activities that impact critical wildlife and plant habitat areas in wetlands, dunes, shallow estuarine areas and shorebird breeding habitat areas shall be minimized.

Policy 8: Wherever feasible, dredge material should be used for beach nourishment in areas subject to erosion. Such material shall be clean and compatible with existing strata.

Goal 3: To maintain and improve coastal water quality in all coastal waters and to protect coastal ecosystems and habitats.

Policy 1: For existing structures in FEMA V flood zones, no new septic systems shall be allowed, except acceptable alternative systems to Title V. Within FEMA V flood hazard zones, new mounted septic systems shall be prohibited except to upgrade existing substandard septic systems where such systems pose a threat to public health, water quality or natural resources. All new septic systems in FEMA A flood zones shall meet minimum Title V or equal standards.

Policy 2: In order to accommodate a one foot rise in relative sea level, all new and replacement septic systems within FEMA A zones shall be designed with a minimum five foot separation to ground water.

Policy 3: No new direct stormwater discharges shall be permitted into any coastal waters or wetlands, including discharges above or below the mean high water level.

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 12 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004

Policy 4: Stormwater management systems shall be designed to accommodate a one-foot rise in relative sea level. (see Water Resources, Element 2.1)

Policy 5: In order to avoid loss of shellfish habitat and minimize impacts on wetlands, construction of community docks and piers, rather than separate structures serving individual lots, shall be required. In either historic or current areas of significant shellfish habitat, as identified by the Division of Marine Fisheries or local shellfish officials, the construction or expansion of docks and piers for non-water-dependent uses and private recreational boating facilities shall not be permitted. Docks and piers damaged or destroyed by storms may be replaced if approved by state and local authorities. This policy shall not preclude construction or maintenance of water-dependent structures serving a public purpose.

Policy 6: New marinas of 10 or more slips, moorings or active landward storage berths and expansions of existing marinas, shall provide or contribute to the provision of adequate boat sewage pump-out facilities in each harbor and shall provide restrooms for their patrons. Such marinas shall also provide or contribute to provision of adequate collection facilities for solid waste and waste oil for their patrons.

Policy 7: New dredging projects or expansion of existing dredging projects shall not occur unless a substantial public benefit can be demonstrated including, but not limited to, enhancement of fish or shellfish habitat or necessary improvements to navigation.

Policy 8: Undisturbed buffer areas of 100 feet width surrounding coastal wetlands and/or landward of the mean high water mark of coastal water bodies shall be protected.

Policy 9: All waterfront fueling facilities shall be upgraded to ensure that best management practices are used to avoid adverse impacts to water quality.

Goal: To balance the interests of the many water users and to address the needs of both water - dependent and non-water-dependent development. Performance Standards & Policies:

Policy 1: All development and redevelopment along the coast shall conform to the policies and guidelines, as applicable, found in the Falmouth “Coastal Plan with the Harbor Management Guidelines”, July 1989, as amended.

Priority Action Items

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 13 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004 Action Items 1: Establish a Coastal Management Committee to guide the implementation of this Element as well as any actions slated in other plans relating to coastal resources, such as The Future of Falmouth’s South Shore (March 2003) and The Open Space and Recreation Plan (July 2001). This committee should aid in coordinating the efforts and agendas of the Waterways Committee, Harbor Master, Beach Committee, Shellfish Constable, Department of Natural Resources and Coastal Resources Working Group.

Responsible Party: Board of Selectmen, Local Plan Committee & Conservation Commission

Action Item 2: Establish and implement Watersheet Zoning. Regulations can be crafted to zone particular coastal locales where docks, moorings and piers can be allowed as well as where shellfish beds, eelgrass and fish habitat should take precedent and be preserved or restored. Particular zoning areas can be delineated and mapped on the coastal ponds and harbors and a review or Special Permit process can be instituted.

Responsible Party: Coastal Management Committee & Planning Board

Action Item 3: Identify, purchase and develop an additional landing(s) or boat ramp(s) with parking to increase water access for recreational boaters.

Responsible Party: Coastal Management Committee & Board of Selectmen

Action Item 4: Identify and fund improvements to water access areas, including beautification of beach approaches, parking areas and public facilities, informational signage/kiosks and handicapped accessibility.

Responsible Party: Beach Committee & Coastal Management Committee

Action Item 5: Begin implementing the Immediate Term Action Items found within The Future of Falmouth’s South Shore to initiate the long-term protection and restoration of Falmouth’s beaches and the coast’s natural processes. These actions range from regular systematic nourishment to physical coastal alterations, such as “softening” of groins and jetties, to zoning and wetland bylaw changes.

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 14 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004 Responsible Party: Coastal Management Committee, Conservation Commission & Beach Committee

Action Item 6: Complete and begin implementing a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan, currently being coordinated at the regional-level, to establish local and regional mitigation strategies to exposure and impacts by natural coastal hazards.

Responsible Party: Planning Staff & HAZMAT

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 15 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004

Falmouth Local Comprehensive Plan 16 Coastal Resources, Element 2.2 DRAFT December 22, 2004