R� � for · n\tl�t r Att � (to �l \'/.)tt Q.u !ty Cnt,f ... :tio 07/15/2021 WASU:<"O p m�t. o1t<O:o,:-f 139307 r��a: (l!.O) 401 (.{)1 o l HQ 07/15/2021 o. Project Narrative – Long Island Oyster Company Parcel # 79005000125, NWS-2009-01350 July 2021 1.0 INTRODUCTION We are submitting this project narrative on behalf of James Kemmer and Andrea Randall of Long Island Oyster Company in conjunction with application materials for coverage under Section 401 of the Clean Waters Act. This application is for continued shellfish aquaculture and harvest activities in Willapa Bay and is consistent with previous permit NWS-2009-1350. The purpose of this project is to continue commercial shellfish aquaculture on an existing farm to sell for human consumption. The proposed project is an existing shellfish aquaculture farm on private tidelands in Pacific County, WA. The project area includes the shellfish growing areas within Parcel #79005000125, described as those tidal elevations between +2.0-foot and +3.0-feet above Mean Lower Low Water. This parcel comprises 55.93 acres, with 55.0 acres of shellfish cultivation. Long Island Oyster Company proposes to continue their production of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum). Additionally, secondary crops from natural set occur across cultivated areas of the Project area. 2.0 CULTURE METHODS 2.1 Pacific Oyster Culture On-Bottom culture methods Oysters (Pacific oysters) are grown directly on the beach substrate. Prior to planting, shellfish beds will be prepared by removing debris by hand. Seeding will occur by using oyster cultch – setting out and securing bags of washed, aged oyster shell to collect natural set on-site. This site will also be seeded with hatchery oyster seed. Harvest methods (mechanical and hand) Harvest typically by hand during low tide. During hand harvest, workers use hand tools or hand-pick oysters and place them into various sized containers placed on the bed. Larger containers may be equipped with ropes and buoys that can be lifted with a boom crane onto the 146 N Canal St, Suite 111 • Seattle, WA 98103 • www.confenv.com July 2021 Project Narrative: Continued Shellfish Aquaculture Operations for Long Island Oyster Company deck of a barge at high tide. Smaller containers are placed or dumped on decks of scows for retrieval at high tide or are carried off the beach at low tide. Mechanical (dredge) harvest occurs by use of a harvest bag that is lowered from a barge or boat by boom crane or hydraulic winch at high tide and pulled along the bottom to scoop up or 'dredge' the oysters. The dredge bags have a leading edge (blade) consisting of a steel frame with teeth and a steel mesh collection bag attached to the frame. As the dredge bags are towed across the substrate, the oysters are loosened and guided into the bags. The bag is then hoisted onto the boat deck, emptied, and then redeployed. Two dredge bags may be towed simultaneously off each side of the boat. Dredge equipment can typically be adjusted so that the correct depth is dredged as tide levels change. Harrowing may occur between the two successive dredge events in order to increase recovery of oysters. 2.2 Manila Clam Culture On-Bottom culture methods Hatchery-grown clams are seeded by hand directly onto the beach substrate. Natural spawning and setting of clams will also occur. Harvest methods (hand harvest) Hand harvesters dig clams during low tides using a clam rake. Shovels or other hand operated tools may also be used. Market-size clams are selectively harvested, placed in buckets, bagged, tagged, and removed. Undersized clams are returned to beds for future harvests. Since a given clam bed may contain multiple year classes of clams, it may be harvested on a regular schedule to harvest individual year classes of clams. www.confenv.com page 2 of 2 Leadbetter Point State Park Bay Center 79005000125 Oysterville Willapa 79005000222 Bay 79005002238 79003000166 Pacific Ocean 79003000175 Nemah 12112723042 79003000175 79003000174 Long Island 79004006026 11101655509 Project: Existing Shellfish Farm Project Parcel Applicant: Long Island Oyster Company Coordinate System: WA State Plane S (ft) Eelgrass/SAV (2015) ¯ 1:170,000 0 1 2 Miles Vicinity Map Exhibit: 1 Long Island Oyster Co. NWS-2009-01350; Parcel: 79005000125 LEGEND Project Area Oyster Culture Area Clam Culture Area Mix Oyster & Clam Project Vicinity 46°37'10.65"N 124° 1'49.19"W 46°37'8.06"N 124° 1'18.52"W Tidal MLLW ft .0 Elevation 3 : + Tidal Elevation: +2.5 ft MLLW : +2.0 ft MLLW Elevation Tidal 46°36'59.06"N 124° 1'49.37"W 46°36'58.27"N 124° 1'15.89"W Company Name: Long Island Oyster Co. Description: Oyster Seed Growing Project Name: Willapa Bay Shellfish Agriculture Grounds & Hand Dug Clams. County: Pacific Vicinity: Grassy Island – Willapa North Parcel: 79005000125 Total Acres: 55.93 Department: 81 - Resource - Agriculture Oyster Culture Acres: 55.0 Clam Culture Acres: 55.0.