322 CMR 15.06 - Site Review

(1) Applications for open-water aquaculture permits will be reviewed by the Division and cooperating agencies to determine if adverse impacts are likely to occur at the proposed site as a result of the operation of the permit. Topics for evaluation include, but are not limited to the following:

(a) Water quality and hydrology;

(b) Exposure/suitability of proposed structures;

(c) Shellfish habitat and growing area classification;

(d) Benthic habitat conditions;

(e) Submerged aquatic vegetation;

(f) Endangered species/marine mammals;

(g) Competing uses of the area;

(h) Wild fisheries;

(i) Navigation;

(j) Access to site.

(2) New Operations. Before making application for an aquaculture permit for a new operation or facility, the following steps are required by the applicant:

(a) Contact the Aquaculture Program Coordinator in the Department of Agricultural Resources to obtain the following:

(1) Aquaculture Operation Description Form

(2) MA Aquaculture Permits Guidance Document

(b) In consultation with the Aquaculture Program Coordinator, determine if a pre-application meeting is necessary with appropriate state and federal agencies.

(c) Exception. Applicants for town-issued shellfish aquaculture permits are not required to follow (a) and (b), and should follow local application procedures.

Notes

322 CMR 15.06