HomeMy WebLinkAboutHarbor Plan
NNaannttuucckkeett && MMaaddaakkeett HHaarrbboorrss
AAccttiioonn PPllaann
The Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Plan Review Committee
& the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Town of Nantucket, Massachusetts
May 2009
As approved by the
Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
December 21, 2009
DECISION ON THE TOWN OF NANTUCKET’S
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL
OF THE
NANTUCKET AND MADAKET MUNICIPAL HARBOR PLAN
PURSUANT TO 301 CMR 23.00
December 21, 2009
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Ian A. Bowles, Secretary
1
I. INTRODUCTION
Today, as Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental
Affairs (EEA), I am approving, the Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan (“Plan”) dated
May 2009. This Decision presents a synopsis of Plan content and my determinations on how the
Plan complies with the standards for approval set forth in the Municipal Harbor Planning
regulations at 301 CMR 23.00 et seq.
Pursuant to the review procedures contained therein, the Town of Nantucket (“Town”)
submitted the Plan in June 2009. Following a review for completeness, a notice of public hearing
and 30-day opportunity to comment was published in the Environmental Monitor dated June 11, 2009.
Oral testimony was accepted during a public hearing held in the Town of Nantucket on June 22,
2009, and two written comment letters were received prior to the close of the public comment
period on July 10, 2009. The review process led on my behalf by the Massachusetts Office of
Coastal Zone Management (CZM), included consultation between staff of CZM, the Waterways
Regulation Program of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Steamship
Authority (SSA). The SSA is a “state agency” as the term is defined in 301 CMR 23.03 and owns
and operates the Nantucket ferry terminal on real property located within the harbor planning area.
The Plan review followed the administrative procedures set forth at 301 CMR 23.04 and in
accordance with the standards in 301 CMR 23.05. In reaching my approval decision, I have carefully
considered the oral and written testimony submitted by the public during these respective comment
periods.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the geographic area covered by the Plan includes all of the land
and water areas of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors, and also extends to the west of Madaket
Harbor to include the Tuckernuck and Muskeget islands. The planning area is extensive and
includes a wide variety of natural resources along with areas of densely developed commercial and
residential waterfront.
The Plan reflects significant effort on the part of the Town and many members of the public
who participated in the public process. I would like to commend the efforts of the members of the
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Plan Review Committee, elected officials, community residents,
and all others who volunteered their time and effort over the course of many meetings.
2
Figure 1. Nantucket Harbor Planning Area
Figure 2. Madaket Harbor Planning Area
3
II. PLAN CONTENT
The Municipal Harbor Planning Regulations (301 CMR 23.00 et seq.) establish a voluntary
process under which cities and towns may develop and submit Municipal Harbor Plans to the EEA
Secretary for approval. These plans serve to promote and implement a community’s planning vision
for their waterfront and to inform and guide state agency decisions necessary to implement such a
vision. Specifically, approved Municipal Harbor Plans provide licensing guidance to DEP in making
decisions pursuant to MGL Chapter 91 (c. 91) and the Waterways Regulations (310 CMR 9.00 et
seq.). Approved harbor plans may establish alternative numerical and dimensional requirements
(e.g., substitute provisions) to the requirements specified by the Waterways Regulations as well as
specify provisions that amplify any of the discretionary requirements of these regulations.
On April 16, 2006, the Nantucket Board of Selectmen voted to prepare the Nantucket and
Madaket Harbors Action Plan in accordance with procedures and requirements for approval of a
municipal harbor plan as established in 301 CMR 23.00 et seq. The stated focus of the Plan was to
identify the community’s goals, objectives and recommendations for guiding public and private use
of the land and water of its harbor areas and to establish an implementation program to achieve
these objectives. The Plan was prepared under the auspices of the Nantucket Board of Selectmen
and guided by the Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Plan Review Committee.
The Plan builds upon the first Harbors Action Plan, which was prepared in 1993 but was not
submitted for review as a state approved Municipal Harbor Plan. The planning process began with
a review of the 1993 Harbors Action Plan and an assessment of what had been accomplished in the
succeeding years. Many of the goals and action items were successfully implemented, while others
are ongoing and some were never implemented. The 2009 Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action
Plan carries forward a number of recommendations from the 1993 Harbors Action Plan that remain
important and identifies new recommendations that have arisen in the intervening years.
The Plan focuses on the improvement of public access, maintaining and improving
appropriate water-dependent uses within the harbors, and protection of natural resources and water
quality as it relates to commercial and recreational shellfishing. The Plan includes a comprehensive
inventory and analysis of harbor resources and uses, and identifies specific goals, objectives and
recommendations for these three focus areas.
4
III. STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL
The Plan contains the Town’s planning vision and other specifics to provide guidance on use
and development within the harbor planning area. It should be noted, however, that while these
elements are commendable and important to the planning area, my approval today is bounded by
the authority and standards as contained in 301 CMR 23.00 et seq. (Review and Approval of
Municipal Harbor Plans) and is applicable only to those discretionary elements of the Chapter 91
Waterways regulations that are specifically noted in this Decision. This Decision does not supersede
separate regulatory review requirements for any activity.
A. Consistency with CZM Program Policies and Management Principles
The federally-approved CZM Program Plan establishes 20 enforceable program policies and
9 management principles which embody coastal policy for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The following is a brief summary of the Policies and Management Principles applicable to the Plan:
• Water Quality Policy #1: Ensure that point-source discharges in or affecting the coastal
zone are consistent with federally approved state effluent limitations and water quality
standards.
• Water Quality Policy #2: Ensure that non-point pollution controls promote the attainment
of state surface water quality standards in the coastal zone.
• Habitat Policy #2: Restore degraded or former wetland resources in coastal areas and
ensure that activities in coastal areas do not further wetland degradation but instead take
advantage of opportunities to engage in wetland restoration.
• Protected Areas Policy #3 – Ensure that proposed developments in or near designated or
registered historic districts or sites respect the preservation intent of the designation and that
potential adverse effects are minimized.
• Coastal Hazards Policy #1 – Preserve, protect, restore, and enhance the beneficial functions
of storm damage prevention and flood control provided by natural coastal landforms, such
as dunes, beaches, barrier beaches, coastal banks, land subject to coastal storm flowage, salt
marshes, and land under the ocean.
• Coastal Hazards Policy #2 – Ensure construction in water bodies and contiguous land area
will minimize interference with water circulation and sediment transport. Approve permits
for flood or erosion control projects only when it has been determined that there will be no
significant adverse effects on the project site or adjacent or downcoast areas.
• Ports Management Principle #1 – Encourage, through technical and financial assistance,
expansion of water dependent uses in designated ports and developed harbors, re-
development of urban waterfronts, and expansion of visual access.
5
• Public Access Policy #1 – Ensure that developments proposed near existing public
recreation sites minimize their adverse effects.
• Public Access Management Principal #1 – Improve public access to coastal recreation
facilities and alleviate auto traffic and parking problems through improvements in public
transportation. Link existing coastal recreation sites to each other or to nearby coastal inland
facilities via trails for bicyclists, hikers, and equestrians, and via rivers for boaters.
• Public Access Management Principal #2 – Increase capacity of existing recreation areas by
facilitating multiple use and by improving management, maintenance, and public support
facilities. Resolve conflicting uses whenever possible through improved management rather
than through exclusion of uses.
• Public Access Management Principal #3 – Provide technical assistance to developers of
private recreational facilities and sites that increase public access to the shoreline.
• Public Access Management Principal #4 – Expand existing recreation facilities and acquire
and develop new public areas for coastal recreational activities. Give highest priority to
expansions or new acquisitions in regions of high need or limited site availability. Assure
that both transportation access and the recreational facilities are compatible with social and
environmental characteristics of surrounding communities.
• Energy Management Principle #1 – Encourage energy conservation and the use of
alternative sources such as solar and wind power in order to assist in meeting the energy
needs of the Commonwealth.
The aforementioned policies are relevant to the major issues identified in the Plan:
maintenance and improvement of water dependent uses; public access; and protection of natural
resources and water quality. Based on review of the documentation provided by the Town, and
affirmation by CZM of the Plan’s consistency with the relevant policies, and as required by 301
CMR 23.05(1), I find the Plan has met this standard.
B. Consistency with Tidelands Policy Objectives
As required by 301 CMR 23.05(2), I must also find that the Plan is consistent with state
tidelands policy objectives and associated regulatory principles set forth in the state Chapter 91
Waterways regulations of DEP (310 CMR 9.00 et seq.). As promulgated, the Waterways regulations
provide a uniform statewide framework for regulating tidelands projects. Municipal Harbor Plans
and associated amendments present communities with an opportunity to integrate their local
planning goals into state c.91 licensing decisions by proposing modifications to these uniform
standards through the amplification of the discretionary requirements of the Waterways regulations
or through the adoption of provisions that, if approved, are intended to substitute for the minimum
use limitations or numerical standards of 310 CMR 9.00. The approved substitute provisions of
6
Municipal Harbor Plans, in effect, allow DEP to waive specific use limitations and numerical
standards affecting projects in tidelands in favor of the modified provisions specified in an approved
Municipal Harbor Plan.
The Plan contains clear guidance that will have a direct bearing on DEP licensing decisions
within the harbor planning area. Included in this guidance are:
• Provisions that amplify upon certain discretionary requirements of the Waterways
regulations.
These provisions are each subject to the approval criteria under 301.CMR 23.05(2)(b)-(e),
and as explained below, I find that all such criteria have been met.
Evaluation of Proposed Amplification Provisions
The Municipal Harbor Plan regulations at 301 CMR 23.05(2) (b) require me to find that any
provision that amplifies a discretionary requirement of the Waterways regulations will complement
the effect of the regulatory principle(s) underlying that requirement. Upon such a finding, DEP is
committed to “adhere to the greatest reasonable extent” to the applicable guidance specified in such
provisions, pursuant to 310 CMR 9.34(2)(b)(2). The Plan contains three provisions that will have
significance to the Chapter 91 licensing process as an amplification, pursuant to 301 CMR
23.05(2)(b). My determination of the relationship of these proposed local amplification provisions
to c.91 standards in accordance with the MHP regulatory guidance is discussed below. A summary
of the proposed amplification provisions for the 2009 Plan is provided below in Table 1.
Harbor Overlay District
The c.91 standard at 310 CMR 9.51 states that “…a nonwater-dependent use project on any
tidelands shall not unreasonably diminish the capacity of such lands to accommodate water-
dependent use”. The Plan proposes an amplification to this c.91 standard through the
implementation of the standards and regulations set forth in Chapter 139-12 of the Nantucket
Zoning Bylaw for the Harbor Overlay District. This District includes the downtown commercial
waterfront area of Nantucket Harbor and was created to protect existing water-dependent uses and
to ensure that these uses are not displaced by new nonwater-dependent uses. This zoning district
was adopted by the town on April 8, 2008. Zoning regulations for the Harbor Overlay District
require that any new non-water dependent use or extension of an existing non-water dependent use
shall not: displace or significantly disrupt an existing water dependent use; unreasonably disrupt an
7
existing water-dependent use; unreasonably diminish the capacity of the site to accommodate future
water-dependent uses; and impede or infringe upon existing public access. Additionally, Chapter
139-12,(i),(3) of the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw specifies commercial uses that are allowed within the
Harbor Overlay District.
The proposed amplification will provide guidance to DEP when licensing projects in the
Harbor Overlay District by ensuring that any licensed use is compatible with, supports, or otherwise
does not interfere with the water-dependent uses on a site. I find the proposed amplification
achieves local goals while complementing the underlying principles of the applicable c.91 regulatory
standards.
Water-Dependent Uses not Consistent with Plan
The c. 91 standards at 310 CMR 9.35(2) and 9.51(1) - (2) collectively and generally protect
the navigational rights of the public and conserve areas for water-dependent uses. The Plan
proposes an amplification to these c.91 standards through the implementation of the standards and
regulations set forth in Ch 139-12,(i),(5) of the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw. In an effort to preserve
and protect the island’s traditional water-dependent commercial uses located within the Harbor
Overlay District this zoning regulation includes a list of water-dependent uses that are not consistent
with these traditional water based uses, and that have been prohibited. The uses were determined to
conflict with the traditional and historic use and character of the Harbor Overlay District. This list
of prohibited uses includes:
• Cruise ship terminals or support services;
• Personal watercraft rental; and
• New facilities of private tenancy.
These provisions reflect the Town’s goals for the future development of the commercial
waterfront within Nantucket Harbor and represent a long-term, comprehensive “vision” for
protection of the historic character of this planning area. The proposed amplification will provide
guidance to DEP when licensing projects by prohibiting specific uses, and I find that this provision
complements the underlying principles of the applicable c.91 regulatory standards.
Private Dock Prohibition
The c.91 standards at 310 CMR 9.35 (2) - (3) generally hold that potential projects must not
obstruct or interfere with the public’s fishing, fowling, or navigation rights, and contain provisions
to protect traditional locations used extensively by the public. The Plan proposes an amplification
8
to these c.91 standards through the implementation of the standards and regulations set forth in
Chapter 139-22 of the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw. This local bylaw contains a prohibition on all new
private docks and piers but exempts certain public or commercial water-dependent dock and pier
projects within the Harbor Overlay District. This prohibition serves to protect and enhance the
ability of the public to access shellfishing areas along the shoreline, to navigate along the shoreline,
to protect water-quality and natural resources, and to preserve the traditional community character.
Shellfishing is an integral part of the Nantucket community, and its importance is reflected
throughout many sections of the Plan. Commercial shellfishing is an important industry on the
island with significant annual revenue. Recreational shellfishing is an historic pastime enjoyed by
large numbers of families. The prohibition of private docks was developed out of concern that the
construction of these docks would interfere with and negatively impact commercial and residential
shellfishing activities. Most shellfishing occurs in shallow waters adjacent to the shoreline. A
proliferation of private docks would make it difficult for shell fisherman to fish in and around these
structures, and activities from the construction, footprint, and use of these structures has potential
to impact the natural habitat and water quality in the area.
The town recognizes the importance of water access to private waterfront property owners,
and while prohibiting private docks and piers, gives each property owner the right to two moorings
for private recreational boat use. Moorings are the traditional vessel berthing arrangement on
Nantucket and do not pose the same conflicts with shellfishing and shoreline access that docks and
piers create. The town also recognizes the importance of docks and piers as integral part of
commercial water-dependent activities and clearly distinguishes commercial dock and piers that
support water-dependent uses from those that serve private recreational uses. The prohibition of
private docks includes an exemption for the expansion of existing commercial docks and piers and
those for governmental and public entity use located within the Harbor Overlay District.
Additionally, multiple public boat ramps and landings are located within Nantucket and Madaket
Harbors, and these facilities serve to ensure that public boating access is protected throughout the
harbor planning area.
The Plan clearly stresses the importance of preserving these significant local water-
dependent uses. The proposed amplification will provide guidance to DEP when licensing projects
by prohibiting private docks or piers that may interfere with local shellfishing activities or navigation,
9
and I find that this provision adequately complements the underlying principle of the applicable c.91
regulatory standards.
Table 2 — Summary of Amplifications
Regulatory Provision Chapter 91 Standard Amplification
310 CMR 9.51(1)-(2) A nonwater-dependent use
project on any tidelands shall not
unreasonably diminish the
capacity of such lands to
accommodate water-dependent
use.
Facilities of Private Tenancy must
be developed in a manner that
prevents significant conflicts in
operation with water-dependent
uses that can reasonably be
expected to locate on or near the
water.
The amplification of these requirements
prohibits any new non-water dependent
use, or extension of an existing non-water
dependent use, that would:
1. displace or significantly disrupt an
existing water dependent use;
2. unreasonably disrupt an existing
water-dependent use;
3. unreasonably diminish the capacity of
the site to accommodate future water-
dependent uses; and
4. impede or infringe upon existing
public access.
310 CMR 9.51(1)-(2); and
310 CMR 9.35(2)(a)
A nonwater-dependent use
project on any tidelands shall not
unreasonably diminish the
capacity of such lands to
accommodate water-dependent
use.
Facilities of Private Tenancy must
be developed in a manner that
prevents significant conflicts in
operation with water-dependent
uses that can reasonably be
expected to locate on or near the
water.
The project shall not significantly
interfere with public rights of
navigation.
The amplification of these requirements
prohibits certain water-dependent uses
determined in the Plan to conflict with the
traditional and historic use and character
of the Harbor Overlay District, including:
• Cruise ship terminals or support
services;
• Personal watercraft rental; and
• New facilities of private tenancy.
310 CMR 9.35(3)(a)1 and 2
310 CMR 9.35(2)(a)
The project shall not:
1. pose a substantial obstacle to
the public's ability to fish or
fowl in waterway areas
adjacent to the project site;
2. result in the elimination of a
traditional fishing or fowling
location used extensively by
the public; or
3. interfere with public rights of
navigation
The amplification of these requirements
prohibits the construction of new private
docks or piers but exempts certain public
or commercial water-dependent dock and
pier projects within the Harbor Overlay
District.
10
C. Implementation Strategies
Pursuant to 301 CMR 23.05(4), the Plan must include enforceable implementation
commitments to ensure that, among other things, all measures will be taken in a timely and
coordinated manner to offset the effect of any plan requirement less restrictive than that contained
in 310 CMR 9.00. The plan contains provisions that will be implemented through the recently
adopted amendments to the underlying zoning. Based on the information provided in the Plan and
as discussed above, I believe that no further implementation commitments on the part of the Town
are necessary, and I find that this approval standard has been met.
IV. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM OF APPROVAL
This Decision shall take effect immediately upon issuance on December 21, 2009. As
requested by the Town of Nantucket, the Decision shall expire 10 years from this effective date
unless a renewal request is filed prior to that date in accordance with the procedural provisions of
301 CMR 23.06. No later than 6 months prior to such expiration date, in addition to the notice
from the Secretary to the City required under 301 CMR 23.06(2)(b), the Town shall notify the
Secretary in writing of its intent to request a renewal and shall submit therewith a review of
implementation experience relative to the promotion of state tidelands policy objectives.
V. STATEMENT OF APPROVAL
Based on the planning information and public comment submitted to me pursuant to 301
CMR 23.04 and evaluated herein pursuant to the standards set forth in 301 CMR 23.05, I hereby
approve the 2009 Nantucket & Madaket Harbor Action Plan as the Municipal Harbor Plan for the
Town of Nantucket, subject to the following conditions:
1. In accordance with Chapter 139-12(3) of the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw, DEP shall not issue
a license allowing a conversion of any currently licensed (as of the date of this decision)
commercial water-dependent use to a new or expanded nonwater-dependent use in the
Town’s Harbor Overlay District.
2. In accordance with Chapter 139-22 of the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw, DEP shall not issue a
license for a private dock or pier, except for those allowed under the exemptions specified
for projects located within the Harbor Overlay District.
3. In accordance with Chapter 139-12, (i), (5) of the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw, DEP shall not
issue a license for the following uses: cruise ship terminals or support services, personal
11
watercraft rental, and new facilities of private tenancy in the Town’s Harbor Overlay
District.
4. The City shall prepare a final, approved Nantucket Harbor Plan (“Approved Plan”) to
include:
a. The Plan dated June 2009 as amended during the consultation period; and
b. This Approval Decision.
Copies of the final, approved plan shall be provided to CZM and DEP’s Waterways
Program, kept on file at the Nantucket Town Clerk’s office and Harbormaster Office, and made
available to the public through the Town’s website and copies at the public library. For Waterways
licensing purposes, the Approved Plan shall not be construed to include any of the following:
1. Any subsequent addition, deletion, or other revision to the final Approved Plan, except
as may be authorized in writing by the Secretary as a modification unrelated to the
approval standards of 301 CMR 23.05 or as a plan amendment in accordance with 301
CMR 23.06(1); and
2. Any provision which, as applied to the project-specific circumstances of an individual
license application, is determined by DEP to be inconsistent with the waterways
regulations at 310 CMR 9.00 or with any qualification, limitation, or condition stated in
this Approval Decision.
In a letter from the Waterways Program Chief dated December 10, 2009, DEP has expressed
support for approval of the renewal Plan and stated that the Plan will become operational for
waterways licensing for all applications upon the effective date of Plan approval and in accordance
with the conditions above. Subsequent to Plan approval, a determination of conformance with the
Plan will be required for all proposed projects in accordance with 310 CMR 9.34(2).
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Figures ................................................................................................................................................ ii
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................. iii
1 Purpose, Scope and Authority of the Harbors Action Plan and the Planning Process .......................... 1
1.1 Purpose, Scope and Authority of the Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan ................... 1
1.2 The Planning Area ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.3 Planning Process .......................................................................................................................... 2
2 Inventory and Analysis of Harbor Resources and Uses ......................................................................... 6
2.1 Natural Resources ........................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Water Quality .............................................................................................................................. 18
2.3 Harbor Facilities and Uses .......................................................................................................... 34
2.4 Development Trends .................................................................................................................. 51
2.5 Management and Regulatory Authorities ................................................................................... 59
3 Issues, Goals, Objectives and Recommendations / Actions ................................................................ 72
3.1 Issue Identification Process ........................................................................................................ 72
3.2 Policies and Issues from the 1993 Harbors Action Plan............................................................. 72
3.3 Summary of Issues Identified for the 2007 Harbors Plan ........................................................... 73
3.4 Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan Implementation ................................................... 75
3.5 Natural Resources ...................................................................................................................... 75
3.6 Water Quality .............................................................................................................................. 80
3.7 Commercial and Recreational Fishing ........................................................................................ 88
3.8 Public Access in Nantucket and Madaket Harbors ..................................................................... 91
3.9 Docks, Wharves, and Piers ........................................................................................................ 97
3.10 Commercial Waterfront ............................................................................................................... 98
3.11 Harbor Operations, Safety, Navigation and Moorings .............................................................. 102
3.12 Oil Spill Response ..................................................................................................................... 109
4 Resources ........................................................................................................................................... 114
Appendix 1 – Action Items from the 1993 Plan and the 2007 Update ............................................... 119
Appendix 2 – Proposed Amendments to the Nantucket Code of Ordinances, Chapter 139 ............. 149
Appendix 3 – Summary of Chapter 91 Licenses ................................................................................ 150
Appendix 4 – Shellfish Management Plan Outline ............................................................................. 168
Appendix 5 – Partial List of Water Quality Documents ....................................................................... 171
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 ii
Appendix 6 – Water Quality Websites for Nantucket ......................................................................... 174
Appendix 7 – Watershed Designation ................................................................................................ 175
Appendix 8 – Public Meetings ............................................................................................................ 176
Appendix 9 – Chapter 137: Town Wharves and Waterways ............................................................. 177
LIST OF FIGURES
1.1 Nantucket Harbor Planning Area .................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Madaket Harbor Planning Area ....................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Nantucket Harbor Planning Area on NOAA Chart .......................................................................... 4
1.4 Madaket Harbor Planning Area on NOAA Chart ............................................................................. 5
2.1 Estimated Eelgrass Coverage in 1995 and 2001 in Nantucket Harbor .......................................... 6
2.2 Estimated Eelgrass Coverage in 1995 and 2001 in Madaket Harbor ............................................. 7
2.3 Wetlands around Nantucket Harbor ................................................................................................ 9
2.4 Wetlands around Madaket Harbor .................................................................................................. 10
2.5 Priority Habitats of Rare Species and Endangered Habitats of Rare Wildlife ................................. 11
2.6 Priority Habitats of Rare Species and Endangered Habitats of Rare Wildlife ................................ 12
2.7 Generalized Vegetation Types around Nantucket Harbor .............................................................. 15
2.8 Generalized Vegetation Types around Madaket Harbor ................................................................. 16
2.9 Shellfish Suitability Areas around Nantucket Harbor ...................................................................... 18
2.10 Shellfish Suitability Areas around Madaket Harbor ......................................................................... 20
2.11 Mooring Fields, General Anchorage and Buoys in Nantucket Harbor ............................................ 36
2.12 Details of Mooring Fields, General Anchorage and Buoys in Nantucket Harbor ............................ 37
2.13 Mooring Field and Buoys in Madaket Harbor .................................................................................. 38
2.14 Number of Scallop Licenses Issued between 1978 and 2004 ........................................................ 40
2.15 Number of Bushels of Scallops Harvested between 1978 and 2005 .............................................. 41
2.16 Average Number of Bushels Harvested per License between 1978 and 2005 .............................. 41
2.17 Open Space around Nantucket Harbor ........................................................................................... 45
2.18 Open Space around Madaket Harbor ............................................................................................. 46
2.19 Open Space around Nantucket Harbor based on Parcel Ownership ............................................. 47
2.20 Open Space around Madaket Harbor based on Parcel Ownership ................................................ 48
2.21 Land Use in 2005 ............................................................................................................................ 53
2.22 “Land Cover” around Nantucket Harbor .......................................................................................... 55
2.23 “Land Cover” around Madaket Harbor ............................................................................................ 56
2.24 Total Passengers by Ferry Service to and from Nantucket, 1993-2005 ......................................... 57
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 iii
2.25 Total Summer Passengers by Ferry Service to and from Nantucket, 1993-2005 .......................... 57
2.26 Total Winter Passengers by Ferry Service to and from Nantucket, 1993-2005 .............................. 58
2.27 Total Number of Cars to and from Nantucket by Year from 1993 to 2005 ..................................... 58
2.28 Total Number of Trucks to and from Nantucket by Year from 1993 to 2005 .................................. 59
2.29 Nantucket Memorial Airport, Monthly Aircraft Operations, 2000-2006............................................ 60
2.30 Nantucket Memorial Airport, Monthly Passenger Emplanements, 2000-2006 ............................... 60
2.31 Approximate Historic High and Low Water Lines in Nantucket ....................................................... 63
2.32 Approximate Historic High and Low Water Lines in Madaket ......................................................... 64
2.33 Zoning around Nantucket Harbor .................................................................................................... 65
2.34 Downtown Zoning ............................................................................................................................ 66
2.35 Zoning around Madaket Harbor ...................................................................................................... 67
2.36 FEMA Zones around Nantucket Harbor .......................................................................................... 69
2.37 FEMA Zones around Madaket Harbor ............................................................................................ 70
2.38 Personal Watercraft Restrictions around Nantucket ....................................................................... 71
3.1 Public Access around Nantucket Harbor ........................................................................................ 92
3.2 Downtown Public Access ................................................................................................................ 94
3.3 Public Access around Madaket Harbor ........................................................................................... 95
3.4 Downtown with Building Use, the RC District and the Proposed Overlay District .......................... 100
3.5 Madaket Harbor with the RC District and the Proposed Overlay District ........................................ 101
3.6 Location of Catch Basins in the Downtown Area ........................................................................ ...112
3.7 Location of Catch Basins around Madaket Harbor ..................................................................... ...113
LIST OF TABLES
2.1 Summary of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Designations ................................................................ 19
2.2 Massachusetts Water Quality Standards for SA-Classified Waters................................................ 21
2.3 Minimum Criteria Applicable to All Surface Waters in Massachusetts............................................ 22
2.4 Approximate Numbers of Mooring within the Mooring Fields and Anchorage ................................ 35
2.5 Details of Boat Ramps in Nantucket ............................................................................................... 35
2.6 Boat Services Facilities in Nantucket .............................................................................................. 42
2.7 History of Dredging in Nantucket .................................................................................................... 52
2.8 Percentage of Land Area by “Land Cover” Category, 2006. ........................................................... 54
2.9 Commercial Vessels Servicing Nantucket ...................................................................................... 56
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 1
1 PURPOSE, SCOPE AND AUTHORITY OF THE NANTUCKET AND
MADAKET HARBORS ACTION PLAN AND THE PLANNING PROCESS
1.1 PURPOSE, SCOPE AND AUTHORITY OF THE NANTUCKET AND MADAKET HARBORS
ACTION PLAN
The Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan presents the community’s goals, objectives and
recommendations for guiding public and private use of the land and water of its harbor areas and
establishes an implementation program to achieve the desired outcomes. The plan was prepared under
the auspices of the Nantucket Board of Selectmen and guided by the Nantucket and Madaket Harbors
Plan Review Committee.
The 2007 plan is an update of the first action plan, which was prepared in 1993, and as such is meant to
complement the original plan. The 1993 plan contained extensive background material, much of which is
as relevant today as it was when written. The background material in the 2007 plan was prepared with the
intent to build upon the original plan rather than to reproduce it.
The 1993 plan also included a number of goals and action items that aimed to address the issues at that
time. Many of these items were successfully implemented, while some are on-going and others were
never implemented. The 2007 plan includes a number of recommendations from the 1993 plan that
remain important. In addition, the 2007 plan includes new recommendations that address issues that
have arisen in the intervening years.
The 1993 plan remains available on the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources’ website
(http://www.nantucket-ma.gov/departments/marine/marine.html) and in the Athenaeum. Appendix 1
provides additional detail about the status of the 1993 recommendations.
1.2 THE PLANNING AREA
This plan was prepared for the areas of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors depicted on Figures 1.1 and 1.2.
These planning boundaries encompass all of the land and water area relevant to the issues to be
addressed by the harbor plan; the boundaries are largely the same as those used for the 1993 plan.
Figures 1.3 and 1.4 show the planning area on NOAA charts. The Madaket figure is focused on Madaket
Harbor itself.
The boundary around Nantucket Harbor remains unchanged from 1993. While the main focus of the plan
at the west end of the island has been on Madaket Harbor, it was decided to extend the planning area to
included both Tuckernuck and Muskeget Islands. The planning areas are described below.
Nantucket Harbor - Boundaries encompass the surface waters from the northern end of the
jetties in the main channel, up harbor to the eastern end of Wauwinet. Surface waters also
include Polpis Harbor, Coskata Pond, fringing salt marshes, and other coastal and inland
wetlands within the landside harbor boundaries. Landside boundaries are from the tip of the west
jetty running south on Jetties Road, east on Hulbert Avenue, west on Easton Street, southeast on
South Beach Street, South Water Street and Washington Street, west on Francis Street,
southeast on Union Street and Orange Street to the rotary, east on Milestone Road, northeast on
Monomoy Road, northwest on Boston Avenue, northeast on DeWolf Avenue, on the 25 foot
contour and on South Valley Road, southeast on Gardner Road, northeast turning southeast on
Shimmo Road, northeast on Polpis Road, north on Wauwinet Road to the Wauwinet Gatehouse,
north on the eastern most shoreline of Wauwinet to the point just south of the Galls and tracking a
line west to the northwest shoreline of Coatue, following the northern shoreline of Coatue to the
north tip of the East Jetties.
Madaket Harbor - The landside boundaries include Eel Point to Eel Point Road south to
Nantucket Conservation Foundation's east boundary (map/parcel #38-12) through the
northwestern section (map/parcel #59, 4-10) to Washington Street southwest to the end of
Madaket Road, and north to include all of Smith Point and Esther Island. The boundaries also
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 2
encompass the surface waters and the islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget from the northwest
tip of Eel Point to the northwest tip of Esther's Island, including creeks, salt marshes and other
coastal wetlands within the landside harbor boundaries.
Figure 1.1 The Nantucket Harbor Planning Area.
1.3 PLANNING PROCESS
In early 2005, the Board of Selectmen identified updating the 1993 Harbors Action Plan as one of its
objectives for improving and protecting the island’s waters. The town secured funding from the
Massachusetts Seaport Advisory Council, issued a Request for Proposals and, following a selection
process, contracted for the assistance of the Urban Harbors Institute of the University of Massachusetts
Boston. Work began in August 2005.
The process began with a review of the 1993 Harbors Action Plan and an assessment of what had been
accomplished in the succeeding years. Concurrently, the planning team began updating information and
data for the plan.
Throughout the early stages of plan preparation, the topic of state approval versus local approval was
regularly discussed. On April 19, 2006, the Board of Selectmen voted to prepare the Nantucket and
Madaket Harbors Action Plan in accordance with procedures and requirements for approval of a
municipal harbor plan established by the Secretary of Environmental Affairs (301 CMR 23.00). In May
2006, the Town Administrator submitted to the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
(MCZM) a Request for Notice to Proceed (RNTP) with a state-approved municipal harbor plan for
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors. A scoping meeting was held with MCZM in mid-August, as required by
the regulations. The town then submitted information to supplement the RNTP in December. Notice of the
Town of Nantucket’s request was published in the Environmental Monitor on January 23, 2007, starting a
30-day public comment period that ended on February 22, 2007. MCZM issued its Notice to Proceed on
April 6, 2007.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 3
The significance of obtaining state approval of the harbor plan is that an approved plan serves to guide
the decisions and actions of the agencies of the State’s Executive Office of Environmental Affairs,
including the regulatory decisions of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
under M.G.L. Chapter 91, the Public Waterfront Act. When an approved harbor plan exists, any project
seeking a Chapter 91 license from DEP must be in conformance with the plan. Put another way, a
municipality with a state-approved harbor plan utilizes the state regulatory authorities to help implement
its own objectives.
State approval of the plan is for a period of five years. After three years, the board responsible for
overseeing its implementation shall determine which of the plan’s recommendations remain to be done
and determine a strategy for accomplishing those items. A state-approved harbor plan can be amended
by the municipality at any time by submitting the proposed change(s) together with supporting information
to the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management acting on behalf of the Secretary of
Environmental Affairs. The procedures for amendment are the same as for initial plan approval: MCZM
reviews and determines the compliance of the proposed amendments with the standards for approval in
the municipal harbor planning regulations at 301 CMR 23.05; consults with other relevant agencies; holds
a public hearing; and, following a public comment period, the Secretary of Environmental Affairs issues a
decision on the amendment.
It is important to note this plan references a number of previously commissioned studies and reports;
however, it only reflects such documents as they existed at the time that this plan was approved by the
Board of Selectmen. This plan does not necessarily support any subsequent updates, amendments or
revisions to such documents.
Figure 1.2 The Madaket Harbor Planning Area.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 4
1.3.1 Public Participation
The public participation process began in late August 2005 with a series of six public meetings to obtain
the input and the perspectives of island residents. These meeting were held in various locations and
were organized around specific issues. Meetings were also held with town officials and other
organizations having an interest in or influence over harbor resources and uses. A harbor plan website
was created and linked to the official Town of Nantucket website. The website was routinely updated with
minutes of all meetings, drafts of material prepared for the plan, and answers to frequently asked
questions. The website also provided a means for the public to submit comments on, or questions about,
the plan.
1.3.2 Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Plan Review Committee
The Board of Selectmen voted on June 14, 2006 to establish a Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Plan
Review Committee with membership from the Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board, Nantucket Marine
Trades Association, Nantucket Planning & Economic Development Commission, Conservation
Commission, Department of Marine & Coastal Resources, and two public-at-large members. Following a
public hearing process to review nominees, the Board of Selectmen appointed the committee on July 26,
2006.
Figure 1.3 Nantucket Harbor Planning Area Shown on NOAA Chart.
The committee’s mission statement:
“The mission of the Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Plan Review Committee is to ensure the
public’s input and focus on: improvement and retention of public access, maintaining
appropriate water-dependent uses within the harbors and protection of natural resources/water
quality as it relates to commercial and recreational shellfishing as adopted by the Board of
Selectmen.”
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 5
The committee met fourteen times between August 17, 2006 and April 26, 2007 to review and provide
guidance on issues, analyses, goals, objectives, recommendations and implementation mechanisms.
Based on this input, a complete draft was compiled for the committee’s review. That draft was presented
to the Board of Selectmen on November 8, 2006. The final plan was completed in May, 2007. See the
complete list of public meeting and presentation dates in Appendix 8.
Figure 1.4 Madaket Harbor Planning Area Shown on NOAA Chart.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 6
2. INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS OF HARBOR RESOURCES AND USES
2.1 NATURAL RESOURCES
2.1.1 Eelgrass Beds
Eelgrass is a type of seagrass that grows in the shallow coastal waters with low nutrient inputs. In
Nantucket Harbor, eelgrass is able to grow in water as deep as 8 feet, except at the Head of the Harbor
where reduced water quality only allows eelgrass to grow to a depth of about 6 feet (Curley 2002). The
seagrass, both alive and dead, is an important and valuable part of the coastal ecosystem. As a live
plant, eelgrass provides a sheltered habitat for many organisms, including the bay scallop which attaches
itself to the eelgrass leaves. Eelgrass also stabilizes sediment in the harbor and helps to improve water
clarity. When eelgrass dies, it washes to shore and accumulates along the tide line. Here, the mass of
dead eelgrass provides a nursery for the seeds of beach plants that will eventually help to form new
dunes and stabilize existing ones. Shorebirds will also feed on insects and small crustaceans that are
found in the mass of dead eelgrass (Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. 2005 - Coatue).
Eelgrass is also an indicator of water quality. Eelgrass is able to store nitrogen in its leaves and stems.
This allows the plant to grow well in areas with low nutrients. However, when nutrient concentrations
increase, algae are able to grow more successfully. Ultimately, the algae out-compete eelgrass by
blocking sunlight penetration. The loss that Nantucket Harbor has seen in its eelgrass beds over the last
decade is likely due to this nutrient loading or eutrophication process (Curley 2002); however, since
eelgrass is still present in the harbor, nutrient loading into the harbor is only moderately high (Curley as
cited in Valiela et al. 2002). Figures 2.1 and 2.2 compare estimated eelgrass beds from 1995 and 2001.
Figure 2.1 Estimated Eelgrass Coverage in 1995 and 2001. Data from the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 7
Figure 2.2 Estimated Eelgrass Coverage in 1995 and 2001. Data from the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection.
2.1.2 Salt Marshes
A salt marsh is “a coastal wetland that extends landward up to the highest high tide line…and is
characterized by plants that are well adapted to or prefer living in, saline soils…. A salt marsh may
contain tidal creeks, ditches and pools” (310 CMR 10.32.2). Salt marshes are important spawning and
nursery habitats, providing shelter and food resources necessary to support many different species
ranging from finfish to migrating birds. American oystercatchers, great egrets, snowy egrets, greater
yellowlegs and lesser yellowlegs all feed on small fish, snails and shellfish found in the salt marsh habitat
(Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. 2006). The network of roots and rhizomes underlying the
marsh vegetation also binds sediment together. This binding creates a layer of peat that can absorb
floodwaters, prevent erosion, and remove pollutants from the water. See Figures 2.3 and 2.4.
In Nantucket Harbor, well-developed salt marshes include those found at First Point, Second Point, Third
Point, Five-fingered Point, Coskata, Haulover Pond, Quaise, Pimneys Point, the Creeks, and in Polpis
Harbor. In the Madaket planning area, salt marshes can be found at Eel Point, Jackson Point, Warren’s
Landing, and Hither Creek (Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. 2006). Many of these represent
areas of special ecological importance.
2.1.3 Coastal Beaches and Tidal Flats
The Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act regulations define coastal beach as, “unconsolidated
sediment subject to wave, tidal and coastal storm action which forms the gently sloping shore of a body of
salt water and includes tidal flats. Coastal beaches extend from the mean low water line landward to the
dune line, coastal bank line or the seaward edge of existing man-made structures, when these structures
replace one of the above lines, whichever is closest to the ocean” (CMR 310 10.27(2)). The
Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act regulations also provide a definition for tidal flats, stating, “Tidal
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 8
Flat means any nearly level part of a coastal beach which usually extends from the mean low water line
landward to the more steeply sloping face of the coastal beach or which may be separated from the
beach by land under the ocean” (CMR 310 10.27(2)).
The tidal flats provide habitat and food for many different species, including the sandpipers which stop in
Nantucket to rest and feed as they migrate in the spring and fall (Nantucket Conservation Foundation,
Inc. 2006). Coastal beaches and tidal flats also provide flood protection and help to dissipate wave
energy. Exposed to tidal, wind, and wave action, as well as human forces, coastal beaches and tidal flats
are dynamic resources, supplying sediment in some cases, and accumulating sediment in others. In
addition, the island’s coastal beaches and tidal flats are important recreational resources. Nantucket is
fortunate to have many coastal beaches and tidal flats including those at Brant Point, Children’s Beach,
and Francis Street Beach. See Figures 2.3 and 2.4.
2.1.4 Barrier Beaches
Coastal Regulations of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, describe barrier beaches as: “A
narrow low-lying strip of land generally consisting of coastal beaches and coastal dunes extending
roughly parallel to the trend of the coast. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow body of fresh,
brackish, or saline water or marsh system. A barrier beach may be joined to the mainland at one or both
ends” (310 CMR 10.29(2)).
Barrier beaches provide several different services, including acting as storm buffers by deflecting onshore
waves and absorbing wave energy, providing and protecting habitat located on the beach, in the dune
system, and in the water body between the beach and the mainland, and serving as a recreational and/or
aesthetic resource. Surrounded by water on at least three sides, barrier beaches are highly influenced by
wind and water which can alter their form, location, and volume. See Figures 2.3 and 2.4.
Based upon the definition of a barrier beach provided above and outlined in Massachusetts Executive
Order 181, the Office of Coastal Zone Management inventoried the state’s barrier beaches and identified
58 Barrier Beaches on Nantucket, including Jetties Beach, Coatue Point, The Creeks, Eel Point, and
Jackson Point (Massachusetts Barrier Beach Task Force 1994, 159-161).
In addition to being numerous on Nantucket, barrier beaches also define the sheltered nature of both
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors. In Nantucket Harbor, the Coatue and Wauwinet barrier beaches help
protect the harbor and its resources from the force of the open ocean. In Madaket Harbor, Eel Point and
Smith Point serve to buffer the harbor from the forces of the Atlantic Ocean. Fortification and
development of barrier beaches may jeopardize their ability to provide beneficial services.
2.1.5 Rare and Endangered Species
The Town of Nantucket is home to many rare and endangered species. The Massachusetts Division of
Fish and Wildlife lists over 80 species. Nantucket also has its own Endangered Species Program (ESP).
This program began in 1994, managing one site, Smith’s Point. Now, the town’s ESP also covers Low
Beach and Jetties Beach. All three sites provide habitat that supports endangered species. “The goal of
the Town of Nantucket’s Endangered Species Program (ESP) is to protect piping plovers, least terns,
American oyster catchers, and other endangered, threatened, or protected species while allowing
reasonable vehicle access and other appropriate uses and activities to occur on town-managed
beachfront properties” (Nantucket Beach Management Plan 2005).
Nantucket also has local authority to protect these species through their Wetlands Bylaw (Chapter 136 of
the Nantucket Code) and their Beach Rules and Regulations (Chapter 56 of the Nantucket Code)
(Nantucket Beach Management Plan 2005). The Nantucket Wetland Protection Bylaws provide
protection of habitat for rare and significant species through Chapter 136-1.02 (definition of habitat under
protection), 136-2.11, and 136-3.05.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 9 Figure 2.3 Wetlands around Nantucket Harbor.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 10 Figure 2.4 Wetlands around Madaket Harbor.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 11
The island’s Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative (NBI) group is also involved in identifying rare and
endangered species. The NBI has designated 21, ten-hectare research plots around the island, each
representing unique habitats from sandplain grasslands to coastal marshes. Each year, regional and local
scientists conduct biodiversity inventories of the species of plants, fungi, invertebrates, vertebrates, and
other organisms found in each research plot. This effort helps to identify rare and endangered species as
well as document invasive introductions. In addition, this mapping and inventory will establish a database
of natural resources.
Figures 2.5 and 2.6 show the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Priority
Habitats of Rare Species Habitat and Endangered Habitats of Rare Wildlife.
Among the list of rare and endangered species are least terns and piping plovers. While on the island’s
beaches, colonies of least terns breed, raise chicks, and prepare for the annual winter migration to the
east coast of South America. Piping Plovers arrive on Nantucket in mid-March to establish their nests,
seek mates, and lay eggs. In late August, the piping plovers migrate to the southern coast of the United
States for the winter months. Between 1992 and 2000, there was almost a 3 percent decrease in the
number of pairs throughout the entire state of Massachusetts (Mosellot and Melvin 2001). In Nantucket,
the mean number of chicks per pair has also decreased, but was among the highest in the state in 2000.
However, along the entire Atlantic coastline, productivity is variable between years (Mosellot and Melvin
2001).
Figure 2.5 NHESP Priority Habitats of Rare Species and Endangered Habitats of Rare Wildlife.
2.1.6 Invasive Species
Similar to many other places in the United States, Nantucket is dealing with the issue of invasive species
competing with local species. Phragmities australis, and green and asian crabs and are of particular
concern on Nantucket.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 12
Phragmites australis is especially common and likely to spread in areas disturbed by “pollution, alteration
of the natural hydrologic regime, dredging, and increased sedimentation” (Roman et al. 1984). Cutting,
burning, pesticide applications, and water management strategies are all possible means to control the
spread of these highly invasive plants.
Green and asian crabs are also of concern. In November 2005, Keith L. Conant produced a report for the
Nantucket Marine and Coastal Resources Department entitled “Predator Investigation” (Conant, 2005). In
that report, Conant notes that the green crabs likely arrived in the United States in ballast water from
Europe in the late 1800s. In the 1980s, the asian crab also came to the United States in ballast water.
While the exact year in which these invasive crabs came to Nantucket is unknown, they seem to be
increasing in numbers. Fortunately, the limited availability of rocky habitat and the harsh winter
conditions in the harbor suggests that perhaps their numbers will remain small. Nevertheless, the green
crab is a common predator of scallops, thus the island is very interested in continuing a culling program to
protect the scallop population.
Figure 2.6 NHESP Priority Habitats of Rare Species and Endangered Habitats of Rare Wildlife.
The Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative has formed a sub-committee to address invasive species issues on
island, focusing primarily on terrestrial plants (Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. 2006). The group
conducts invasive species removal events yearly, works with the Town of Nantucket on invasive species
disposal methods, produced a brochure and Powerpoint presentation on Nantucket’s Top Ten most
“dangerous’ invasive plants, initiated an IPANE study, and is currently working on a large vegetation
remediation project in the mid-island district. The Nantucket Conservation Foundation, the Nantucket
Land Bank, Mass Audubon, the Nantucket Land Council, and the University of Massachusetts Boston
Nantucket Field Station are conducting research to examine methods for removal of invasive plants (such
as Japanese Knotweed, P. australis, and purple loosestrife) as well as methods for restoration of salt
marshes and pond vegetation. Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Boston, with support
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 13
from the Maria Mitchell Association, have created an Electronic Field Guide website designed to allow
laypeople and researchers to identify invasive species in the field.
2.1.7 Birds
Nantucket is on the north/south flyway, making the island a crucial resting place for migrating birds.
Ducks, gulls, hawks, and cormorants are some of the types of birds commonly spotted. The areas
surrounding Muskeget Island are home to the largest concentration of oldsquaws (Clangula hyemalis) in
the western Atlantic (US Fish and Wildlife Service 2006). Nantucket also provides habitat for some
endangered species including the piping plover, American oyster catcher, northern harrier, and least tern.
While the birds on Nantucket provide recreational opportunities for birders and are important to the
biodiversity of the island, some waterways have been impaired due to bird droppings.
2.1.8 Mammals
Nantucket is home to many different types of mammals, including a variety of rabbits, rats, voles, and
seals (MassWildlife 1999). Muskeget Island is the only known habitat for the Muskeget vole. Muskeget
Island also serves as one of the few locations where the gray seal breeds (US Fish and Wildlife Service
2006). Because of the presences of the Muskeget Vole and the breeding opportunities afforded to the
gray seal, Muskeget Island is designated a National Natural Landmark.
The local North Atlantic gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) population has been rapidly recovering since the
1960’s, when bounties on gray seals were still in effect. Gray seals are now a State protected species,
and receive additional protection from the Marine Mammal Act. Pup counts on Muskeget were 5 in 1988;
1,023 in 2002 (NOAA 2005b); and 1,982 in 2005. (Woods 2005).
Although gray seals’ diets do include some cod, flounder, and other commercially desirable fish, they
primarily feed on sand lance, hake, conger eels, and skates. From 2002-2206, scientists have been
inspecting fecal samples and stomach contents from local populations of gray seals. According to Ampela
and Ferland (2006), “Juvenile hake (Urophycis sp.) accounted for 53.7 percent of the [gray seal] diet by
weight. Skate and squid contributed to an additional 21.6 percent of the diet, and cod (Gadus morhua)
accounted for less than 6 percent. We found no evidence of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), American
lobster (Homarus americanus), or striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Our sampling indicates that these seals
have a minimal impact on economically important fish species in US waters.”
2.1.9 Vegetation
Nantucket Vegetation Community Types
Aerial photo-interpretation was carried out by J. Stone between 1998-99 to characterize the vegetative
cover of Nantucket. GIS versions of this data were provided by the Nature Conservancy (Lundgren et. al.
2000) This information was used to produce Figures 2.7 and 2.8 that show the vegetation cover in the
harbor plan areas. The original data included a much more detailed classification system than is depicted
in these figures. The full classification system is below:
COASTAL TYPES
COASTAL BEACH STRAND (CBS)-sparse vegetation on the portions of beaches subject to
irregular tidal flooding (from the wrack line to foot of dune). This type will be included in the Sand
classification if less than approximately 50 feet wide and several hundred feet long. Large recent
overwashes identifiable on the photography will also be delineated as CBS.
SAND (S)-open sand, usually beach or bluff, with less than 10 percent vegetation.
COASTAL DUNE COMMUNITY (CDC)-usually dominated by Ammophila breviligulata (dense to
open cover). Beyond tidal influence. May also include scattered forbs, shrubs (Hudsonia spp.,
Myrica pensylvanica, Rosa spp.) and lichen. Also includes the community found on Coatue,
dominated by Festuca, with Chrysopsis and Lechea.
COASTAL INTERDUNAL SWALE (CIS)-seasonally flooded wetlands within low swales of dunes.
Herbaceous and/or cranberry vegetation.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 14
COASTAL SALT POND (CSP)-breached by occasional storms, creating brackish conditions.
Includes the narrow fringe of marsh or shrub along the CSP shoreline as well.
MARITIME FOREST ON DUNES (MFD)-deciduous “tall shrubland” to stunted trees growing on
dunes and directly affected by wind and salt spray.
MARITIME RED CEDAR WOODLAND (MRC)-dominated by stunted Juniperus virginiana,
with a variable understory of shrubs (M. pensylvanica, Gaylussacia spp., Vaccinium
corymbosum) or grasses and herbs. Includes dense to scattered cover of red cedar.
MARITIME SHRUBLAND ON DUNES (MSD)-mixed shrubs on dunes, including M. pensylvanica,
Gaylussacia, Rosa spp., Viburnum recognitum, Toxicodendron radicans and Baccharis
halimifolia.
MARITIME RED CEDAR SHRUBLAND ON DUNES (MRCS)-windswept Juniperus virginiana
that has a low, spreading growth form and is lightly scattered across the dunes. Associated
vegetation includes coastal dune community grasses, and forbs.
SANDPLAIN TYPES
SANDPLAIN GRASSLAND (GR)-Dominated by Schizachyrium scoparium, Carex pensylvanica,
and other grasses, with <50 percent Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Gaylussacia, and other heathland
shrubs.
MOWED GRASSLAND (GRM)-grasslands that are predominately Schizachyrium scoparium, and
show evidence of mowing. May contain scattered trees or shrubs (<30 percent). Usually located
near developed areas.
SANDPLAIN HEATHLAND (HE)-dwarf shrubland dominated by Arctostaphylos, Hudsonia,
Corema conradii or Gaylussacia, with lesser amounts of Myrica, Viburnum and Quercus ilicifolia.
Often contains a matrix of grassland.
PITCH PINE-SCRUB OAK WOODLAND (PPSO)-dense to open canopy of Pinus rigida with
understory of predominately Q. ilicifolia.
PITCH PINE-MIXED SHRUB WOODLAND (PPSOM) Scattered pitch pine (occasionally
including black pine or red cedar) with an understory of predominately Gaylussacia,
Viburnum, Arctostaphylos, or Myrica and sometimes grassy openings. Usually found near
developed or disturbed areas.
SCRUB OAK SHRUBLAND-Thickets of Quercus ilicifolia.
OPEN SCRUB OAK (OSO)- approximately 30-75 percent total cover, of which at least 50
percent is scrub oak, with Arctostaphylos, Gaylussacia or herbaceous understory.
CLOSED SCRUB OAK (CSO)->75 percent cover of scrub oak.
OTHER SHRUB & FOREST TYPES
MARITIME FOREST ON UPLAND (MFU)-deciduous trees stunted or flat topped from salt spray
and wind pruning. Uncommon.
BLACK PINE/PITCH PINE WOODLAND (BPP)-may be either a stand of Pinus thunbergii or
Pinus rigida (unable to differentiate on aerial photo).
BLACK PINE WOODLAND (BP)-stands of Pinus thunbergii with 30 percent or greater canopy
cover.
MIXED PLANTED EVERGREENS (MPE)-plantation of evergreen trees, usually Pinus strobus.
RED CEDAR WOODLAND (RCW)-30 percent or greater overstory of Juniperus virginiana, with a
variety of understories including Gaylussacia, Arctostaphylos, or herbaceous vegetation.
MIXED DECIDUOUS FOREST (MDF)-forest dominated by Quercus spp., Sassafras albidum,
Nyssa sylvatica, Acer rubrum or other deciduous trees.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 15 Figure 2.7 Generalized Vegetation Types based on Data from The Nature Conservancy.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 16 Figure 2.8 Generalized Vegetation Types based on Data from The Nature Conservancy.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 17
COASTAL SHRUBLAND (CSH)-Tall (>.5m), usually dense, shrubland on upland. Common
species include Viburnum, Gaylussacia, Prunus maritima, Amelanchier spp., Myrica, Rosa spp.,
Vaccinium spp., and T. radicans. This type is widely scattered across the island and will vary in
composition and location. Locations include the top of non-active dunes, large areas of the
interior of the island, and “mesic” shrublands in lowlands, usually dominated by Vaccinium
corymbosum, or Clethra, with Ilex glabra, Viburnum, Amelanchier, Prunus common. Also
includes shrublands in developed areas that are a mix of plants, often exotics and invasives,
including Lonicera, Rosa multiflora, Ligustrum, and Celastrus.
OTHER WETLAND TYPES
SALT MARSH (SM)-Spartina spp., Distichlis spicata, Iva frutescens and other tidal marsh plants.
TIDAL FLAT (TF)-regularly flooded and exposed tidal flat.
SHRUB SWAMP (SS)-Variable mix of azalea, blueberry, Clethra and winterberry, usually in a
basin.
MARSH (M)-herbaceous freshwater wetland.
TYPHA MARSH (TY)-dominated by cattails (usually Typha angustifolia).
DEEP MARSH (DM)-deeper water freshwater wetland dominated by herbaceous vegetation, but
may have some shrubs, including Decodon verticillatus.
WATER (OW)-marine, estuarine and fresh waterbodies.
SHRUB BOG (BG)-dominant vegetation is broad leaved evergreen shrubs such as
Chamaedaphne calyculata, native cranberry and sphagnum. May contain some deciduous
shrubs, especially around the edges. Usually includes a moat.
WOODED SWAMP (WS1)-deciduous forested wetland, usually in a basin, and dominated by
Acer rubrum or Nyssa sylvatica.
POTENTIAL VERNAL POOL (PVP)-basins under ¼ acre in size that appear to have the
hydrologic and vegetative characteristics common to vernal pools. NOTE: these are only a
subset of the potential vernal pools on the island. Larger wetlands are delineated and classified
as shrub swamp, marsh etc.
OTHER TYPES
OLD FIELD (OF)-Juniperus virginiana as shrub or tree overstory (30 percent or less), usually with
a grass and forb understory, sometimes with shrubs. May also contain scattered Pinus rigida or
thunbergii. In its earlier stages, this type is an overgrown field, without cedar or other trees.
DEVELOPED LAND (DL)-Includes residential, commercial, industrial and recreational land uses.
Also includes large mowed lawns often found in residential and developed areas, sand and gravel
pits, and recently bulldozed or excavated areas that appear to be undergoing development.
AGRICULTURAL LAND (AL)-Includes tilled fields, nurseries, orchards and pastures. These
areas do not support native grasses and plants, but rather are planted and managed for
agricultural or commercial purposes.
CRANBERRY BOG (CB)-Actively managed cranberry bog. Easily distinguished from the native
cranberry wetlands by their shape and cleared borders.
2.1.10 Fish and Shellfish
The sheltered environments and natural resources of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors provide important
habitat for many different fish and shellfish species including bay scallops, soft-shell clams, quahogs, the
American lobster, striped bass, scup, bonito, flounder, fluke, false albacore, eels, blue crabs, and
bluefish. Recognizing the region’s importance in this regard, the National Marine Fisheries Service has
designated areas in and around both Nantucket and Madaket Harbors as essential fish habitat (EFH) for
federally managed species.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 18
The Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Management and Conservation Act (MSFMCA) defines essential fish
habitat to include "those waters and substrates necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or
growth to maturity" (16 U.S.C. 1801 2(a)104-297(10)). Within these EFHs, the New England Regional
Fishery Management Council is required to minimize, to the extent practicable, adverse effects caused by
fishing, and to identify actions that will encourage the conservation and enhancement of the habitat. In
addition to the intrinsic value of the fish and shellfish in Nantucket and Madaket Harbors, many of these
species have economic value as well (Table 2.1). Recreational fisheries rely heavily on the area’s
stripped bass, bluefish, and bay scallop populations, while the commercial fishery relies most heavily on
the bay scallop.
Figures 2.9 and 2.10 show shellfish suitability areas. These “delineate areas that are believed to be
suitable for shellfish based on the expertise of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), the
opinion of local Massachusetts Shellfish Constables, and information contained in maps and studies of
shellfish in Massachusetts. The areas covered include sites where shellfish have historically been
sighted, but may not currently support any shellfish. The shellfish suitability areas were not verified in the
field and the boundaries were not surveyed. For these reasons, the areas should be used only as guides
to the approximate locations of potential habitats” (MassGIS website).
Figure 2.9 Shellfish Suitability Areas.
2.2 WATER QUALITY
Water quality in Nantucket and Madaket Harbors is affected by multiple input pathways or sources and by
various stressors. These can include stormwater runoff, infiltration, transport of groundwater containing
excess nutrients, rainfall, pollutant plumes from underwater storage tanks or the landfill, changes in land
use which may accelerate stormwater runoff, etc. Some pollutants, such as atmospheric levels of lead
and small particulates, have decreased in New England as a result of the federal regulations such as the
Clean Air Act and Clean Water Acts, and local and state regulations (NOAA 2006).
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 19
Table 2.1 Summary of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Designations in and around the Harbors.
Boundary North East South West
EFH around Nantucket Harbor 41º 30.0’ N 70º 00.0’ W 41º 10.0’ N 70º 10.0’ W
EFH around Madaket Harbor 41º 20.0’ N 70º 10.0’ W 41º 10.0’ N 70º 20.0’ W
Species Eggs Larvae Juveniles Adults
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)MMMN,M
haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)N,M
whiting (Merluccius bilinearis)M
red hake (Urophycis chuss)MMM
winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus)N,M N,M N,M N,M
yellowtail flounder (Pleuronectes ferruginea)MMM
windowpane flounder (Scopthalmus aquosus)MMN,MN,M
ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus)MM M
Atlantic sea herring (Clupea harengus)MN,MM
long finned squid (Loligo pealei)N,M N,M
short finned squid (Illex illecebrosus)N,M N,M
Atlantic butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus)N,M N,M N,M N,M
Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)N,M N,M N,M N,M
summer flounder (Paralicthys dentatus)N,M N,M N,M N,M
scup (Stenotomus chrysops)N,M N,M
black sea bass (Centropristus striata)N,M N,M N,M
surf clam (Spisula solidissima)N,M N,M
ocean quahog (Artica islandica)MM
spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias)MM
king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla)N,M N,M N,M N,M
Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus)N,M N,M N,M N,M
cobia (Rachycentron canadum)N,M N,M N,M N,M
common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus)MMM
blue shark (Prionace glauca)N,M
dusky shark (Charcharinus obscurus)M
shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrhyncus)M
sandbar shark (Charcharinus plumbeus)MN,M
bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)N,M N,M
(*** Note: M = Madaket Harbor, N= Nantucket Harbor. Source: NOAA 2005)
The management and fate of both stormwater and wastewater on the island greatly affect water quality by
contributing contaminants and nutrients to the harbors. The main water quality concern for many areas on
Cape Cod and the islands is excessive nutrient concentrations, which can lead to algae blooms, reduction
in photic depth, influx of invasive aquatic plant species, and a reduction in eelgrass coverage. Despite
extensive efforts to slow the eutrophication process, “water quality results, [specifically in Nantucket
Harbor,] indicate that nutrients are increasing; and being recycled at the Head of the Harbor and Quaise
Basin” (Conant 2006 “Nantucket Harbor”). In addition, certain areas such as “the Creeks”, Folger’s Marsh,
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 20
Medouie Marsh, Hither Creek, Polpis Harbor, and Coskata Pond are especially susceptible to
environmental impacts due to their natural resource value and fragility.
Many growth related changes on Nantucket can contribute to a declining water quality: Increased
development and the subsequent additional septic systems, significantly more moorings, increased use of
fertilizers from lawns, and more vehicles and boats all provide both point and non-point pollution inputs.
Nantucket has implemented many water protection measures, but more can be done. New issues have
arisen, and ongoing research has revealed new issues during the past thirteen years.
Figure 2.10 Shellfish Suitability Areas.
2.2.1 Evolution of Water Quality Conditions and Research from 1993 to the Present
Nantucket Harbor’s water was designated as SA or “excellent” in 1993 according to CMR 314-4.00. SA-
classified waters are suitable for any high quality water use, including bathing, swimming, and
shellfishing. This designation, based on dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform concentrations, was made
according to the Surface Water Classifications of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Coastal and
Marine Water (314 CRM 4.03).
The “Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards” (314 CMR 4.00) establish quantitative and
qualitative standards for the protection of surface waters in both inland waters and coastal marine
systems (Tables 2.2 and 2.3). Although there are several quantitative criteria provided in the standards,
no specific thresholds or criteria are provided for nitrogen as it relates to eutrophication and its associated
ecological impact on the health of Massachusetts coastal embayments (Howes et al. 2003).
The other two categories are SB and SC, listed in order of degree of impairment. All three of these
categories have both quantitative and qualitative components. The Massachusetts Estuaries Project is
recommending that these designations be replaced with 6 classifications from “excellent” to “severely
degraded”. Earlier embayment health monitoring focused on coliforms and other measurements which
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 21
directly impact humans while ignoring some of the factors more closely related to habitat health, such as
photic depth or chlorophyll-a concentration. The latter may indicate excess nutrients and excess algae
growth.
Despite this “excellent” designation, there were still water quality concerns. The 1993 Nantucket and
Madaket Harbors Action Plan identified three potential pollution problems: pathogen contamination,
excessive nutrient enrichment, and toxic contamination.
In addition, the CMR 314 regulations apply additional minimum criteria to all surface waters.
Table 2.2 The Massachusetts Water Quality Standards for SA-Classified Waters.
Parameter Standard
Dissolved Oxygen Not less than 6.0 mg/L unless background conditions are lower; natural
seasonal and daily variations above this level shall be maintained; levels shall
not be lowered below 75% of saturation due to a discharge.
Temperature Shall not exceed 85°F nor a maximum daily mean of 80°F.
pH Shall be in the range of 6.5 through 8.5 standard units and not more than 0.2
units outside the normally occurring range.
Fecal Coliform a. Waters approved for shellfishing shall not exceed a geometric mean (Most
Probable Number or MPN) of 14 colonies/100 mL, nor shall more than 10% of
the samples exceed an MPN of 43 colonies/100 mL.
b. Waters not designated for shellfishing shall not exceed a geometric mean
MPN of 200 colonies/100mL, nor shall more than 10% of the samples exceed
an MPN of 400 colonies/100 mL.
Solids Shall be free from floating, suspended and settleable solids in concentrations
of combinations that would impair any use assigned to this class, that would
cause any objectionable conditions or that impair the benthic biota or degrade
the chemical composition of the bottom.
Color and Turbidity Shall be free from color and turbidity in concentrations or combinations that are
aesthetically objectionable or would impair any use assigned to this class.
Oil and Grease Shall be free from oil and grease and petrochemicals.
Taste and Odor None other than that of natural origin.
Pathogen contamination refers to fecal coliform contamination. As a consequence of this contamination,
beaches along Nantucket Harbor were repeatedly closed to swimming. In addition, concentrations of
fecal coliform were steadily increasing towards levels unsafe for summer shellfishing in portions of the
harbor. The method used by the town’s Board of Health to measure fecal coliform concentrations
produced lower results than the state’s method. Therefore, relative to state standards, the water quality
appeared better than it actually was (“Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan” 1993).
The Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan (1993) identifies several apparent sources of pathogen
contamination. Storm drains, sewage discharge from boats, old septic systems that do not meet Title V
regulations and excretion from birds are all recognized in the list of probable sources. In addition, the
strength of most sources is noted to increase during the summer sampling seasons (“Nantucket and
Madaket Harbors Action Plan” 1993).
Nutrient enrichment was not identified as a current problem in the 1993 Action Plan. However, the Action
Plan did note that the island’s 1993 residential population was forecasted to increase. The resulting
increase in development and associated increases in fertilizer and septic leachate was presented as a
potential cause of future nutrient enrichment (“Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan” 1993).
Toxic contamination was a concern in Nantucket Harbor during 1993. Numerous and varied sources
contributed to the contamination. The primary sources included paints, anti-fouling chemicals such as
tributyltin, pesticides/herbicides/fungicides, oil seepage from boats, impervious surfaces and ultimately
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 22
storm drains, corroded storage tanks and occasional oil spills (“Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action
Plan” 1993).
Table 2.3 Minimum Criteria Applicable to All Surface Waters in Massachusetts.
Parameter Standard
Aesthetics All surface waters shall be free from pollutants in concentrations or
combinations that settle to form objectionable deposits; float as debris scum or
other matter to form nuisances; turbidity; or produce undesirable or nuisance
species of aquatic life.
Bottom Pollutants or
Alterations
All surface waters shall be free from pollutants in concentrations or
combinations or from alterations that adversely affect the physical or produce
objectionable odor, color, taste or chemical nature of the bottom, interfere with
the propagation of fish or shellfish, or adversely affect populations of non-
mobile or sessile benthic organisms.
Nutrients Shall not exceed the site-specific limits necessary to control accelerated or
cultural eutrophication.
Radioactivity All surface waters shall be free from radioactive substances in concentrations
or combinations that would be harmful to human, animal, or aquatic life or the
most sensitive designated use.
Toxic Pollutants All surface waters shall be free from toxic substances in concentrations or
combinations that would be harmful to human, animal or aquatic life or wildlife.
This includes consideration of site-specific limits, human health risk levels and
accumulation of pollutants (bioaccumulation).
2.2.2 Nantucket Harbor Watershed Work Group
A Nantucket Harbor Watershed Work Group was formed in 1997 by the Nantucket Planning and
Economic Development Commission (NP&EDC) for the purpose of developing strategies to address
water quality issues in Nantucket Harbor (Report of the Nantucket Harbor Watershed Work Group, 2003).
They released the final version of the study endorsed by the entire group on June 1, 2003. The impetus
for the creation of the Watershed Work Group as cited in their report was to address issues raised in the
upcoming Nantucket Harbor Study published by Brian Howes at WHOI in 1997 (details below).
“Recommendations of the Work Group in a report dated December 1, 1997:
a Town Meeting appropriation to fund the engineering, modeling, and dredging of a channel in the
harbor to enhance circulation in the harbor;
an appropriation for the design of sanitary sewers for the Monomoy and Shimmo portions of the
watershed;
an appropriation for the design, engineering, and environmental assessment of improvements to
existing storm drainage systems within the watershed;
the formation of a harbor watershed district encompassing Nantucket Harbor;
adoption of elements of an open space work group report associated with the development of the
Comprehensive Plan related to open space initiatives in the watershed;
encouragement of open space acquisition preference to Nantucket Islands Land Bank and non-
profit entities; and,
a public education component that focused on educating the public on prudent application of
fertilizers within the watershed.
Of the initiatives requiring Town Meeting action, the following actions took place:
the appropriation of $50,000 for the study of the circulation patterns in Nantucket Harbor;
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 23
the appropriation of approximately $700,000 for the construction of sewers in Monomoy, recently
completed;
the inclusion in the Department of Public Works Enterprise fund an appropriation to inventory
drainage systems in the watershed;
the adoption of a harbor watershed district as a general bylaw in 1999.
Of the initiatives not requiring Town Meeting action, the following publicly sponsored actions were
initiated:
the design and construction of a stormwater mitigation area for a stormwater discharge on
Washington Street extension;
the acquisition by the town, the county, the Land Bank, and environmental organizations of the
fee interest conservation restrictions in over 60 acres of land situated in the harbor watershed;
the production of a poster highlighting water quality issues and best management practices, with
the funding assistance of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.”
In addition, the Work Group formed a subcommittee which issued a critique of the 1997 WHOI Nantucket
Harbor Study that stated: “it failed to include atmospheric deposition sources; it used a disproportionately
high and non-scientifically based fertilizer leaching rate percent; it failed to use Nantucket-based onsite
septic system and sewer information; it used surface water sampling data (except for Millbrook) of
questionable scientific validity; and, it failed to highlight the role of education / community participation in
addressing harbor needs and in promoting harbor health.”
2.2.3 Applied Science Associates: Harbor Circulation Models
The Watershed Nutrient Model and a Harbor Nutrient Model were funded by Article 28, at the Annual
Town Meeting (ATM) in 1998. The Marine and Coastal Resources Department commenced these studies
in late 1999, retaining Applied Science Associates (ASA), who subcontracted with the Boston University
Marine Program (BUMP), Applied Marine Ecology Lab, and Nucci Vine Associates as consultants to
design the computer based simulation models. The model and report were released in 2000 and an on-
island training session in the use of the computer simulation model was provided. These models are
frequently used in oceanographic scenarios to predict changes in a watershed based on changing input
factors. Ideally, these models should be 3-dimensional, but that adds another layer of difficulty including
much more data acquisition for both atmospheric and sediment boundary inputs that was likely not within
the bounds of the contract. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources currently has this model
and has purchased a newer computer dedicated to run the simulations, which may sometimes take a day
or longer on older computers. The Estuaries Project released their final draft results for Nantucket Harbor
and Sesachacha Pond in February of 2007. Their report presents a linked watershed-embayment model
to determine critical nitrogen loading thresholds for Nantucket Harbor and Sesachacha Pond (see Section
2.2.8).
The results from the Nantucket Harbor Study indicated that water quality was degrading in parts of the
harbors (e.g., Head of the Harbor, Polpis Harbor). The Harbor Study and the BUMP study both cite
fertilizers, septic systems, and stormwater runoff from impervious systems as the primary non-
atmospheric nitrogen sources to the watershed (see “Sources of Water Quality Degradation” below).
2.2.4 Mass DEP Islands Watershed 2000 Water Quality Assessment Report
Water quality as it relates to aquatic habitats is a primary concern, according to the Mass DEP Islands
Watershed 2000 Water Quality Assessment Report, a comprehensive report on the quality of Nantucket
and Madaket Harbors and their associated embayments released in 2003
(http://www.mass.gov/dep/brp/wm/wqassess.htm):
“The Aquatic Life Use is supported when suitable habitat (including water quality) is available for
sustaining a native, naturally diverse, community of aquatic flora and fauna. Impairment of the
Aquatic Life Use may result from anthropogenic stressors that include point and/or nonpoint
sources of pollution and hydrologic modification. Twelve percent of the island’s watershed salt
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 24
pond/coastal embayment segments reviewed in this report were assessed (support or impaired)
for Aquatic Life Use. One coastal embayment (Madaket Harbor, Nantucket, 1.4 square miles)
was supported for this use. The remaining 1.7 square miles (Polpis Harbor, Hither Creek and
Long Pond) were impaired for the Aquatic Life Use for known and/or suspected causes, including
loss of eelgrass bed habitat, excess total nitrogen, tidal restriction, dissolved oxygen and
anthropogenic activities that result in poor water quality. Suspected sources of impairment
include: recreational activities (boat traffic), stormwater, onsite septic systems, and poor tidal
circulation.”
This same report showed that Long Pond is unsuitable for Primary Recreational Contact (i.e. wading
swimming, diving, surfing) and that only Secondary Recreational Contact (involving limited contact with
the water such as boating) should be allowed due to elevated bacterial counts and poor water clarity.
Although not directly related to the harbor plan planning area, this same report states that the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has issued fish consumption advisories for
Miacomet Pond (MA97055), Gibbs Pond (MA97028) and Tom Nevers Pond (MA97097) due to high levels
of mercury.
In addition, the Massachusetts 303(d) list of impaired waters from 1998 includes Nantucket Harbor, with
the cause of impairment as nutrients, pathogens, and noxious aquatic plants. Sesachacha was listed as
impaired for pathogens (MA9702). The “Islands Watershed 2000 Water Quality Assessment” also gives
specific values and recommendations for Polpis Harbor (Impaired, loss of eelgrass and partial loss of
shellfish habitat); Sesachacha Pond (Impaired for shellfish harvest, on Alert status for fish kills), Coskata
Pond (suitable for all activities), Madaket Harbor (not approved for summer shellfishing due to fecal
coliforms) and Hither Creek (Impaired).
2.2.5 Recent Data and Research
In order to evaluate the current water quality a number of variables including temperature, salinity,
dissolved oxygen, secchi depth, nitrogen and phosphorous as well as fecal coliform levels are monitored
regularly by the town Biologist in the harbor planning area. In addition, several other ongoing water
quality studies are conducted by various groups and agencies, including the Massachusetts Estuaries
Project.
Temperature and salinity conditions have remained relatively predictable over the years. Overall, since
Nantucket Harbor is well mixed, both parameters show steady measurements from the surface layer to
the bottom layer. However, localized departures from this generalization do occur (Curley August 2002).
Madaket Harbor is also well mixed and has relatively normal temperature conditions (Conant 2006).
Conversely, in Hither Creek, which is a shallow water body with little circulation and more common
stratification of both temperature and salinity, temperatures were higher than Madaket Harbor (Conant
2006).
Dissolved oxygen levels were generally “good” for Nantucket Harbor in 2004. However, mid-summer, low
dissolved oxygen levels were observed in the bottom water of certain Nantucket Harbor sections (Curley
2004). Madaket Harbor, which has good circulation since it is open to Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic
Ocean, has relatively normal dissolved oxygen concentrations (Conant 2006). However, Hither Creek,
due in large part to the temperature and salinity stratification, can have very low dissolved oxygen and
occasionally reach a state of hypoxia or anoxia (Conant 2006).
Secchi depth, which indicates water clarity, appears to alternate between “good” and “poor” throughout
the year in Nantucket Harbor. “Good” and “poor” water clarity can indicate low and high estimates of
phytoplankton population density, respectively (Curley 2004). Water clarity is good in most of Madaket
Harbor, with the exception of Hither Creek, which has the least amount of light penetration (Conant 2006).
The Creek’s silty bottom, boat traffic from a connected boat yard and mooring field, and high nutrient
concentrations all contribute to the relatively degraded water clarity (Conant 2006). Nitrogen
concentrations in the water column also indicate how fast the phytoplankton populations will grow (Curley
2002).
While average total nitrogen concentrations for Nantucket Harbor ranked in the “excellent” range between
2002 and 2004, nitrate concentrations increased to the “moderate” impairment range at some locations in
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 25
2004. The 2002 Nantucket Harbor Water Quality Annual Report did note that, “Nantucket Harbor
contains more nitrogen than it should.” Due to the shape of Nantucket Harbor and its circulation patterns,
nitrogen concentrations are typically much higher in Polpis Harbor and the harbor’s three major basins
(Conant 2006 “Nantucket Harbor”). Conversely, nitrogen concentrations are not increasing in Madaket
Harbor (Conant 2006). This is due, primarily, to the harbor’s shape and high rate of circulation (Conant
2006). Hither Creek is not sampled as regularly, but is known to have high nitrogen and phosphorous
concentrations (Conant 2006).
Total phosphorous concentrations do appear to be increasing over time in Nantucket Harbor (Curley
2002). Just like nitrogen, the highest concentrations are frequently detected in Polpis Harbor. Usually,
phosphorous concentrations increase at the same time of year that fertilizers are applied on land (Curley
2004). Another major source of phosphorus is Nantucket Harbor’s Mooring Field (Curley 2004). In 2004,
concentrations of total phosphorous in Nantucket Harbor exceeded safe water quality standards on
multiple occasions (Curley 2004). However, phosphorous concentrations in Madaket Harbor are
relatively low and represent good water quality (Conant 2006).
High fecal coliform concentrations are a recurring problem along the shoreline of Polpis Harbor as well as
the Downtown and Monomoy areas of the watershed. In addition, Madaket Harbor is closed to the taking
of shellfish for six months of the year, due to both high fecal coliform counts and the occurrence of a
boatyard nearby. Hither Creek is permanently closed to shellfishing (Conant 2006 “Madaket Harbor”).
Faulty and inadequate wastewater disposal systems are blamed for the high concentrations in the
Downtown and Monomoy area shorelines.
Along the shoreline in Polpis Harbor, it is hypothesized that the inadequate tidal flushing is to blame for
the high fecal coliform concentrations (“Comprehensive Wastewater Phase I” 2001). Polpis Harbor’s
water quality is also highly influenced by onsite wastewater disposal systems. Due to this relationship
with onsite wastewater disposal systems, Polpis Harbor is “unsustainable” (“Comprehensive Wastewater
Management Plan Phase III” 2004).
Criteria for evaluating estuary health as specified in the MEP (Massachusetts Estuaries Project) and
currently used by the EPA include the monitoring of biological habitat quality indicators. As a basis for
preliminary nutrient (nitrogen) threshold determination, focus is placed on two major biological habitat
quality indicators (Howes et al. 2003):
Eelgrass vs. macroalgal distribution
Benthic animal communities (presence and diversity)
The DEP identified the presence of eelgrass in Nantucket Harbor from historic 1951 black and white
aerial photography (Costello 2003). DEP mapped Nantucket Harbor in 1994 from field verified 1993 aerial
photography. Total coverage of Nantucket Harbor from the 1993/1994 surveys was almost 50 percent of
the harbor. DEP field verified 1999 aerial photography and identified marginal loss of eelgrass along the
margins of the beds along entire shoreline as well as in the central part of the harbor as compared to the
1993 survey. The DEP did not issue an assessment of Aquatic Life Capability for Nantucket’s Harbors
because of a lack of data. DEP identified the presence of eelgrass in Polpis Harbor from historic 1951
black and white aerial photography (Costello 2003). Field surveys conducted by DEP in 1998 and 2000
found no eelgrass in Polpis Harbor. Because of the total loss of eelgrass bed habitat the Aquatic Life Use
is assessed as impaired for Polpis Harbor. Suspected causes of this loss are tidal restriction and/or
anthropogenic activities that result in reduced water clarity.
Within the past few years, eelgrass coverage has experienced a 10.7 percent reduction in Nantucket
Harbor according to the DEP (Figure 2.1).
The Estuaries Project is examining benthic communities to determine adverse effects from oxygen
depletion, nutrient concentrations, and competition between species, in addition to the buildup of excess
organic carbon in deeper sections of the harbor. Also, a recent Massachusetts-wide EPA project (Coastal
2000) is identifying benthic diversity and its relationship to water quality parameters. The Town of
Nantucket’s Biologist also performs routine benthic organism evaluations. These multiple efforts should
be maximized, collated and recorded.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 26
2.2.6 Ferry Sensor System on the SSA Eagle
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) scientists, led by Scott Gallager, have been measuring
water quality (specifically temperature, salinity, oxygen, chlorophyll, and water clarity) and photographing
plankton using sensors attached to the Katama, a 235-foot freight ferry that passes through the western
side of Nantucket Sound several times a day.
The WHOI scientists will be setting up a similar sensor system on the Steamship Authority’s ferry Eagle.
The Eagle runs on the eastern side of Nantucket Sound between Hyannis and Nantucket. The purpose of
the WHOI team’s work is to develop a “detailed, continuous portrait of changing water conditions and
plankton communities in Nantucket Sound over long time scales” (WHOI News Release, August 29,
2006). This may help pinpoint Nantucket Sound water quality inputs into Nantucket Harbor.
2.2.7 Sources of Water Quality Degradation
Stormwater
Stormwater runoff is the largest component of non-point source pollution in our nation’s watersheds.
Stormwater is discharged into the harbor from a variety of sources, including groundwater, stormwater
outfall pipes, as well as stormwater runoff (sheetflow). According to the “Report of the Nantucket Harbor
Watershed Workgroup” (June 2003), major sources for contaminants in the stormwater are from:
1. Impermeable surfaces
2. Development activities
3. Landscape activities
4. The atmosphere
5. Automobiles
6. Fertilizers
7. Animal waste
8. Winter road applications
Often the contaminants are filtered out through natural vegetated systems; however, the western portion
of Nantucket Harbor’s watershed, the downtown area, is almost entirely covered by impermeable
surfaces. While manmade infrastructure helps to manage stormwater, discharges from outfall pipes, for
example, can also act as the transport vehicle for sediment originating from development activities and
dump it directly into the harbor (“Report of the Nantucket Harbor Watershed Workgroup” 2003). Outfall
pipes are often too small to accommodate current flow rates, and some are poorly located with regards to
current land and water uses (“Drainage Outfall” 2005).
Throughout the summer months, the Nantucket Board of Health monitors the public beaches for total and
fecal coliform. The town has completed some preliminary work to identify sources, using DNA evidence to
separate mammalian (dogs and humans) from avian fecal matter sources; however, new studies and
protocols are surfacing throughout the nation and should be investigated. Specific tactics for identifying
sources of fecal and bacterial inputs into the harbors involve several different sampling protocols such as
rain event sampling, DNA typing, antibiotic resistance testing, and avian waste surveys (recording the
number of bird droppings along beach transects) to pin-point the source(s) of bacterial pollution for each
beach. Successful monitoring studies to identify bacterial sources in coastal areas have been conducted
in Wisconsin and other states. Some of these monitoring studies have been partially funded through the
EPA BEACH’s Act (NOAA 2005.)
Stormwater Bylaws
Many communities in Massachusetts lack the local regulatory standards needed to regulate stormwater
runoff outside of the state's wetland jurisdiction. In an effort to address this problem, three South Shore
communities, partially funded by the Coastal NPS Grant Program, jointly developed a Model Stormwater
Bylaw to improve their ability to manage stormwater. Their Model Stormwater Bylaw provides a
comprehensive approach to stormwater management, encourages Low Impact Development (LID),
allows for a possible stormwater utility fee, and exceeds the state’s Stormwater Policy and Standards.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 27
The Model Stormwater Bylaw also seeks to fulfill EPA Phase II requirements pertaining to post-
construction stormwater management.
According to NOAA’s Ocean and Coastal Resource Management website, “Some of the ways the bylaw
surpasses statewide stormwater requirements include: (1) proposing a more stringent criteria for channel
protection (attenuating the 24-hr extended detention storage of post-development runoff from a 1-yr, 24-
hr storm event vs. controlling the peak discharge rate from a 2-yr storm event to the pre-development rate
as required by the MA Stormwater Management Policy); (2) proposing more stringent criteria for extreme
flooding protection (attenuating the peak discharge rate from the 100-yr, 24-hr storm event to the pre-
development rate vs. evaluating the 100-yr, 24-hr storm event to demonstrate no increased off-site
flooding impacts will occur); and (3) proposing more stringent criteria for structural practices to improve
water quality (in addition to requiring control structures be designed to remove 80 percent of the average
total suspended solids from post-development runoff, the practices must also be designed to remove 40
percent of the total phosphorous and 30 percent of the total nitrogen)” (NOAA 2006).
Nantucket has a Stormwater Management Plan as well as several different bylaws pertaining to
stormwater management and mitigation of artificial recharge, which can be found in Chapter 139 of the
Town Code. Nantucket also has local wetland protection bylaws, but no specific Stormwater Bylaw.
Wastewater
Up until about 2001, Nantucket’s wastewater was treated in one of two ways. The first option was the
island’s Surfside and Siasconset wastewater treatment facilities and the second option was privately
owned onsite treatment and disposal systems. The Surfside facility, historically, has only utilized primary
treatment, which does not remove dissolved constituents such as ammonium or most biological species
such as fecal coliform. In 2005, the Surfside facility treated about 524 million gallons of wastewater.
At the Siasconset facility, wastewater was discharged onto infiltration beds where the soil was meant to
remove the contaminants (“Comprehensive Wastewater” 2001). However, untreated wastewater was still
discharged directly to the soil (“Comprehensive Wastewater” 2003). Onsite treatment and disposal
systems also leaked untreated or poorly treated wastewater into the soil (“Comprehensive Wastewater”
2001).
Although there are two public facilities, the majority of the island uses private onsite septic systems
(“Comprehensive Wastewater” 2001). In 2005, 167 permits were issued for the installation of septic
systems. However, 79 of these permits were issued for either the repair of failed systems or upgrades to
non-compliant systems (Town of Nantucket 2005).
Often the island’s soil does not adequately filter wastewater, even if it has already been treated. Due to
the soil’s porosity, the water moves through too quickly for constituents to be absorbed by the soil
particles. The inadequately filtered wastewater ends up mixing with the groundwater, ultimately
discharging into the harbor (“Comprehensive Wastewater” 2001).
Aquaculture Enterprises
Nantucket has few aquaculture activities and has granted only 4 permits for operators in the harbor. All of
these are focused on shellfish. The potential environmental impacts posed by aquaculture vary
significantly depending on the type of operations and which animals or plants are being raised. Shellfish
aquaculture is thought to have relatively low environmental impacts, and some argue that such activities
may even improve water quality. However, it is important that all aquaculture activities be monitored to
ensure that they do not lead to a degradation of water quality. If types of aquaculture that are known to
have greater environmental impacts are permitted in the future, more stringent monitoring protocols
should be stipulated.
Groundwater
Groundwater inputs are a significant contributor of nitrogen to Nantucket, Madaket, and Polpis Harbors
(Curley, 2002; Howes et al. 1997, Valiela et al. 2000). Most of the groundwater’s nitrogen comes from
onsite wastewater treatment systems (“Report to Nantucket” 2003). Even properties which meet the
DEP’s Title V regulation for onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems, “do not adequately
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 28
remove nutrients from wastewater before it enters the leaching fields” (“Phase III” 2004). Compared to
wastewater treatment facilities, onsite Title 5 systems only remove a nominal amount of nitrogen before
discharge (“Phase III” 2004).
Agriculture and golf courses can also contribute excess nutrients to the harbor. As can be seen below,
input from these sources can be relatively significant (Gardner 2003). Consistent groundwater monitoring
in conjunction with the Nantucket Land Council, the University of Massachusetts Boston Nantucket Field
Station, the Wannacomet Water Company, and the USGS should be done to track these inputs.
Groundwater Monitoring
The Department of Public Works has a contract with Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. (CDM) to collect water
and complete thorough testing of samples taken from a series of monitoring wells placed around the
island’slandfill. CDM tests for close to 200 constituents, including everything from conventional
parameters such as pH and alkalinity to metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The
environmental sampling is done in accordance with the approved Environmental Monitoring Plan,
prepared by Secor International, Inc. in July 1999, and is in conformance with the Solid Waste
Management Regulations (310 CMR 19.132). This sampling regime is scheduled to be conducted semi-
annually. The landfill is also closely monitored for potential aerial hazards and incidents that could cause
atmospheric deposition of harmful chemicals.
In addition, nearby surface waters and landfill gases are also measured. At the January 4, 2006 Board of
Selectmen meeting, the DPW Director reported that “nothing exceeding statutory limits has been
detected”. A brief review of tables and reports from the April 2004 CDM “Summary of Groundwater,
Surface Water and Gas Sampling Results” shows that almost all potential pollutants, from heavy and light
organics, to metals and carcinogens, fall below groundwater regulation limits and are often in the ND
(non-detect) range. For groundwater samples, the only parameters exceeded were manganese, iron, and
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). For surface water samples, zinc concentrations (115 µg/l) slightly exceeded
the Ambient Water Quality Criteria of 100 µg/l. No gas measurements exceeded regulatory levels.
Boat Sewage
Another more direct source of wastewater to the harbors is through boat sewage. Over 130,000 gallons
of sewage was pumped from boats visiting Nantucket Harbor in 2005. Nantucket Harbor is a federally
designated No Discharge Zone (NDZ). This means that it is illegal for boaters to discharge either treated
or untreated sewage within the NDZ. In recent years, the demand for pumpout services in the harbors
has increased. Currently, dye tests are conducted twice a year and the Nantucket Harbormaster
proactively patrols the mooring fields in order to pump out boat waste holding tanks (see section below).
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Many algal species form blooms, commonly referred to as "red tides," each with different impacts. Most of
these blooms are harmless, but a few species of phytoplankton cause red tides that are poisonous to
marine animals and to humans. Because of this, scientists prefer the term "harmful algal bloom" (or HAB).
Of the more than 60 different species of phytoplankton that cause red tides, only four or five have been
identified as toxic.
The organism that causes toxic red tide, or HAB, in New England is a microscopic one-celled alga called
Alexandrium tamarense. Alexandrium propels itself through the water using two tiny whip-like extensions
called flagella. Its life cycle includes a dormant cyst stage that can survive cold winters in bottom
sediments. The cysts, which also contain toxin, are the seeds for future blooms. These cysts facilitate
the spread of toxic red tides into new areas since they are easily transported by tidal currents, dredge
material disposal, and transplanted shellfish.
Alexandrium toxin (saxitoxin) becomes concentrated in shellfish—clams, quahogs, mussels, scallops,
oysters, and other bivalves. These shellfish are "filter feeders" that obtain nourishment by siphoning in
water and filtering out the phytoplankton, which are their food. During a red tide bloom, a single shellfish
could accumulate billions of Alexandrium organisms in just 24 hours. The shellfish themselves are not
affected by the toxin. In New England, the Spring of 2005 brought the worst "bloom" of the toxic alga
Alexandrium since the massive outbreak of 1972. The conditions needed for such a massive bloom to
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 29
occur are quite rare. The New England spring weather of 2005 produced higher than usual amounts of
rain and snowmelt in addition to two nor'easters in May. These conditions, coupled with constant northerly
and easterly wind patterns, may have pushed the abundance of Alexandrium cells south into
Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod Bay, eventually reaching Nantucket. There was also an intense bloom
off western Maine in autumn 2004 that may have provided a larger source of cells at the beginning of the
season. (Ely and Ross. 2006, Rhode Island Seagrant)
Phosphates
Phosphates are measured in both harbors as well as in Hummock Pond, Long Pond, Miacomet Pond,
Hither Creek and other critical surface water systems on Nantucket. Phosphate species (typically
orthophosphate that is a bioavailable form of phosphorus or total phosphorus) are routinely measured in
groundwater sampling wells, local ponds, and by the Estuaries Project, the Department of Marine and
Coastal Resources, Nantucket Land Council, WHOI, and others. Phosphate can come from septic
systems, goose droppings, fertilizers, and detergents. The town should explore the possibility of passing
a bylaw restricting all detergents on Island to low phosphate detergents. Unfortunately, many low-
phosphate detergents contain a greater amount of surfactants, which can equally harm the harbors if
allowed to reach significantly high concentrations. This can adversely affect fish breeding ability and the
formation of gill mucus linings. Additional possible mitigation methods include using phosphate free or
low phosphate (less than 1 percent) automatic dishwashing detergents (Organization for the Assabet
River 2006), supporting the Conservation Commission to require both nitrate removal and phosphate
removal in new onsite waste systems, and supporting the Marine and Coastal Resources Department’s
efforts to prevent boats from releasing phosphates in the harbors.
Pesticides
Pesticides are substances or a mixture of substances that prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests, or
that defoliate, desiccate or regulate plants. Pests for example can be insects, fungi, weeds, snails and
slugs, mold and mildew. So insecticides, fungicides and herbicides and even common disinfectants are
pesticides. The suffix -"cide" derives from the Latin meaning to cut down or kill. Schools and
municipalities must have Integrated Pest Management plans, but pesticides cannot be regulated in other
ways by municipalities on private properties. Any utility, municipality or private entity that intends to apply
pesticides must adhere to strict protocols as defined by Chapter 132B and Chapter 85 of the Acts of 2000
(see below).
Federal Law: The Federal Government regulates pesticides through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide
and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). FIFRA gives the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the power
to register pesticides and to regulate the use, storage and disposal of containers and manufacturing
wastes. FIFRA also allows states to have primary enforcement responsibility.
State Law: Massachusetts regulates pesticides under the authority of the Massachusetts Pesticide
Control Act (MPCA, Chapter 132B of the Massachusetts General Laws). This law, enacted in 1978,
places the power of pesticide regulation with the Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture. The
regulations are Chapter 333 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (333 CMR). The Pesticide Bureau
in the Department of Food and Agriculture carries out these regulatory responsibilities.
According to Section 6E. “On or before November 1, 2001, each school, day care center and school age
child care program in the commonwealth shall adopt and implement, in accordance with any regulations
promulgated by the department pursuant to this chapter, an integrated pest management plan. The plan
shall cover both indoor and outdoor areas. The department shall produce a generic integrated pest
management plan that may be adopted by any school, day care center or school age child care program.
One copy of the plan adopted by the school, day care center or school age child care program shall be
filed with the department, and at least one additional copy shall be kept on site and made available to the
public upon request pursuant to section 10 of chapter 66. Every agency of the commonwealth shall
develop and implement integrated pest management plans and procedures for all buildings and grounds
owned or managed by the commonwealth.”
"Integrated pest management" is a comprehensive strategy of pest control whose major objective is to
achieve desired levels of pest control in an environmentally responsible manner by combining multiple
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 30
pest control measures to reduce the need for reliance on chemical pesticides; more specifically, a
combination of pest controls which addresses conditions that support pests. It may include, but is not
limited to, the use of monitoring techniques to determine immediate and ongoing need for pest control,
increased sanitation, physical barrier methods, the use of natural pest enemies and a judicious use of
lowest risk pesticides when necessary.
Other Marina and Boat Associated Impacts
Chapter 4 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management Clean Marina Guide
addresses Best Management Practices for the reduction of pollution sources at marinas. Marinas are
required under federal and Massachusetts’ laws and regulations to take actions to control pollution from
normal operations and to prevent accidents. Some regulations, such as the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES), require that they take specific actions. Other laws, particularly the Coastal
Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990, leave it up to the regulated party (e.g. marina owners) to
decide which practices to implement. Activities that can contribute to water quality degradation in the
harbors include:
Hull Maintenance and Cleaning
Boat Cleaning
Engine Maintenance
Bilge Water Handling
Fueling
Spill Response
Boat Sewage and Wastewater Management
Shoreside Facilities and Pet Waste Management
Solid Waste Management
Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Management
Fish Waste Management
Stormwater Management
Boat Operations
Several of these items are addressed in various sections of this harbor plan. Reduction of pollutants from
marine traffic in the harbors should include education of boaters, enforcement of town bylaws, and
adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) from CZM. BMPs help solve the environmental pollution
problems that result from marina activities, such as boat cleaning, fueling, and waste disposal. BMPs use
one or more basic methods to control this pollution, such as preventing accidental spills or leaks,
capturing pollutants as they are produced, containing the spread of spills or debris, reducing the use of a
potentially harmful material, and filtering or trapping out pollutants. They may include structural changes
to a marina, acquisition and use of environmentally preferable products and equipment, and educational
efforts aimed at helping boaters understand how to prevent pollution. It is almost always less costly to
prevent pollution from occurring than it is to clean it up later. Consider pollution prevention BMPs when
prioritizing BMP implementation (CZM 2001).
2.2.8 Action Items from 1993 Plan and Associated Actions
Actions Taken Since 1993
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Report
As mentioned above, a quantitative assessment of Nantucket Harbor’s environmental health was
published by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (Howes et al.) in 1997. The report concluded that
nutrient levels did exceed those observed in Nantucket Sound. It was suggested that drainage from
Nantucket Harbor’s basin as well as sediments were the source of nutrients (Howes et al. 1997).
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 31
The monitoring data indicate four general concerns. First, nitrate loading is occurring from Nantucket
Sound into the harbor and the nitrate concentration in stream discharge increases abruptly at the end of
winter and remains high through spring. Second, total kjeldahl nitrogen, which constitutes a measure of
total organic nitrogen, is thought to originate at the Head of the Harbor. Third, phosphorous
concentrations are increasing at the Head of the Harbor, at the Mooring Field and in surface runoff into
the harbor. Finally, “there could be a trend of increasing nutrients in the harbor that will cause continued
declines in water clarity as well as other eutrophication problems” (Howes et al. 1997).
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP)
A CWMP was developed to improve Nantucket’s wastewater treatment and disposal. The purpose of the
CWMP plan is to “identify areas within the island with sub-surface wastewater disposal problems and to
develop a plan that will mitigate or eliminate the problems” (“Comprehensive Wastewater” 2001).
The plan consisted of three phases. Phase I analyzed wastewater needs on the island by determining
areas incapable of sustaining long-term, onsite wastewater disposal systems and screened the
alternative management actions. Phase II investigated sites for wastewater treatment facilities and
effluent disposal fields and in addition, proposed draft recommendations regarding wastewater disposal
on Nantucket. Lastly, Phase III of the plan provided final recommendations and environmental impacts.
Septic Management Plan
The July 18, 2005 Septic Management Plan was developed as a recommendation from the
Comprehensive Waste Water Management Plan. A joint endeavor between the Department of Public
Health, DPW, and the Water Company, the plan was endorsed by the Board of Selectmen (acting as the
Board of Health) on November 9, 2005 (Town of Nantucket Board of Selectmen 2005). The CWMP-
Phase 1 recommended that a Septage Management Plan be developed with the local Board of Health,
and implemented for the areas of town not included in the sewer service area. The purpose of a Septage
Management Plan is to maintain the operation of septic systems in a manner that will protect the
groundwater and reduce the need of the system. This type of plan should include such items as
recommended septage pumpout frequencies and maintenance of onsite wastewater disposal systems.
Public education concerning the importance of proper maintenance of onsite wastewater disposal
systems is an important means of prolonging the life of these systems. The Septage Management Plan
takes into account the various issues with groundwater and septic systems around the island, such as
distance to groundwater, horizontal distance to surface water bodies, and type of soil. The Town of
Nantucket’s Health Department has been proactive in developing regulations and alternative solutions for
the island’s septic needs.
The Director of the Town of Nantucket’s Health Department has provided literature, given forums, spoken
at BOS meetings and conducted several public outreach sessions. Information is also available on the
Department of Public Health’s website.
Drainage Outfall Evaluation
The Town of Nantucket devised a series of objectives to be addressed by the Drainage Outfall Evaluation
prepared by Earth Tech, Inc. for the Town of Nantucket and released in January 2005. These objectives
included:
Improve water quality by decreasing sediments in Nantucket Harbor;
Mitigate on-going flooding due to undersized outfall pipes;
Modification to deficiencies in the upstream systems.
Earth Tech’s evaluation identified existing wastewater infrastructure in need of rehabilitation for one of
two main reasons. First, rehabilitation may be necessary to eliminate excessive infiltration and inflow
from the system. Second, street flooding and pollution discharging into the harbor may need to be
eliminated. This evaluation focused on mitigating stormwater problems in the downtown portion of
Nantucket’s watershed (“Drainage Outfall” 2005) for 16 primary outfall pipes (out of a total of 52 pipes
discharging into the harbors). The work recommended was to be accomplished in three phases. Phase I
improvements would include areas with extreme problems and the 16 major outfall structures. Phase II
recommendations would concentrate on upstream catch basins and drain lines. Phase III improvements
were recommended to include rehabilitation or replacement to the entire tributary areas of each outfall.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 32
Specifically, the report addressed individual outfall pipes and recommended mitigation methods for the
reduction of stormwater inputs into the harbor, the treatment of water flowing through these pipes and the
installation of larger pipes. Whenever possible, each solution was based on Best Management Practices
(BMPs). Evaluated outfall pipe locations included Brant Point and Children’s Beach outfalls, New Whale
Street, “The Creek”, Cambridge Street, Easy Street, Steamboat Wharf, Commercial Wharf, Consue
Springs, Marine and Coastal Resources Department, Washington Street extension, Washington Street
Middle, North and South outfalls.
The Department of Public Works began an infiltration/inflow reduction project in 2005. The first part of
this project includes rehabilitating defective sewer pipes in Brant Point (Town of Nantucket 2005). The
project will remove more than 200,000 gallons of inflow from the sewer system, and will reclaim lost pipe
capacity (Town of Nantucket 2005).
Capital Improvement Program
This program was motivated by the town’s efforts to complete recommendations from the Comprehensive
Wastewater Management Plan, Septic Management Plan and Drainage Outfall Evaluation. The program
will however, include other town department budget expenditures as well. “This proactive agenda will
allow the town to act fiscally responsible and ensure the long-term sustainability of the island while
protecting the environment and sole source aquifer at the same time, both of which are direct goals of the
State’s Watershed Initiative” (Phase III, 2004).
The Estuaries Project: Nantucket
As part of the Federal Clean Water Act, states are required to develop Total Maximum Daily Loads
(TMDLs) for lakes, rivers, and coastal waters not meeting the State’s surface water quality standards as
indicated by the State’s 303(d) List of Waters. TMDLs can be set for pathogens, nutrients, or any other
constituent found to be impairing a body of water. A TMDL is the greatest amount of a pollutant that a
waterbody can accept and still meet standards. Further information on the 303(d) list and the TMDL
program are available on the DEP website.
The DEP will need to produce TMDLs for various causes of impairment (e.g., nutrients and pathogens).
Both state and federal regulations require that communities address the water quality impairments
caused by nitrogen loading (“The Massachusetts Estuaries” 2003). The Massachusetts Estuary Project
(MEP) is an effort that began in 2001 to address this problem and to restore the health of estuaries. The
project’s “overall deliverable is to determine the watershed nitrogen loading targets for guiding nitrogen
reductions (or limits) within contributing watersheds to the estuaries of the various towns” (“The Estuaries
Project” 2005).
In order to meet the project’s goal, The School of Marine Science and Technology at the University of
Massachusetts Dartmouth has collaborated with the DEP. Estuaries included in the MEP are located
south of Duxbury, including Cape Cod, Buzzard’s Bay, Mt. Hope Bay and the islands. There are a total of
89 estuaries included in the six year project. Nantucket Harbor, Sesachacha Pond, Long Pond, Madaket
Harbor, and Hummock Pond are all included in the program. Work in the first two estuaries begin in 2002
as Phase I high priority sites (“The Estuaries Project” 2005). Work on Madaket Harbor and Long Pond
began in 2003.
Ultimately, the Massachusetts State Water Quality Standards, as well as requirements of the federal
government’s Clean Water Act, must be addressed by the MEP (“The Massachusetts Estuaries” 2003).
According to the Clean Water Act, states are required to develop a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for
each waterbody that does not meet the State Water Quality Standards. The TMDL designates a specific
nitrogen load to the estuary that needs to be achieved in order to meet the state standards (“Total
Maximum Daily Loads” 2004).
Data collection and subsequent development of mathematical models and technical reports are the first
steps toward designating the TMDLs. The data and models will determine sources and loads of nitrogen
to the estuary as well as the highest nitrogen load that the estuary can tolerate before its health begins to
degrade (“About Estuaries” 2004). In addition, “the models can be used to illustrate how changes in land
use will affect the nutrient load and water quality in estuaries” (“Total Maximum Daily Loads” 2004). A
technical report for each estuary, based on collected data and model results, will identify, “the most
promising nitrogen reduction approaches for each estuary” (“The Massachusetts Estuaries” 2003).
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 33
Once the TMDLs are developed, communities can start to develop a restoration and protection strategy
for their estuary (Howes 2003). Strategies may include improved tidal flushing, upgraded stormwater
control and treatment, attenuation through the use of wetlands, improved wastewater treatment, nutrient
trading and better land use planning (“The Massachusetts Estuaries” 2003). In the end, the participating
communities will have a healthier estuary and as a result, will see a decrease in human health risks and
an increase in ecosystem services.
The Estuaries Project released their final draft results for Nantucket Harbor and Sesachacha Pond in
February of 2007. Their report presents a linked watershed-embayment model to determine critical
nitrogen loading thresholds for Nantucket Harbor and Sesachacha Pond. The model is essentially a three
dimensional one that includes atmospherics inputs, land use estimates of inputs, and circulation
information. Non-point source inputs are also included (sheet flow, storm water runoff, etc.). Additional
needs for modeling inputs will depend on inputs into the harbors from Nantucket Sound and attenuation
underground of nutrients such as nitrate which would require integration of groundwater well analysis into
modeling efforts. The reports also present the first set of TMDL’s for these two watersheds. (Howes, et.
al, 2006 a, b).
Increased Boat Sewage Pumpout Capacity
In 2005, a new pump-out station increased Nantucket’s capacity for boat sewage by 575 gallons. For the
eighth year running, the town received a $50,000 grant to apply towards boat sewage pumpout services
(Town of Nantucket 2005). Currently, boat pumpout services are offered at no cost to boats moored in
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors. In 2005, 120,000 gallons were pumped out of boat holding tanks.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Watershed Protection District
Nantucket adopted the Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Watershed Protection District as a general bylaw
at the 1999 Annual Town Meeting. The files can be found at on the Town of Nantucket’s website.
The area constituting the watershed for Nantucket Harbor, as described in a technical report entitled
“Nantucket Water Resource Management Plan,” 1990, by Horsley, Whitten, & Hegemenn, Inc., and as
delineated on a map entitled “Nantucket Harbor Watershed,” Nantucket GIS, dated January, 1999. Local
regulation 68.00 in the Town of Nantucket Health Regulations pertain to the Watershed Protection
District.
Land Use and the Effect on Nitrate Concentrations
A graduate student from Tufts University undertook research focused on the relationship between land
use and groundwater nitrate concentration on Nantucket, and found:
“Both historic nitrate concentrations and nitrate concentrations in 57 residential and 12 monitoring
wells in Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, monitored in August 2001, were analyzed to assess the
effects of land use on groundwater quality. Maximum likelihood Tobit and logistic regression
analysis of explanatory variables that characterize the type of land use within a 1000-foot radius of
each of the wells were used to develop predictive equations for nitrate occurrence in groundwater.
Historic nitrate concentrations down-gradient from land used for agriculture were significantly higher
than concentrations collected elsewhere on island. Monitoring wells down-gradient from a golf
course opened in 1998 on pristine land have shown an increase in groundwater nitrate
concentrations over time. Tobit regression results demonstrate that the number of septic tanks and
the percentages of high-density residential, undeveloped and forestland within a 1000-foot radius of
a well are reliable predictors of nitrate concentration in groundwater. Logistic regression revealed
that the percentages of forest, undeveloped and low-density residential land are the best indication
of groundwater nitrate concentration greater than 2 mg/L. The strength of the correlations supports
the premise that land use affects the quality of water in aquifers overlain by highly permeable
material because land use determines the types and amounts of chemicals introduced at the land
surface. When coupled with GIS technology and accurate, detailed land use and water quality
information, the methods and results of this study can be useful to local planning boards in
evaluating potential effects of development on groundwater quality. A residential survey sent to
Nantucket homeowners indicated the need for public education in two main areas: lawn care and
septic tank maintenance. The percentage of survey respondents who fertilize their lawn is 49.8,
while those who fail to pump their septic system within 2 to 5 years, as advised by the
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 34
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is 35.9 percent. The combined results of
historic groundwater nitrate data analysis, regression analyses, and the residential survey of
Nantucket homeowners have implications for three policy goals that minimize nitrogen loading to
Nantucket groundwater: (1) reduce fertilizer pollution (2) reduce pollution from septic systems and
(3) increase open space. Regulatory and non-regulatory land management techniques to achieve
these three policy goals are recommended”. (Gardner, 2003).
2.3 HARBOR FACILITIES AND USES
2.3.1 Boat Berthing, Mooring and Anchorage
Docks and Slips
Slips rentals in Nantucket Harbor are available at the Town Pier and the Nantucket Boat Basin. Slips are
also available to members of the Nantucket Yacht Club. In Madaket Harbor, slip rentals are available at
Madaket Marine.
The Boat Basin has 240 slips. To dock at this marina, a vessel must be at least 30 feet in length; and
may be as long as 230 feet. The Boat Basin also offers fuel sales and vessel pumpout. The Town Pier
has 20 slips for boats up to 40 feet long, 55 slips for boats up to 30 feet long, and 25 additional slips that
can accommodate boats of various sizes between 13 feet and 30 feet. Slips at the Town Pier are
allocated based on a lottery system tied to a boat’s registration number. Recreational slips at the Town
Pier are only allocated for one-year terms. Each year, the town allocates slips to approximately 100
people, and places 40 people on the waiting list in the event that someone does not take his/her slip.
In order to provide some stability for businesses, commercial slip permits at the Town Pier are issued on
either a one-year, three-year, or five-year basis. When the term of their permits are up, commercial
enterprises must once again enter the lottery.
Moorings
According to Section 137-4.B of the Nantucket Town Code, all moorings must be registered by the
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Registered moorings may be located within one of
Nantucket’s nine mooring fields: Hulbert Avenue; Children’s Beach; Easy Street; Swain’s Wharf; South of
Town Pier; Monomoy; Between the Piers; the General Anchorage Mooring Field, and Warren’s Landing.
In addition to those mooring fields, additional registered moorings are located throughout the harbors. In
Madaket, those additional moorings are located on both sides of the channel in Hither Creek. In
Nantucket Harbor, additional moorings are located primarily in Shimmo Pond, Quaise Basin, and
Wauwinet.
Vessels of 27 feet or more are moored in the General Anchorage mooring area. Boats of 23 feet or less
make up the vast majority of moored boats (approximately 1360 boats, or over 80 percent) and are
accommodated in the other mooring fields. Generally, boats are placed within the mooring fields by size
and type, with smaller vessels closer to shore (Figures 2.11 to 2.13; Table 2.4). In order to receive a
mooring permit, the applicant must own or have a signed purchase and sale agreement for a vessel at
the time the mooring permit is issued. Once a permit is issued, it can be renewed annually. If the
individual holding a mooring permit sells his/her boat, he/she has 12 months to place a new vessel on the
mooring. If no vessel is placed on the mooring within the 12 months, the individual loses the mooring
permit. Until August of 2006, mooring permits could transfer with the sale of a boat. However, Section
137-4.A of the Town Code now prevents the transfer of moorings to anyone other than an immediate
family member of the permitee.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources currently maintains two separate mooring waiting lists
based upon vessel size. As of October 2006 the waiting list for boats 26 feet in length or less had 624
people, while the waiting list for boats 27 feet in length or longer had 202 people. Each year
approximately 30 to 40 people are taken off the wait list for smaller vessels, while only one to two people
are taken off the waiting list for larger boats each year.
Approximately 1700 mooring permits have been issued within the town’s designated mooring areas and
off private waterfront residences for the 2007 boating season. This number is down from the over 1,800
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 35
mooring permits issued in 2006 (see Carrying Capacity Section 2.3.4).
The town recognizes that some people may only need a mooring for part of the boating season;
therefore, it allows for the time-sharing of moorings. In order to be eligible to participate in a time share,
boat owners have to employ a professional company to handle their mooring. In a time share situation,
the company handling the moorings will deploy different ground tackle for each vessel. Currently,
professional companies handle over 63 percent of moorings.
Waterfront homeowners may apply for permits for private moorings to be located off shore from their
residence. Currently there is no official limit on the number of permits that a homeowner may apply for
but, in reality, the maximum that has been requested is two. The 2007 plan recommends that this be
codified by the town. Waterfront homeowners are not required to be on a waiting list. This benefits both
the waterfront homeowner and those on the waiting list. There are approximately 216 permitted, private
moorings in front of waterfront homes.
Table 2.4 Approximate Number of Moorings within the Mooring Fields and Anchorage in Nantucket in 2006.
Mooring Location Number of Boats Size of Boats
General Anchorgae 126 27 feet and over
Rentals in General Anchorage 125 27 feet and over
Children’s Beach 230 26 feet and less
Easy Street 31 26 feet and less
Swain’s Wharf 46 26 feet and less
South of Town Pier 185 26 feet and less
Hulburt Avenue 204 26 feet and less
Polpis Harbor 244 26 feet and less
Madaket Harbor 258 26 feet and less
Monomoy, Shimmo, Quaise, and Wawinet 392 26 feet and less
Total 1,841
(Data: Nantucket Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, 2006)
Boat Ramps
Given the long waiting lists for moorings and boat slips, many boaters are only able to use their boats by
launching them at one of the island’s boat ramps. There are two ramps in Madaket Harbor, both funded
by the Massachusetts Office of Fishing and Boating and managed by the Town of Nantucket. Those
ramps are Walter Barrett Pier (in Hither Creek) and Jackson’s Point. One ramp exists in Nantucket
Harbor at Children’s Beach. All three ramps are concrete, and are used by fishers as well as by
recreational boaters. The ramp at Children’s Beach is currently undergoing major renovations. There
continues to be a demand for more ramps and opportunities should continue to be investigated.
Table 2.5 Details of Boat Ramps in Nantucket.
Boat Ramp Number of Lanes Maximum Draft Parking Capacity
Children’s Beach 2 4-6 feet 12
Walter Barrett Pier 1 Unknown 6
Jackson’s Point 1 Unknown 6
(Data: Nantucket Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, 2006)
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 36 Figure 2.11 Mooring Fields, General Anchorage and Buoys in Nantucket Harbor.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 37 Figure 2.12 Details of Mooring Fields, General Anchorage and Buoys in Nantucket Harbor.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 38 Figure 2.13 Mooring Field and Buoys in Madaket Harbor.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 39
2.3.2 Commercial and Recreational Fishing
Nantucket’s rich commercial fishing history continues today, though the once prosperous offshore
finfishing industry has been dramatically reduced over the past several decades due in part to changing
markets, the use of larger boats, and development of new technologies. For instance, of the total number
of striped bass sold in Massachusetts during 2004, Nantucket’s commercial fleet only contributed
between 0.1-5.0 percent of the state’s total catch (Nelson 2004).
Nantucket also supports a small commercial lobster fleet. In 2003, six fishers were issued lobster permits
in Nantucket County. Those six fishers caught a total of 59,116 lbs. of lobster worth $257,746 (Dean et
al. 2003). In 2006, there were two lobster fishers. Quahogs are also harvested commercially, but the
commercial fleet for quahogs consisted of one fisher in the 2005-2006 season, and has been similarly
small in size for several years.
The largest commercial fishery on Nantucket is that of the bay scallop. In addition to its historic and
cultural value to the island, the commercial bay scallop fishery provides an important source of income for
year-round residents living in a largely seasonal, tourism-based economy. Unfortunately, the harvestable
scallop population in the area and the dollar value per pound are both inconsistent from year to year,
resulting in boom and bust cycles. For example, the lucrative 2004-2005 bay scallop season landed
32,500 bushels for a total of $2,019,000. The 2005-2006 season, however, reached only 5,490 bushels.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources currently issues commercial shellfishing permits
($250.00 for commercial scallop permits and $150.00 for all other species per year) and noncommercial
permits ($25 for residents, $100 for non-residents).
The bay scallop’s (Argopecten irradians) biology directly influences the commercial fishing industry –
specifically in terms of its spawning cycle, life span, development of a growth ring, and population size.
Adult bay scallops (those at least 12 months or older) typically spawn during the summer months when
there is a rapid rise or fall in water temperature to around 20-22.2 ºC (Conant & Curley 2005, 2). Scallops
from this summer spawn grow through the summer and fall months, reaching a shell length of between
31-51 mm in size before the water temperature drops and their shell growth slows. Over the winter
months, a ridge develops at the shell’s edge. This ridge is referred to as a “growth ring,” and suggests
that the animal has lived through a winter.
Bay scallops may also spawn in the fall, producing scallops that have a shortened growth period before
the water temperature drops and shell cessation occurs. These scallops over-winter at 1-20 mm in size
(Conant & Curley 2005, 2), and develop a growth ring between 1 and 20 mm from the hinge. These
scallops are referred to as “nubs” or “ring at hinge” scallops. Typically, nub scallops do not spawn until
they reach 21-22 months.
One of the problems facing the scallop industry on Nantucket is the fluctuation in scallop population.
Given the short lifespan of these animals, the bay scallop population relies on the successful propagation
of every year class. Though exact numbers are uncertain, the boom and bust cycle of the fishing industry
shows that scallop populations are vulnerable to environmental changes, a lack of a fisheries
management plan and the stress placed on the habitat due to increased use of the harbors.
Previous bylaws prohibited people from harvesting nub scallops with only one growth ring. This policy
was developed to allow the nub scallops to live long enough to spawn. Debates about the life span of
scallops, however, resulted in a new rule which allowed fishers to harvest nub scallops with only one
growth ring. Specifically, scallop fishers argued that most scallops die at about 24 months, and those
nubs not harvested during the second scallop season (which currently runs from November 1 to March
31) will perish before the next fishing season without ever spawning. Research, on the other hand,
suggests that scallops may live up to 3 years, which would imply that, if left in the water through the first
two harvesting seasons, the nubs would spawn and contribute to the overall scallop population.
Furthermore, these nubs would be available for harvest during the third scalloping season. This matter of
harvesting nub scallops remains an on-going debate among those involved in the scallop industry;
nevertheless, the current bylaw allows the harvest of “adult” scallop, allowing any scallop with a growth
ring to be harvested – including nub scallops.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 40
The flowing figures show the scallop harvest in bushels, total number of licenses issued over the past 26
years, and average catch per license (Figures 2.14 to 2.16).
To combat the fluctuation resulting from declines in the scallop population, the town and private
companies have made efforts to collect spat and grow scallops to increase the overall scallop population.
Given the large seasonal influx of tourists and the island’s close proximity to productive fishing areas, it is
not surprising that recreational fishing is also prevalent on the island. In addition to recreationally
harvesting bay scallops, quahogs, clams, oysters, and lobster, fishing enthusiasts can surf cast or take
local charter boat trips. Charter boats target a variety of species including bluefish, striped bass, bonita,
shark, marlin, tuna, fluke, and cod, and many people fish for finfish recreationally in both harbors.
Currently non-commercial scallop and shellfishing licenses are issued annually and there is a strong
island tradition of family scalloping. The island also has many boats that are moored within its harbors for
recreational finfishing, a sport that is and has been part of the summer experience for generations of
islanders.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
19781980198219841986198819901992199419961998200020022004YearNumber
Figure 2.14 Number of Scallop Licenses Issued Between 1978 and 2004.
2.3.3 Boat Services and Haul-outs
There are six full-service facilities in Nantucket and Madaket Harbors providing boat repair and
maintenance services (Table 2.6).
Brant Point Marine: 32 Washington Street
Glyn’s Marine: 8 Arrowhead Drive
Great Harbor Yacht Club (formerly Grey Lady Marine): 13 Arrowhead Drive
Madaket Marine: 20 North Cambridge Street
Nantucket Marine: 85 Pleasant Street (sales office); at 14 Sun Island Road (yard)
Harbor Marine Repair: 12 30 Acres Road.
A number of facilities offer haul-out services, which becomes especially critical during storms, when boats
need to be taken out of the water. Additionally there are a number of businesses with mobile operations
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 41
offering limited services. Many of these businesses are located inland because of the high cost of real
estate along the harbors.
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
1978197919801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005YearNumber
Figure 2.15 Number of Bushels of Scallops Harvested Between 1978 and 2005. No data for 1986. NOTE: In
1990, 1991 and 2003 a large number of scallops were lost due to severe storms.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
1978197919801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005YearNumber
Figure 2.16 Average Number of Bushels Harvested per License between 1978 and 2005. No data for 1986.
NOTE: In 1990, 1991 and 2003 a large number of scallops were lost due to severe storms.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 42
While the current companies and services on Nantucket can adequately manage the number of boats
presently in the harbors, many boat owners and service providers are concerned that the loss of a service
will pose a serious threat to the island’s ability to meet the needs of boaters. Of specific concern is that
the loss of any of the island’s haul-out infrastructure or services would compromise the island’s ability to
safely remove boats from the water in the event of a storm. It is therefore important that efforts are made
to ensure that haul-out capabilities are maintained at a suitable level.
Table 2.6 Boat Service Facilities on Nantucket
Operator Haul-Out
Type
Dockage
Capacity
(#
Boats)
Boat
Storage
Capacity
(ft)
Fuel
Sales
Pump-
Out
Repair /
Service
Launch
Services
Boat
Sales
Brant Point
Marine Trailer Up to 30’ No No Yes No Yes
Glyn’s Marine Hydraulic
trailer Up to 30’ No No Yes No Yes
Great Harbor
Yacht Club
Fork lift,
travel lift Unlimited Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Madaket
Marine
Fork lift,
travel lift 100 Up to 40’ Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Nantucket
Marine
Hydraulic
trailer Up to 30’ No No Yes No Yes
Harbor Marine
Repair Trailer Up to 30’ No No Yes No Yes
Nantucket
Yacht Club
Gantry
system 40 Up to 26’ No No No Yes No
Town Pier None 100 None No Yes No No No
Boat Basin None 240 None Yes Yes No Yes No
(Data: Nantucket Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, 2006)
2.3.4 Carrying Capacity of the Harbors
In 2006, there were approximately 2100 boats on moorings in Nantucket and Madaket Harbors. While
the harbors physically have space to accommodate more boats, the Department of Marine and Coastal
Resources has placed a cap on the number of mooring permits that they issue. This is necessary to
balance several different uses and factors that are influenced by the number of boats in the harbors. This
current cap has been set in part to address water quality and eelgrass concerns. In addition, an increase
in the number of boats would create new opportunities for user conflicts, and would overwhelm the
companies that currently manage moorings and service and store boats. Finally, an increase in the
number of boats in the harbors would require new sites for parking, as well as an increase in haul-out
capacity in the event of a storm.
Although mooring numbers have been capped, the town has never officially defined a carrying capacity
for either harbor. Generally, the carrying capacity refers to the number of boats that can be
accommodated within a harbor. However, it may also need to reflect the size distribution of boats and,
possibly, the ratio of sailboats to powered vessels.
There are at least three ways to determine a harbor’s carrying capacity, and they often focus on
maintaining desired conditions. Physical carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of vessels that
can be accommodated in the harbor at one time without jeopardizing boating safety or efficiency. Social
carrying capacity considers the impacts that different uses and intensities of uses have on recreational
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 43
and social experiences. Ecological carrying capacity refers to the “maximum level of use, in terms of
numbers and types of activities, before an unacceptable or irreversible decline in ecosystem value
occurs” (Gona, 2004). Public input during the harbor plan update process suggests that a carrying
capacity for the harbors might include physical, ecological, and social considerations.
In Nantucket, the physical carrying capacity may largely be determined by the ability to haul vessels out
of the water before a storm. It is felt that the existing infrastructure and resources are capable of handling
the current number of vessels. However, this capability could be compromised if the number of boats
were to increase significantly. The same might occur if the proportion of larger vessels or sailboats were
to increase. The physical carrying capacity of Nantucket’s harbors is also affected by the availability of
boat services on the island. It is generally accepted that the existing vessel service facilities cannot
accommodate additional boats and that startup costs prohibit new companies from establishing
themselves on the island.
An additional physical limitation to the carrying capacity is the public access that exists. Increasing the
number of boats would require additional public access sites with parking, dinghy storage etc.
There have also been some issues with conflicting uses within the harbor (e.g. sail boats capsizing and
having to be towed out of the way of an incoming ferry). Some could argue that this suggests there are
too many boats in the Nantucket Harbor.
The same argument could also be used when trying to determine the social carrying capacity. Any
conflict of use within the harbor means that one side may feel there are too many boats in general, or too
many of a certain type of boat. Determining what the optimum number of vessels or various types and
sizes is a very subjective undertaking. Kayakers, wind surfers and kite boarders may not appreciate large
numbers of sizeable vessels due to the wakes that they might produce. Not all power boaters appreciate
sailboats due to their limited maneuverability. And some people do not like power boats due to the noise
that they make. In many places the social carrying capacity for jet skis is zero and their use is prohibited
or severely restricted. However, jet skiers themselves might argue more jet skis should be allowed. The
social carrying capacity may also include the aesthetic value of boating in the harbors. At some point
people may feel that there are too many boats. However, the level at which a person feels that there are
too many boats will probably be significantly influenced by the type of boats. One large cruise ship may
be too many for some people, whereas hundreds of small vessels might be acceptable.
The ecological carrying capacity is also difficult to determine and is, once again, very subjective. Nobody
can deny that boats and boating have an impact on the environment. However, what is an acceptable
level of impact is not so clear. Nantucket has made significant efforts to reduce the impact that boating
has on the environment; but conflicting views remain. For example, the scouring of eelgrass that can be
caused by moorings may be viewed as an acceptable level of impact by some boats but is of concern to
other people, including scallopers.
As all these methods of determining carrying capacity are very subjective, such a determination can only
be achieved by finding a compromise that all stakeholders can live with. This is what the Department of
Marine and Coastal Resources has been striving to achieve with its current limit on the number of
mooring permits.
In addition to the number of boats allowed in the harbors, the size of the boat also impacts natural
resources, user conflicts, and the ability to safely manage activities in the harbor. Even a small number of
large, commercial passenger vessels may exceed the carrying capacity of Nantucket Harbor. In 1998, in
response to concerns of town officials and the business community, the Board of Selectmen issued a
statement that large cruise ships have an unacceptable impact on Nantucket and should not be
encouraged. Navigational safety concerns, the capacity of the current tourist infrastructure and
transportation systems to handle large influxes of people arriving at once, and the importance of
maintaining the quality of visitor experience, are the reasons cited for the town’s policy to discourage
large cruise ship visits.
2.3.5 Public Access
One of the qualities of Nantucket prized by tourists and residents alike is the fact that its location provides
opportunities to enjoy the water, both physically and visually. While the town, various private land
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 44
protection organizations, and the State have been successful in acquiring and maintaining physical public
access, there is still considerable interest in protecting visual access to the water, as well as increasing
pedestrian access along the shoreline, and to the shoreline by foot, boat, and vehicle.
The Public Trust Doctrine provides for the public’s right to access the intertidal area for the purposes of
fishing, fowling, navigation, and their natural derivatives. Some Chapter 91 license conditions reinforce
the Public Trust Doctrine, specifying any signage, stairs, overhead clearance, or other conditions to
ensure this public right. Other Chapter 91 license conditions require an expansion of the Public Trust
Doctrine, allowing for passage within the intertidal zone for any purpose. Some Chapter 91 license
conditions even make additional requirements such as providing berthing space for a specific number of
commercial fishing vessels. Over 50 Chapter 91 licenses within the planning area currently call for public
access in one form or another (see Appendix 3 for details).
In addition to the public access opportunities created via Chapter 91, at least seven different groups (the
Conservation Commission, the County of Nantucket, the MA Audubon Society, the Nantucket
Conservation Foundation, the Nantucket Island Land Bank Commission, the Trustees of Reservations,
and the Town of Nantucket) own public access sites. They each also have the ability to acquire more in
the future (Figures 2.17 to 2.20).
While physical access to the shoreline is important, visual access also plays a large role in the public’s
ability to enjoy the water, and helps to define the character of Nantucket. For many who cannot or do not
stroll the shoreline or get in the water, visual access allows them to enjoy the marine environment of
Nantucket nonetheless.
Visual access and scenic views on Nantucket may be impaired by fences, buildings, and similar types of
obstructions. The Conservation Commission has the authority to modify a proposed project that might
impact a wetland scenic view (Nantucket Bylaws, Section 136-4. J). It also has the authority to enforce
conditions it imposes on a project to protect scenic views. Similarly, the Planning Board, Zoning Board of
Appeals and the Zoning Enforcement Officer in their reviews of site plans submitted for new development
have the authority under the Zoning Bylaw to protect unique, natural, scenic, or historic features of the
site, and minimize of the obstruction of scenic views (Section 139-23. I). The Nantucket Historic District
Commission also plays a role in preserving historic elements that are part of the island’s scenic views.
2.3.6 Docks and Piers
Nationwide, docks, wharves, and piers have been demonstrated to have a wide range of impacts; they
may shade eelgrass and marsh grasses, impede longshore currents and sediment movement, obstruct
navigation and mooring, block public access along the shore, or change the visual character of the
shoreline. On the other hand, they are necessary for transportation of people, goods, and materials to an
island and provide public access from the shore to the water. Nantucket is served by the Steamship
Authority dock. However, the development of a commercial dock at an alternative location has been
discussed. This could help alleviate truck traffic in the downtown area and could reduce the problems
associated with the location of the existing dock and the need to access the main channel. An additional
on-going discussion has been the relocation of the fuel off-loading facility and the tank farm away from
the downtown area. The option to develop a fuel off-loading facility away from the downtown area may be
challenging. The general feeling is that its physical and economic feasibility should be explored along
with other alternatives to evaluate what measures reasonably can and should be taken to create a better
situation than the existing one.
Historically, the voters of Nantucket have differentiated between public or commercial docks and private
structures associated with residences. Presently the construction of new private docks, wharves or piers
is prohibited through the town Zoning Bylaw on all of Nantucket, with the exception of the Residential
Commercial District. In the latter district, a moratorium prohibiting new or expanded private docks was
established through a Town Meeting vote. The moratorium was extended in April 2007 and is now
scheduled to expire at the end of April 2008. In passing the zoning ordinance prohibiting these structures
outside of the Residential Commercial District, the town indicated that it felt private use of the waters
along the shore was detrimental to the wishes of its citizens.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 45 Figure 2.17 State Data showing Protected and Recreational Open Space around Nantucket Harbor.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 46 Figure 2.18 State Data showing Protected and Recreational Open Space around Madaket Harbor.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 47 Figure 2.19 Open Space around Nantucket Harbor based on Parcel Ownership.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 48 Figure 2.20 Open Space around Madaket Harbor based on Parcel Ownership.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 49
2.3.7 Oil Spill Response
Both Nantucket and Madaket Harbors are rich in natural resources, i.e., eelgrass beds, beaches, and
scallops, that are used both commercially and for recreation. A release of any petroleum-based product
could have major impacts to both the natural systems of the harbors and human use of the resources.
Nantucket Harbor has several facilities that handle petroleum products at or near the shoreline, as well as
thousands of vessels that use petroleum for fuel. Madaket Harbor has a smaller number of vessels and
only one fueling station at the head of Hither Creek. However, because the Creek is so constricted, there
is the potential for significant damage to marshes and shellfish in case of a spill there.
The current “Nantucket Coastal Oil Spill Response Plan” was written in 1991 and has not been updated
since. The objectives of “this local plan are to enable timely, efficient coordinated and effective action to
minimize damage from oil spills through (1) the development and implementation of immediate oil
containment or deflection practices, (2) the identification, ranking and mapping of Highly Vulnerable Areas
(HVA’s), (3) the listing of oil containment and removal resources, both governmental and private,
available for local spill response activities.”
Much of the information in the plan is out of date. In lieu of an updated plan, an informal – but apparently
quite effective – response process has evolved with coordination between the Nantucket Marine and
Coastal Resources Department, the Nantucket Fire Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard Station at
Brant Point. This seems to function based on personal interactions of individuals within those
departments as opposed to any coordinated, pre-planned system. It is not clear how well the response
actions would be coordinated and how effective they would be if these individuals were not available at
the time of a spill.
The original plan was developed through the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development
Commission with partial funding from CZM. It established an Oil Spill Response Planning Team that
included members of several town departments, CZM, DEP, the US Coast Guard, and several citizens of
the Town of Nantucket. This seems to be a reasonable model and could be used to update the plan.
The plan should include locations for the placement of suitable oil spill response equipment and would
ensure that personnel with the relevant training are on hand. In addition, boats do not have to be fuelled
at a fuel dock so it is important to ensure that simple clean-up materials are available such as absorbent
pads or “Speedy Dry”. Information should be made readily available so that boaters know where to
dispose of contaminated materials.
A spill of fuel on land can quickly enter the harbors if the fuel enters a storm drain that feeds into the
marine environment. Simple covers can prevent this and such covers can be deployed most effectively if
those drains that feed into the harbors are clearly marked. There are additional concerns that other
contaminants may enter the harbors through storm drains. These concerns are addressed in the Section
2.2.
2.3.8 Harbor Navigation and Recreation
Figures 2.11 to 2.13 provide information about Nantucket’s anchorage, moorings, and location of buoys.
The town is responsible for ensuring that all channels remain clear and navigable, and works to provide
safe conditions for boaters.
Jetties at the entrance to the main, federal channel serve in part to guide people into and out of Nantucket
Harbor. There is a small break in the east jetty that is only available for use by small boats for emergency
access.
Vessel speed within most of Nantucket Harbor is limited to a speed in which vessels can maintain
steerage while creating minimal wake, as regulated via Section 137-16 of the Nantucket Bylaws. Signs at
the mouth of Nantucket Harbor and Polpis Harbor remind boaters that Nantucket Harbor is a no wake
zone.
Sailing, one of the most popular recreational activities on Nantucket, takes place in and around Nantucket
and Madaket Harbors. Small sailboat races are common between First and Second Points in Nantucket
Harbor, while larger boats often race in Quaise Basin. In the sailboat racing run by Nantucket Yacht Club
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 50
on Saturday afternoons, more than 70 sailboats under 26 feet participate. Nantucket Community Sailing
and Nantucket Yacht Club provide more than 1300 children and adults with on-the-water instruction each
summer. Sailboats and kayaks are rented to the public from Jetties Beach by Community Sailing and
kayaks are rented at the Frances Street Beach. The Nantucket High School Sailing team uses the Boat
Basin for its spring training and regattas and the Nantucket Yacht Club in the fall. The instructional and
sail training programs help manage the usage of the harbor and educate sailors on safe and healthy
harbor practices. Recreational boating activities are important parts of summering on Nantucket for both
year-round and seasonal residents, and also contribute significantly to the island economy.
Section 137-23 of the Town of Nantucket Bylaws requires that anyone wishing to rent out kiteboards as
part of his/her business must first receive a permit from the Board of Selectmen. No companies hold
such a permit; nevertheless, kiteboarding is a popular activity. To minimize user conflicts within the
harbor, buoys are set at Pocomo Point to delineate the areas in which kiteboarding is allowed. The area
off Pocomo Point is the only location within the planning area where kiteboarding is permitted.
Section 137-21 of the Town of Nantucket Bylaws states that “No person shall engage in the business of
renting to the public, for public operation, any personal watercraft, jet ski, surf jet, wet bike or any
motorboat…without first having obtained a license to do so from the Town of Nantucket Board of
Selectmen in compliance with this section and in compliance with all federal, state or local laws pertaining
to their use.” To date, no companies hold such a license, and use of these watercrafts is restricted to
headway speeds within the study area. In addition, waterskiing (Section 137-12 of the Town of Nantucket
Bylaws) and parasailing are also prohibited within most of the study area.
2.3.9 Dredging for Navigation and Water Quality
Dredging has been conducted in Nantucket since the early 1800s when an effort was made to create a
channel in Nantucket Harbor. Since the 1800s, several more dredging projects have been conducted
within Nantucket, Polpis, and Madaket Harbors as outlined in Table 2.7.
Many of the dredging projects conducted to date were for the primary purpose of improving navigation. In
Nantucket Harbor, however, some dredge projects were conducted in order to improve water quality by
increasing water circulation.
It is important to be aware that dredging can sometimes adversely impact water quality through
resuspension of contaminated sediments, release of organic matter, burial of bottom habitat, and
increases in turbidity. Dredging operations in Nantucket Harbor and/or the main channel can also
interfere with the activities of all harbor users, including the Steamship Authority, Hy-Line Cruises, private
barge operators and the Coast Guard. While dredging may interfere with harbor operations, delays in
dredging those areas could result in shoaling that similarly can impair their ability to provide necessary
service. Therefore, it is critical to include the Steamship Authority, as well as other harbor users, in the
preparation of any Dredge Management Plan for Nantucket Harbor and/or the main channel that may
have an impact on their activities, and to include in any Dredge Management Plan the following items:
1. Criteria for determining when and if dredging is needed.
2. Specific protocols for establishing cost and benefits regarding improvement of navigation or water
quality versus adverse environmental impacts.
3. Procedures for dredging operations including type and size of dredge equipment, time of day and
time of year restrictions, disposal of dredge fill, and best management practices to minimize
turbidity and adverse impacts. Healthy eelgrass beds should not be dredged unless absolutely
necessary for emergency access of vessels such as Coast Guard cutters.
4. Procedure to determine the effectiveness of the dredging (recovery time of area, speed of silting,
shoaling, or current diversion impacts to nearby areas, etc.
5. A list of priority projects and associated funding sources.
6. Accurate bathymetry charts updated yearly.
In addition, current flow and dissolved oxygen concentrations at depth should be monitored pre and post
dredging to establish the efficacy of the dredging projects. A 1996 project to dredge to Head of the Harbor
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 51
and create three cuts in the mid harbor area to connect the deeper basins between Quaise, Polpis, and
Head of the Harbor quickly infilled, illustrating the difficulty of establishing dredging protocols for water
quality enhancement.
The town has identified the need for several new dredging projects, and has developed a timeline for
these projects based on the expected volume of dredged materials and the ability to secure funding and
all necessary permits. Dredging at the Easy Street Basin, the entrance to Polpis Harbor, the channel in
Madaket Harbor, and from the Town Pier to Great Harbor Yacht Club are all part of the five-year dredging
plan. Dredging to connect the Head of the Harbor and Quaise Basin is expected to be completed within
the next ten years, along with maintenance dredging in the Federal Channel.
Dredging at the Easy Street Basin, in particular, needs to be reviewed and coordinated with the
Steamship Authority to make certain that neither the dredging activities, including but not limited to the
vessels and/or pipelines used, nor the boats for which the dredging is performed interfere with the
unimpeded and safe navigation and berthing of the Steamship Authority’s vessels.
There has been some discussion about dredging the shoaled area near the Creeks in order to re-
establish habitat and increase water flow into the Creeks; however dredging in this area could be
detrimental to the existing habitat and should be considered carefully. The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Department of Coastal Zone Management’s Wetland Restoration Program can provide
advisory and scientific assistance regarding evaluating dredging projects near fragile habitat.
Recent developments in the FY08 Federal Budget and additional funding in the Seaport Bond Bill have
increased the potential for funding dredging projects in small harbors such as those within the study area
of this plan. These changes increase the likelihood that the 5-year and 10-year dredging plans will be
funded.
2.4 DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
2.4.1 Brief History of Nantucket Harbor Waterfront
The area of Nantucket Harbor that serves as the commercial waterfront has undergone significant
physical modifications over the 300 years since Europeans first settled on the island. From the early
1700s to the late1800s, the waterfront grew out into the harbor through the building of solid wharves and
filling of wetlands and intertidal area. Straight Wharf was the first wharf, built in 1723, extending into the
harbor from the foot of Main Street.
Beginning in the early 1700s and continuing through the mid-1800s, whaling was the dominant industry
on the island. Large whaling and trading vessels berthed at the perimeter of the five major wharves and a
profusion of businesses associated with these activities crowded the wharves and adjacent land area.
Cargo passed through multi-story warehouses built on the wharves, which also housed sail lofts, boat
houses and spar shops. Other waterfront businesses included oil factories, ropewalks, barrel making
shops, blacksmiths, and ship chandleries. In its peak whaling years, the 1820s and 30s, Nantucket was
the leading whaling port in the country.
By the 1830s, the increasing scarcity of whales and the production of less expensive and more easily
obtainable petroleum-based fuels (kerosene) were taking their toll on the whaling industry. Shoaling at
the entry to the harbor, which had been a perennial problem, became an increasingly significant obstacle
as ships got larger. On July 13 and 14, 1846, a great fire swept through the town and its waterfront
destroying over 300 buildings and structures. By the 1870s, little of the former waterfront business
remained and the population of the islands fell to just over 3,000, down from 10,000. Nantucket’s
recreational sailing tradition was well established at the turn of the century and has been part of summers
on the Island for generations.
By the late 1800s the waterfront had been rebuilt and at the turn of the century, the waterfront was again
an active place, with fishing vessels, cargo schooners, and catboats clustered about the wharves and
moorings. Excursion vessels brought growing numbers of summer visitors from the mainland to
Nantucket and several large hotels were built in town and along other parts of the shoreline. This was the
beginning of the transitioning of the island’s economy to one based on tourism.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 52
Table 2.7 Dredging History in Nantucket
Year Volume (cubic
yards)Purpose Location
1829-1832 Dredging Attempted Create Channel
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1905 7,039 Create Channel
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1906 187,024 Improvement
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1910 32,874 Improvement
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1911 110,841 Improvement
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1912 299,542 Improvement
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1914 162,026 Improvement
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1915 126,448 Improvement
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1925 22,000 Maintenance
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1929-1930 113,494 Maintenance
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1936 34,770 Maintenance
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1937 96,890 Maintenance
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1953 60,000
Maintenance & Create Anchor
Basin
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1959 70,547 Maintenance
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1963 47,235 Maintenance
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1968 54,000 Maintenance
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1989 40,000 Maintenance
Nantucket Harbor & Federal
Channel
1940 Unknown Create Channel Polpis Harbor Channel
1965 32,500 Maintenance Polpis Harbor Channel
1992-1993 32,500 Maintenance Polpis Harbor Channel
1965 30963
Create Channel and Mooring
Basin Madaket Harbor & Hither Creek
1970 43723 Maintenance Madaket Harbor & Hither Creek
1985 34570 New Channel Location Madaket Harbor & Hither Creek
2005 2000 Maintenance
White Elephant & Children's
Beach turning basin
? - post-1993 Unknown Maintenance Old North Wharf
Until mid-century the waterfront was mainly occupied by fishers, shellfishers and marine-based
businesses. Fishing boats and other types of vessels berthed alongside all of the wharves and scallop
shanties lined Commercial Wharf, Straight Wharf, and Old South Wharf. Fishers lived in some of the
small structures. All the wharves and the surrounding area supported warehouses, storage, and a mix of
marine businesses. Fishers lived in some of the shanties and small cottages on the wharves.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 53
In 1964 Sherburne Associates began a redevelopment of the waterfront. The traditional commercial and
industrial operations on the harbor were replaced with a boat basin for recreational vessels surrounded by
new shops and galleries (converted scallop shanties) and rental cottages on Straight and Commercial
Wharfs. To create the boat basin, a wave barrier was built in the harbor waters extending from the end of
Straight Wharf to the tip of Commercial Wharf with a single opening for recreational boats and for the fuel
vessels going to the Island Service wharf. Berthing areas formerly used by commercial fishers and
commercial vessels were rebuilt for recreational boats.
2.4.2 Land Use and Development Trends
Population
Nantucket’s population is estimated to be 10,168 (US Census Bureau, 2005). This is a 6.8 percent
increase over 2000 and a 40 percent increase since 1990. Statistics prepared for the Regional
Transportation Plan projects the island’s population to increase at a rate of 1.3 percent per year over the
next two decades.
Dwelling Units
In 2004, there were 10,042 housing units on the island. Over 1,200 new dwelling units were authorized
for construction in the five years between 1993 and 1997. According to the 1997 Build Out Analysis, the
island has the ‘potential,’ under current [1998] zoning to accommodate more than 23,700 [total] dwelling
units.
Land Use and Land Cover
Recent statistics prepared for the Regional Transportation Plan show that currently only 8.8 percent of the
land on Nantucket is available for development in contrast with about 35 percent in this category in 1993.
Sixty-one percent of the land on Nantucket is publicly owned, conservation or open space, and just over
30 percent is developed (Figure 2.21).
8.8%
26.6%
2.5%
3.9%
57.2%
0.2%
0.4%
0.4%
Vacant
Residential
Commercial
Open Space
Industrial
Agricultural
Recreational
Exempt
Figure 2.21 Land Use, 2005. (Regional Transportation Plan Update).
The data depicted in Figures 2.22 and 2.23 was prepared for the State by interpretation of aerial
photographs. The most recent data available is from 1999. While the data is frequently described as
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 54
“land use” data, it is more accurate to think of it as the predominant land cover. Table 2.8 shows the same
data for each of the two harbor planning areas. As can be seen clearly, the vast majority of the land in the
harbor planning areas is undeveloped (open land, forest, wetlands). Residential is the next most
prevalent land use. Commercial and industrial uses total just over one percent of the land in the
Nantucket Harbor planning area.
2.4.3 Transportation
Persons traveling between Nantucket and the mainland have two commercial transportation options:
ferries and aircraft. Beyond considerations of cost, availability and schedule, weather is often a
determining factor in choice of transportation. If it is foggy, the boats will run, but not aircraft. If the seas
are very choppy, the high speed boats do not run. Aircraft will fly, generally, if winds are under 30 knots.
A combination of fog and high winds may mean no travel. If the harbor and sound freeze, aircraft is the
only option.
Demographic and land use changes are also reflected in the transportation trends over the years. A
strong national economy has fueled tremendous growth in the construction of expensive second homes
on Nantucket over the past couple of decades. The market for rentals of vacation homes has increased
while the number of lodging establishments has diminished. The introduction of the fast boat has
increased the numbers of day visitors to the island, and their profile has changed. Air transportation has
increase dramatically over the past two decades.
Table 2.8 Percent of Land Area within the Nantucket and Madaket Harbor Planning Areas by “Land Cover”
Category (1999).
Land Use Type Nantucket Madaket Both
Industrial 0.51 0.00 0.31
Transportation 0.09 0.00 0.05
Commercial 0.44 0.00 0.27
Residential (<1/4 acre lots) 0.33 0.57 0.42
Residential (1/4-1/2 acre lots) 0.22 1.95 0.90
Residential (>1/2 acre lots) 10.48 4.51 8.13
Urban Open 0.21 0.00 0.13
Participation Recreation 0.01 0.00 0.00
Water-Based Recreation 8.74 10.36 9.38
Pasture 0.01 0.00 0.01
Cropland 0.70 0.00 0.42
Open Land 50.86 50.63 50.77
Forest 10.46 12.64 11.32
Woody Perennial 0.05 0.00 0.03
Freshwater Wetland 0.79 0.00 0.48
Salt Wetland 16.03 8.99 13.26
No Data 0.06 10.35 4.11
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 55
Figure 2.22 Land Use (or “Land Cover”) around Nantucket Harbor.
Waterborne Passenger and Cargo Transportation
Three companies provide waterborne passenger transportation to and from Nantucket: the Steamship
Authority; Hy-Line Cruises; and Freedom Cruises. Ridership includes year-round residents of Nantucket,
a large seasonal population, tourists, and visitors.
The Steamship Authority provides services between its Pleasant Street terminal in Hyannis and the
Steamboat Wharf in Nantucket. “The Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority
is a public instrumentality created by the Massachusetts legislature to provide for adequate transportation
of persons and necessaries of life for the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. The Authority's
statutory mission is to serve as the ‘Lifeline to the islands’ and it is the only ferry service for the islands
that carries both passengers and vehicles, including commercial freight trucks.” The enabling act also
gives the Steamship Authority power to regulate the transport of freight by water by private operators
between the Massachusetts mainland and the islands and to regulate vessels certified by the U.S. Coast
Guard to carry in excess of forty passengers in their operation between the Massachusetts mainland and
the Islands.
The Authority operates several vessels carrying passengers, automobiles and freight trucks between
Hyannis and Nantucket (Table 2.9).
Hy-Line Cruises owns several boats serving Nantucket between its Ocean Street Dock in Hyannis and
Straight Wharf in Nantucket.
Brant Point seasonal (May through October)
Great Point 800 passengers
Grey Lady year round, five (six in the summer) roundtrips per day
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 56
Hy-Line also operates an inter-island service between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Freedom Cruises operates a seasonal passenger ferry with up to three roundtrips per day between
Saquatucket Harbor, Harwich Port and Straight Wharf on Nantucket.
In recent years, the total number of passengers traveling to and from Nantucket has been decreasing.
Ridership during the summer season of June, July and August has followed this decreasing trend
(Figures 2.24 and 2.25 ) but, since 2003, ridership has increased during the winter months of December,
January and February (Figure 2.26). Note: All data acquired through the Nantucket Planning and
Economic Development Commission.
Figure 2.23 Land Use (or “Land Cover”) around Madaket Harbor.
Table 2.9 Commercial Vessels Servicing Nantucket.
Vessel LOA Passengers / Freight Journey Time
Iyanough 154’ 393-passengers high-speed catamaran; one hour
Eagle freight, autos, and passengers 2 hours, 15 minutes
Nantucket 230’ freight summers; 2 hours, 15 minutes
Gay Head 235’ freight and passengers 2 hours, 15 minutes
Sankaty 197’ freight and 300 passengers 2 hours, 15 minutes
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 57
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
2005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993YearAnnual TotalsSteamship Authority Hy-Line Freedom Total
Figure 2.24 Total Passengers by Ferry Service to and from Nantucket, 1993-2005.
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
1993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005YearMonthly TotalsJune July August Figure 2.25 Total Passengers to and from Nantucket during the Summer Months, 1993-2005 (all ferry
services).
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 58
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
45,000
1993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005YearMonthly TotalsDecember January February Figure 2.26 Total Passengers to and from Nantucket during the Winter Months, 1993-2005 (all ferry services).
The total number of cars transported to and from Nantucket each year has also decreased annually since
2002. Two reasons given for the drop in passenger/car traffic are the sluggish economy during this
period and higher gasoline prices, which “gives families less discretionary income to take trips to the
Vineyard and Nantucket.” See Figure 2.27. However, another explanation for the apparent decrease is
that it is becoming increasingly common for island residents to keep a car on the mainland, while
seasonal residents keep a car on-island year-round.
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
YearAnnual Totals Figure 2.27 Total Cars to and from Nantucket by Year from 1993 to 2005.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 59
The total number of trucks traveling to and from Nantucket each year has generally been increasing since
1993. Increased truck traffic is mainly from trucks less than 20 feet long. Although a slight decrease
appears between 2000 and 2003, annual totals have increased sharply since then. The main reason
given for the rise in truck traffic is the large number smaller trucks used by tradesmen traveling to the
island (Figure 2.28).
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
45,000
50,000
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
YearAnnual Totals Figure 2.28 Total Trucks to and from Nantucket by Year from 1993 to 2005.
Air Transportation
Total airport operations, which refer to either takeoffs or landings peaked in 2000 and declined each year
through 2004 as a result of the softening economy following 9/11. Operations increased in 2005, a trend
that continued in 2006. Air taxi operations represent over three-quarters of the takeoffs and landings,
followed by general aviation. Enplanements (number of revenue passengers departing Nantucket) also
peaked in 2000 and declined annually through 2003. Beginning in 2004, enplanements have been
increasing steadily, but are still well below the peak year (Figure 2.29 and 2.30).
2.5 MANAGEMENT AND REGULATORY AUTHORITIES
2.5.1 State and Municipal Marine Boundaries
Under the provisions of the Submerged Lands Act (SLA), the federal government conveyed to the states
submerged lands three miles seaward of the coastline. Accordingly, the marine boundary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts extends three nautical miles from the ordinary low water mark. Under
Massachusetts law, “[t]he seaward boundary of cities and towns bordering on the open sea shall coincide
with the marine boundary of the Commonwealth.” Since Nantucket is not contiguous to another
municipality the town’s seaward boundary is coincidental with the marine boundary of the Commonwealth
extending a full three miles seaward of the town’s ordinary low water mark in almost every direction.
Property and Sovereignty Interests in State Offshore Areas
While the boundaries of Nantucket reach three nautical miles offshore, the submerged lands and natural
resources within Nantucket’s marine boundary, in general, belong to the Commonwealth pursuant to the
terms of the Submerged Lands Act (see Submerged Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. §§ 1311, 1312.). The
conveyance to the states under the SLA included the natural resources within the three mile limit, but did
“not include water power, or the use of water for the production of energy” (see Submerged Lands Act, 43
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 60
U.S.C. §1301(e)). Further, the federal government reserved its authority to regulate navigation and other
activities that are governed by the Commerce Clause of the US Constitution.
Figure 2.29 Nantucket Memorial Airport, Monthly Aircraft Operations (numbers of takeoffs and landings).
Figure 2.30 Nantucket Memorial Airport, Monthly Passenger Enplanements.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 61
2.5.2 Regulatory Jurisdictions
Chapter 91 and the Massachusetts Waterways Regulations
Massachusetts' principal waterfront regulatory program in tidelands and other waterways is
Massachusetts G.L. Chapter 91 (Public Waterways Act, 1866). Chapter 91 and the corresponding
Waterways Regulations (310 CMR 9.00) are administered by the Division of Wetlands and Waterways of
the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Chapter 91 applies in tidelands, great ponds, and along certain rivers and streams. Tidelands refer to all
land presently or formerly beneath the waters of the ocean, including lands that are always submerged as
well as those in the intertidal area, i.e., below the mean high water mark. This area is governed by a
concept in property law known as the public trust doctrine which establishes that all rights in tidelands and
the water are held by the state “in trust” for the benefit of the public for the purposes of fishing, fowling,
and navigation. The Waterways Act and its corresponding regulations codify the public trust doctrine in
Massachusetts.
As clarified by the 1983 amendments to the waterways regulations, Chapter 91 jurisdiction extends
landward to the historic high water line and seaward three miles to the limit of state jurisdiction. The
historic high water line is the farthest landward tide line which existed “prior to human alteration” by filling,
dredging, impoundment or other means (310 CMR 9.02). Thus, Chapter 91 applies to filled as well as
flowed tidelands, so that any filled areas, moving inland to the point of the historic high tide line, are
subject to Chapter 91 jurisdiction. Figures 2.31 and 2.32 show the approximate historic high and low
water lines for the downtown area and for Madaket. As these lines have not been verified, they should
only be used for planning purposes.
Chapter 91 authorization is generally required for any fill, structure, or use not previously authorized in
tidelands, including any changes of use and structural alterations. Types of structures include: piers;
wharves; floats; retaining walls; revetments; pilings; bridges; dams; and waterfront buildings (if located on
filled lands or over the water).
For planning purposes, the location of the historic high water line (i.e., upland limits of Chapter 91
jurisdiction) must be established through a review of maps that may reliably show the original natural
shoreline or through engineering studies. Previously issued Chapter 91 licenses are also a source of
information on the historic high tide line for specific parcels. The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone
Management (CZM) is completing a project to map the historic shoreline of the Commonwealth, including
Nantucket Harbor. The historic high water lines on these maps may be used by DEP and waterfront
property owners as presumptive lines of Chapter 91 jurisdiction. Ultimately, jurisdiction will be determined
by DEP on a property-by-property basis at the time of licensing.
Special Acts of the Legislature
Prior to 1866 when Chapter 91 was first promulgated, the Massachusetts legislature issued Special Acts
to transfer title of a property from the Commonwealth to a waterfront landowner and to enable particular
types of development to take place on the property as specified in the Act. The rights granted within a
Special Act are transferred to each successor at the time of sale, but they do not exempt a property
owner from Chapter 91 review for a new or modified use of the property.
The benefits that the Chapter 91 program can afford a town are best captured in the five
basic objectives of the program:
(1) ensure the waterfront is used primarily for water-dependent purposes;
(2) provide public access;
(3) facilitate other state programs related to shoreline use and conservation;
(4) strengthen local controls and encourage harbor planning; and
(5) ensure accountability to present and future public interests.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 62
Municipal Harbor Plans
In September 1990 the Secretary of Environmental Affairs adopted regulations for "Review and Approval
of Municipal Harbor Plans" (301 CMR 23.00). The regulations established a voluntary procedure by which
municipalities could obtain state approval of a municipal harbor plan.
A municipal harbor plan is defined as a document setting forth the community's objectives, standards, and
policies for guiding public and private use of the land and water areas of a harbor and an implementation
program to achieve the desired plan.
A plan prepared and approved in accordance with these regulations serves to guide EOEA agency
actions, including the regulatory decisions of the MA Department of Environmental Protection under
M.G.L. Chapter 91. When an approved harbor plan exists, any project seeking a Chapter 91 permit from
DEP must be in conformance with that plan. In essence, a municipality with an approved harbor plan
utilizes the state regulatory authority to help implement its own objectives.
Through a locally-prepared harbor plan, a municipality has the ability to "substitute" local standards for
certain state Chapter 91 requirements such as building height limits and to "amplify" certain discretionary
state standards.
The standards that can be substituted by an approved harbor plan apply only to nonwater-dependent
uses. Section 9.51(3) establishes minimum standards and limitations on building height, site coverage,
waterfront setback, and encroachment into flowed tidelands. Section 9.53(2)(b)-(c) pertains to the
provision of interior and exterior public space in a project. Section 9.52(1)(b)(1) is a requirement for a
waterfront walkway with a minimum width of 10 feet to be included with any non water-dependent use. In
those instances where non water-dependent uses are allowed, this public access requirement exists, as
does the ability to modify it through a municipal harbor plan.
The provisions of a municipal harbor plan can also be effective in providing guidance for DEP in applying
the numerous discretionary requirements of the Chapter 91 regulations to projects under review.
Nantucket Zoning Bylaw
Municipal Zoning Authority in Massachusetts
Massachusetts law (The Zoning Act, M.G.L. c.40A et seq.) allows cities and towns to zone via bylaws and
ordinances to “[r]egulate use of land, buildings, and structures to the full extent of the independent
constitutional powers of cities and towns to protect the health, safety and general welfare of their present
and future inhabitants.”
Under The Zoning Act, a municipality may restrict, prohibit, permit or regulate, among other things:
uses of land, including wetlands and lands deemed subject to seasonal or periodic flooding;
uses of bodies of water, including water courses;
noxious uses;
areas and dimensions of land and bodies of water to be occupied or unoccupied by uses and
structures, courts, yards and open spaces;
accessory facilities and uses, such as vehicle parking and loading, landscaping and open space;
and
the development of the natural, scenic and aesthetic qualities of the community.
Nantucket’s Zoning Bylaw is Chapter 139 of the Code of the Town of Nantucket. The Bylaw establishes
15 Limited Use, Residential and Commercial districts, four Special districts, and eight Overlay districts
covering all of the island. These districts are depicted on the Zoning Map of Nantucket. Regulations for
each district govern three basic factors: the allowable uses of the land and any buildings on it; the
allowable bulk (size and shape) of buildings; and the overall density of development, measured in square
footage or housing units per unit of land area.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 63 Figure 2.31 Approximate Historical High and Low Water Lines in Downtown Nantucket.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 64 Figure 2.32 Approximate Historical High and Low Water Lines in Madaket.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 65
The Nantucket and Madaket Harbors planning area includes six zoning districts: Limited Use General 1;
Limited Use General 3; Residential 1; Residential Commercial, and small areas of Limited Commercial
and Residential Commercial Downtown. The Madaket Harbor planning area includes: Residential 2;
Limited Use General 2; Limited Use General 3; and Residential Commercial. Figures 2.33 to 2.35
illustrate the zoning pattern in Nantucket and Madaket Harbors.
The Residential Commercial (RC) district covers the commercial waterfronts of both Nantucket and
Madaket Harbors. Uses allowed by right within this district are: residential (up to two units per parcel);
transient residential; retail; offices; restaurants; personal services; theatres; boat building, maintenance,
repair and servicing; maritime services, marinas, yachting; and sail clubs. There are also a variety of
special permit uses including taverns, light manufacturing, warehousing, fabrication, petrochemical
storage, and public utilities.
The commercial waterfronts of both harbors have experienced significant alteration over the course of
Nantucket’s long maritime history. The shoreline has been engineered, piers and wharves built, channels
dredged and related infrastructure installed. These assets have been and will continue to be essential to
the community’s existence and economy. Given the constraints imposed by environmental and land use
regulations, alteration of natural resources and the construction or expansion of docks and piers in areas
beyond the existing commercial waterfront areas is unlikely. Consequently, the existing commercial
waterfront should be protected and preserved to the extent possible for those activities that require direct
access to the water.
Figure 2.33 Zoning around Nantucket Harbor.
Nantucket Wetlands Bylaw
One of the primary responsibilities of the Nantucket Conservation Commission is the administration and
enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Ch. 131, sec. 40) along with its
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 66
corresponding Wetlands Regulations (310 CMR 10.00). In addition, Nantucket has adopted under general
Home Rule powers a municipal Wetlands Bylaw (Chapter 136).
Under the Wetlands Act and the Nantucket Wetland Protection Regulations, the Conservation
Commission has authority over projects in or affecting any categories of wetland resource areas,
including bank, beach, dune, flat, marsh, swamp, freshwater or coastal wetlands, which border on the
ocean or any estuary, creek, river, stream, pond, or lake. The Commission also has jurisdiction for land
under water bodies, land containing shellfish, land subject to coastal storm flowage, the banks along and
land under fish runs, land subject to flooding, and estimated habitat for rare/significant wildlife, flora and
fauna. Activities within these resource areas subject to jurisdiction include activities that would remove,
fill, dredge, or alter the resource. The Commission also has the right of review for activities within a 100-
foot buffer zone around wetlands bordering water bodies, banks, beaches, and dunes.
Provisions of the local regulations require that all nonwater-dependent structures maintain a 50-foot buffer
from wetland resource areas. In areas where the shoreline is eroding, structures must maintain a distance
from a coastal bank that is the lesser of 100 feet or 20 times the average annual erosion rate. Fill of any
salt marsh on Nantucket is strictly prohibited; and building is not permitted within 75 feet of a vernal pond.
Figure 2.34 Downtown Zoning.
Nantucket Wharves and Waterways Regulations
Nantucket’s Wharves and Waterways Regulations (Chapter 137) outline the procedures and rules
regarding moorings, boat ramps, public landings, uses of the waterways, traffic, and safety.
No one can moor, anchor, or set any moored vessel or float in any harbor or waters within the Town of
Nantucket without obtaining a 10A Mooring Permit from the Harbormaster. Permits are issued on a first
come, first serve basis. The Harbormaster has the authority to reassign mooring locations of any
permitted vessels at anytime. If there is no room for an applicant’s vessel, the person’s name will be put
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 67
on a waiting list that is maintained by the Harbormaster. No mooring is allowed in any navigational
channel or where it might interfere with the public’s rights of fishing, fowling and navigating on tidelands.
If an assigned mooring is determined to be abandoned within a boating season, it may be reassigned by
the Harbormaster. No boat used as a residence can remain overnight unless equipped with sewage
holding tanks. Vessels larger than 65 feet cannot be assigned a mooring without special Harbormaster
approval. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to install and maintain appropriate mooring gear or
tackle, according to vessel size. Mooring gear may be inspected by the Harbormaster at any time and
removed or relocated as necessary.
Mooring fees are established annually by the Board of Selectman based on vessel length and permits
may be revoked by the Harbormaster for good cause.
Figure 2.35 Zoning around Madaket Harbor.
Nantucket’s Commercial Shellfish Regulations
Shellfishing in Nantucket is regulated under both Massachusetts General Law (Chapter 130) and the
Code of the Town of Nantucket (Chapter 122). The regulation is designed to ensure the continuing health
of harvested species. The Marine and Coastal Resources Department is authorized to issue permits for
shellfishing that follow the specifics set out in the regulations.
Primary emphasis in the regulations is placed on setting limits for the taking of legal scallops (Argopecten
irradiens) for commercial purposes. The scallop season runs from November 1st to March 31st, inclusive.
During the season, individuals and boats are restricted to specific harvesting limits, and harvesting is
prohibited in designated seed areas. In addition, only animals with well-defined raised growth lines can
be legally harvested. Taken together, these measures strive to maintain a stable scallop breeding
population.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 68
Other species frequently harvested in Nantucket waters include soft shell clams (Mya arenaria), quahogs
or hard shell clams (Mercenaria mercenaria), oysters (Crassotrea virginica), and blue mussels (Mytelus
edulis). As with scallops, the first three of these species have minimum size limits to be considered legal
catch.
The Marine and Coastal Resource Department offers educational materials to the public to help
individuals comply with shellfishing regulations; with some species the department also provides specific
information on returning animals to their habitat that may better ensure the survival of those caught below
the size limit.
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
The Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board was established by the Massachusetts legislature in 1976.
The board consists of seven elected members with each member serving for three years. After each
election, the members of the Board elect one of their members to act as chairman for the ensuing year.
The Board’s mission statement is as follows:
To ensure that Nantucket’s harbors, bays and watersheds are protected from the harmful effects
of human activity.
To seek carefully planned use of the waterways and watersheds to allow the natural system to
function normally and healthfully, both now and in the future.
To keep Nantucket’s harbors, bays and watersheds clean and free of contamination, sewage
discharges, oil spills, stormwater runoff, hazardous wastes, and other toxic pollution.
To restore and maintain the water quality of Nantucket’s harbors and bays to a standard that shall
support swimming, fishing, and shellfishing and the greatest bio-diversity of marine life.
To educate the public to a sense of environmental stewardship and understanding of the lifestyle
changes needed for healthy waterways.
To encourage and help develop land use policy in balance with the needs of the ecosystems of
Nantucket’s harbors and bays.
Historic District Commission
The Historic Districts Commission (HDC) was established by the Massachusetts legislature in 1955 (§
A301-1. Chapter 601) with subsequent changes including the 1970 designation of the entire island as a
historic district and a name change to Historic District Commission (§ A301-4). Section 2 of § A301-4
states that the purpose of creating the HDC is to “promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the
Town of Nantucket through the preservation and protection of historic buildings, places and districts of
historic interest through the development of an appropriate setting for these buildings, places and districts
and through the benefits resulting to the economy of Nantucket in developing and maintaining its
vacation-travel industry through the promotion of these historic associations.” The HDC reviews all
applications regarding the alteration or construction of any exterior architectural feature. No building
permit or occupancy permit may be issued until the HDC issues a Certificate of Appropriateness or a
Certificate of Nonapplicability. The HDC also regulates all signs on Nantucket.
Federal Emergency Management Act Regulations
The FEMA Flood Zones Map (Figures 2.36 and 2.37) provides a plan for the various Flood Insurance
Zones along the shoreline as established by the Flood Insurance Study of Nantucket (1992).
The majority of the planning area, including all properties along the water’s edge, are in zones AE, X, and
VE. The following provides a further description of the zone designations:
Zone AE: Areas subject to 100-year flood with base flood elevation determined.
Zone X: Areas outside the 500-year flood plain with less than 0.2 percent annual probability of
flooding.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 69
Zone VE: Areas subject to 100-year flood and additional velocity hazard (wave action). Base
flood elevation determined.
FEMA periodically updates flood hazard maps by conducting a detailed reevaluation of flood hazards,
referred to as a flood study. However, flood studies are time consuming and expensive, so far fewer than
needed are done. As an alternative, FEMA has established procedures by which a community may
compile appropriate data and request a map revision. Further, if an individual homeowner has technical
information to indicate that his or her home has been inadvertently shown within the Special Flood
Hazard Area on a Flood Insurance Rate Map, the homeowner may submit that information to FEMA and
request that FEMA remove the flood zone designation from the home by issuing a Letter of Map
Amendment (LOMA) or a Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F). Requests for LOMAs/LOMR-F
must include the surveyed elevation of the lowest grade adjacent to the structure or the lowest enclosed
level of the structure, along with certain other information.
Figure 2.36 FEMA Zones around Nantucket Harbor.
US Army Corps of Engineers Regulations
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act authorizes the Corps to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill
material into "waters of the United States" which are all navigable waters, tributaries to navigable waters,
and wetlands adjacent to those waters. The limit of jurisdiction is the high tide line in tidal waters; where
adjacent wetlands are present, it is the limit of the wetland. Regulated activities include the placement of
fill for construction, site-development fill, riprap, seawalls, and beach nourishment.
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1989 authorizes the US Army Corps of Engineers to regulate
structures and work in navigable waters of the US. Jurisdiction extends shoreward to the mean high water
line. Regulated activities include construction of piers and wharves, permanent mooring structures such
as pilings, intake and outfall pipes, boat ramps, and dredging and disposal of dredged material,
excavation, and filling.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 70
Figure 2.37 FEMA Zones around Madaket Harbor.
The Corps’ other major responsibility is to plan and carry out water resources projects such as
improvements to navigation. Since 1986, the cost for such projects is shared between the federal
government and the nonfederal sponsors. An important consideration in the Corps’ decision to undertake
a project is that its benefits exceed the cost. For projects such as dredging of harbors and navigation
channels, highest priority goes to projects that benefit maritime industry such as shipping and fishing.
The Main Channel into Nantucket Harbor is a federally created and maintained navigation channel.
Water Quality Certification
Any activity that would result in a discharge of a pollutant, dredging, dredged material disposal of greater
than 100 cubic yards, and that require a federal permit (such as a 404 permit from the Corps) must also
obtain a Water Quality Certification (authority derives from Section 401 of the Clean Water Act). The
DEP’s Division of Wetlands and Waterways administers the program which seeks to ensure that a
proposed project does not violate the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards or the
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and otherwise avoids or minimizes individual and cumulative
impacts to Massachusetts waters and wetlands. If a project would result in minimal fill within wetlands,
the Order of Conditions issued by the Conservation Commission can serve as the Section 401 Water
Quality Certificate.
Massachusetts Ocean Sanctuary Program
In 1970, Massachusetts passed the Ocean Sanctuaries Act (Ch. 132A, Section 12A) which applies to the
area between the mean low water line and three miles offshore, except for the area between Lynn and
Marshfield. The Ocean Sanctuaries Act is designed to protect coastal waters by prohibiting activities that
could be environmentally or aesthetically damaging. The Act prohibits exploitation or development that
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 71
would seriously alter or endanger the ecology or appearance of the ocean, seabed, or the subsoil. Some
of these prohibited activities include building on the seabed, drilling, dumping wastes, and commercial
advertising. However, fishing, sand extraction, and special projects are still allowed under the act. The
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has jurisdiction over the ocean sanctuaries and DCR
must approve all activities that occur on, or in, these areas.
Figure 2.38 Personal Watercraft Restrictions around Nantucket.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 72
3 ISSUES, GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND RECOMMENDATIONS / ACTIONS
3.1 ISSUE IDENTIFICATION PROCESS
The key issues covered in the Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan update were identified
through two types of meetings.
Staff and consultants of the Urban Harbors Institute (UHI) of the University of Massachusetts Boston held
several individual and small group meetings with town officials. In addition to identifying issues, these
meetings also addressed current conditions and future plans on Nantucket.
UHI staff and consultants also facilitated six public meetings, offering residents the opportunity to voice
their opinions about the 1993 plan as well as topics that the update should address. General meetings
were held on 29 August, 2005, and 20 September, 2005, to discuss the harbor plan as a whole. The
other four public meetings allowed the public to comment on specific topics identified in the 1993 plan,
and to suggest new issues not previously addressed. The schedule for those meetings was as follows:
3 October, 2005 – Commercial and Recreational Fishing; Harbor Safety, Navigation, and
Moorings
4 October, 2005 – Tourism and Recreation; Public Access
17 October, 2005 – Water Quality; Natural Resource Protection
18 October, 2005 – Harbor Waterfront Development
Meetings with town officials and the public identified many of the same issues. A list of all issues can be
found in Sections 3.2 and 3.3.
3.2 POLICIES AND ISSUES FROM THE 1993 HARBORS ACTION PLAN
The following policies were developed as part of the 1993 planning process. These policies remain
relevant and should be retained as the policies underpinning the revised plan.
Water Quality – It shall be the policy of the town to safeguard and improve the water quality of
the harbors to ensure the enhancement of natural resources and wetlands for safe public contact,
recreation, recreational and commercial boating, and fishing activities.
Natural Resources – It shall be the policy of the town to protect and preserve coastal habitats,
wildlife corridors and all other environmentally sensitive resources to maintain Nantucket’s quality
of life.
Commercial and Recreational Boating – In recognition of the importance of commercial and
recreational fishing for the maintenance of the marine heritage of the town, it shall be the policy of
the town to maintain fisheries as part of the balance of uses of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors.
Harbor Safety, Navigation and Moorings – It shall be the policy of the town to regulate the use
of all harbors, in a manner which provides for the safe, orderly and efficient use of the water and
waterfront.
Public Access – It shall be the policy of the town to pursue opportunities for improving existing
and providing new areas for public access to the waters of both harbors consistent with a policy
of wise stewardship.
Tourism and Recreation – It shall be the policy of the town to encourage and provide for tourism
and recreation.
Downtown Waterfront District – It shall be the policy of the town to ensure basic public utilities
can be provided on a continual basis for the citizens and visitors of Nantucket in a manner that is
sensitive to the historic maritime character of the downtown waterfront area. It shall be the policy
of the town to preserve and maintain commercial facilities as necessary to sustain the economic
lifeline of the town.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 73
The following issues were identified by the 1993 Harbors Action Plan. Appendix 1 shows the action items
related to these topics, as well as the status of each of those action items. Additionally, it shows the
action items from the 1993 plan that are still on-going. These on-going action items should remain a
priority for the town. However, this plan will only address old action items in cases where new information
requires a change to the recommendation.
Water quality – biological contamination, toxic pollution, nutrient loading
Natural resource protection – increased tourism, development, population, overcrowding in the
harbors
Commercial and recreational fishing – lack of shoreside facilities and access
Harbor safety, navigation, and moorings – need comprehensive management strategy because
of increased number of boats, overcrowded mooring areas, poor mooring tackle, derelict boats,
unskilled boaters
Public access – opportunities for access decrease with increased development, use conflicts,
maintenance issues
Tourism and recreation – need support facilities (showers, restrooms, etc.), dinghy docks,
handicap facilities, waterfront parking, shoreside recreational areas
Downtown waterfront district – conversion from water-dependant to non-water-dependant uses,
displacement of traditional maritime uses, loss of architectural character, need commercial
waterfront facility
3.3 SUMMARY OF ISSUES IDENTIFIED FOR THE 2007 HARBORS PLAN
The issues and recommendations that have resulted from the 2006-2007 planning process are discussed
in this section. A list of responsible agencies/groups is suggested for each recommendation with the
“lead” agency or group being denoted by an asterisk (*). A tabular summary can also be found in
Appendix 1.
3.3.1 Key Issues
Dock and pier moratorium in the Residential-Commercial (RC) zone –
¾ Address the moratorium that was to expire at the end of April 2007 (this has now been
extended to the end of April 2008)
¾ Minimize visual impacts
¾ Minimize environmental impacts (including impacts to shellfish, water quality, and
eelgrass)
¾ Minimize impacts to boating access (maintain access but prevent congestion)
Water dependent structures and waterfront zoning –
¾ Definition of “water dependent structure”
¾ Explain the Chapter 91 regulations
¾ Change the zoning district to exclude RC on top of commercial district
¾ Evaluate the need for RC zoning in Madaket Harbor
¾ Consider a waterfront overlay district to address fertilizer, lighting, etc.
¾ Address the fact that the 30 year restrictions on increased development in subdivisions
are about to expire for some developments
¾ Evaluate all future development with regard to the character of the waterfront and the
needs of the community.
Public access to the water –
¾ Improve and increase public access to the water
¾ Retain existing points
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 74
¾ Consider a handicap-accessible waterfront
¾ Improve boating access for fishers, recreational boaters, researchers
¾ Develop a “Harbor Walk”
¾ Outline the role of Chapter 91 for public access requirements – existing and potential
¾ Coordinate among the various land-holding agencies
¾ Develop and distribute a public access guide
¾ Improve signage and conditions at some existing sites
¾ Map potential access areas
Water quality – the town recognizes that there are serious water quality problems with broad
impacts
¾ Develop/refine monitoring strategies
¾ Identify pollution sources - fertilizers, boats, septic, stormwater, etc.
¾ Identify public responsibilities and opportunities for public education
Fisheries – the town acknowledges that the bay scallop fishery is unstable
¾ Develop a shellfish management plan
¾ Create/define a designated shellfish area
¾ Improve access for fishers
¾ Improve shore-side infrastructure to support the fisheries
¾ Explore the commercial fishing pier option
¾ Re-establish a propagation facility
¾ Conduct additional research about scallops, eel grass, and water quality
3.3.2 Other Issues Identified
Navigation – Raise jetties in navigation channel; improve navigational aids
Moorings – The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is at capacity with their
waitlists. What is the capacity of the harbors (total as well as ideal). Should there be a fee to
stay on the waitlist? How are moorings transferred? Can public access be improved?; What
would be the necessary changes related to mooring expansions (i.e. need more room for car
parking, dinghy storage, etc.)?arbor – Maintain visual access to the harbors
“Large” cruise ships – Prevent access to Nantucket Harbor
Light pollution – Enforce existing regulations related to lighting; explore an overlay district to
control light pollution
Shore-side boating infrastructure – Address lack of boating mechanics, launch services, and
marine supply shops along the waterfront
Public bathrooms – Identify locations suitable for public bathrooms in Madaket Harbor
Recreational uses of the harbor – Encourage and promote other recreational uses of the
harbors such as kayaking
Eelgrass conservation, including off-site mitigation and planting programs – especially as it
relates to scallops, docks and piers, and moorings
Erosion – Take action to prevent erosion
Plan implementation – How will it be implemented?
Invasive species – Take action to remove invasive Phragmites in Madaket Harbor
Riparian property rights – Clarify rights of riparian property owners.
Port Authority – Would a port authority help Nantucket receive more money from the Seaport
Council and other sources?
Competing recreational uses of the water
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 75
3.4 NANTUCKET AND MADAKET HARBORS ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Background
Recognizing (1.) that the Board of Selectmen is ultimately responsible for the implementation of this
Harbors Plan, and (2.) that monitoring the status of the recommendations will be a time-consuming
activity, it makes sense to consider tasking a board with the responsibility of coordinating and monitoring
the implementation of the many recommendations within this Harbors Plan. Using the matrix found in
Appendix 1 as a guide, this board would create and maintain awareness of the recommendations among
the responsible agencies and groups, monitor the progress on each recommendation, and provide the
Board of Selectmen with regular updates on the status of each recommendation.
Qualifications for an effective Oversight Board:
A commitment to perform the task
The ability to meet regularly to perform coordination, communication, monitoring and reporting
tasks
An understanding that the Harbor Plan, as written and adopted by the BOS, will be implemented
according to the recommendations therein and by the agencies that are identified in the plan’s
matrix
Some tasks to be performed by an oversight board include:
Develop a coordination plan to ensure that all responsible agencies are aware of their tasks as
outlined in the Plan
Establish communication protocols between and among the various agencies and boards that will
be doing the actual implementation of items in the matrix
Establish a process for receiving reports from the above implementing agencies on a regular and
timely basis
Establish a process for coordinating the above reports to develop regular reports for the BOS on
the progress of implementation
Objective: To ensure that a harbors action plan implementation strategy is designed and
executed in an effective manner.
Recommendation
1. The Board of Selectmen should develop an implementation strategy for this harbors action plan. As
part of its implementation strategy, the Board of Selectmen should consider charging a board with
coordinating and overseeing the implementation of this plan.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
3.5 NATURAL RESOURCES
Goal: To protect, and restore where appropriate, the valuable natural resources
of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors.
Much of the character of Nantucket is based on its coastal natural resources. The beauty of its beaches,
dunes, and barrier beaches draws tourists from all over the world. Its clean waters host a wide array of
pleasure vessels. Its eelgrass beds support a unique shellfish industry. It is critical to the economy and
way of life of the island that these resources be maintained and, where possible, restoration efforts should
be undertaken to ensure that critical ecosystems remain healthy and viable.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 76
Objective I: Maintain existing systems for natural resource protection in the Nantucket and
Madaket Harbors planning area.
Background
Presently, there is a system of local and state environmental protection for the natural resources of the
island that functions quite well. The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and its regulations and the
Nantucket Wetlands Protection Bylaw and Regulations are administered by the Nantucket Conservation
Commission and establish a procedure for review and conditioning of permit applications. Using these
regulations and their associated procedures, the Commission has the ability to protect a series of specific
wetlands values from degradation.
Many of the proposed projects bring with them subtle legal and scientific issues. It is important for the
Commission to be suitably supported to be able to continue to make informed, accurate decisions.
Recommendations
1. Continue to enforce existing town bylaws pertaining to natural resource conservation and protection
(including Chapter 193 – Zoning; Chapter 136 – Wetlands; Chapter 99 – Nantucket and Madaket
Harbor Watersheds; and Chapter 56 – Regulation of Motor Vehicles on Beaches). The Conservation
Commission should develop more restrictive regulations if they feel that such moves can be
scientifically justified.
Procedures are in place to enable the town to protect some of its wetland resources such as the
wetlands themselves, vernal ponds, and buffer zones, but not the watershed itself. Town agencies
need to continue to make informed decisions within the purview of the statutes, bylaws, and
regulations they implement. There is also a need for the capability to adequately enforce these
decisions over time as development projects are undertaken and used. It is important to maintain a
strong enforcement capability to complement reasonable permitting decisions.
As some violations of these statutes, bylaws and regulations are criminal actions, it is important to
ensure that the Nantucket Police Department and Department of Marine and Coastal Resources are
aware of the nature of the statutes and their enforcement capabilities.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Conservation Commission *
Planning Board
Board of Health
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Police Department
2. Continue to monitor and assess actual and potential impacts on wetlands resources from adjacent
development and increased usage.
Adopt a stormwater bylaw establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse
effects of increased post-development stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution associated
with new development and redevelopment.
As warranted, consider measures such as increasing the no-build and no-disturbance buffer zones
around wetlands resources required by the Wetlands Bylaws.
Ensure that physical improvements in support of recreational use on and around wetlands resources
do not impact those resources either directly or indirectly by increasing usage beyond the carrying
capacity of the area.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Conservation Commission *
Planning and Economic Development Commission
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 77
3. Assure that legal assistance is available to the Conservation Commission for enforcement of the town
Wetland Bylaws, especially as the bylaws pertain to new development abutting or potentially affecting
environmentally sensitive areas such as sand dunes, beaches, and barrier beaches.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Conservation Commission
Objective II: Provide technical and scientific support for planning and decision-making entities
on a wide range of coastal natural resource issues.
Background
In addition to the scientific, technical and legal support services required by the Conservation
Commission described above, there is a broader need for such support services by other boards,
committees, and commissions throughout the town for making planning, regulatory, and land acquisition
decisions.
Recommendations
1. Establish a scientific/technical advisory committee to assist boards, commissions, and committees to
review and interpret scientific and engineering data and recommend management options supported
by these reviews.
The Board of Selectmen should work with the various boards, commissions, and committees to
identify current and potential areas of expertise needed. They should seek individuals or
organizations having that experience and training and solicit their membership on the
Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee to support the various boards, commissions, and
committees. The Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee would meet as necessary, determined
through the Board of Selectmen at the request of town departments. The Committee’s input would be
advisory in nature.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Conservation Commission
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Planning Board
Board of Health
Other departments or groups as may be appropriate
2. Enhance the environmental planning capability of the Town of Nantucket through bylaw changes via
Annual Town Meeting.
Much of the Conservation Commission’s effort is in response to permit applications for proposed
projects. This sort of case-by-case review needs to be augmented by broader, proactive
environmental planning.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Conservation Commission *
Objective III: Identify critical natural resources associated with Nantucket and Madaket Harbors
in order to better protect them.
Background
In order to make timely, informed regulatory or planning decisions pertaining to natural resources, it is
important to identify the location and nature of such resources. Knowing where the resources are, prior to
being faced with a decision, makes the process more predictable for both project proponents and
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 78
decision-makers. Identification and location of critical natural resources is also a component of oil spill
contingency planning.
Recommendations
1. Continue the coordinated inventory and mapping efforts of critical resource and open space areas
around Nantucket and Madaket Harbors.
There are already several natural resource related data layers in the Town of Nantucket Geographic
Information System (GIS) data layers. These should be regularly reviewed for accuracy, changes,
etc. Additional important resource types should be identified, delineated, and incorporated into the
town GIS data layers. In instances where the Commonwealth has mapped natural resources in and
around the harbors, these layers should also be incorporated into the town’s GIS.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Conservation Commission *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Board of Selectmen
Resource-related non-profit groups
Objective IV: Protect and restore critical eelgrass resources
Background
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) provides critical habitat for the commercially and recreationally important
scallop fishery. It also helps stabilize the bottom of the harbors, lessening movement of sediments and
resultant needs for dredging. Eelgrass may be affected by boating and shellfishing activities.
The species is protected through the permitting process administered by the Nantucket Conservation
Commission, but there is need for additional layers of protection from cumulative impacts. Additionally,
there may be the possibility of restoring damaged beds.
Recommendations
1. Develop and implement mechanisms to conserve and restore eelgrass, in coordination with the
Shellfish Management Plan (see Shellfish Management Plan recommendation). Apply these
mechanisms, as well as existing research to the management of moorings and their impacts on
eelgrass in Nantucket and Madaket Harbors.
When appropriate, the Conservation Commission should consider off-site mitigation opportunities.
Such mitigation opportunities should involve using Chapter 91 license fees and permit fees to fund
town-managed eelgrass planting, restoration, and monitoring projects around the harbors. As part of
the off-site mitigation program, the Conservation Commission should develop a guidance document
defining criteria for a “successful” mitigation project. The guidance document should also outline a
strategy to ensure that “successful” mitigation is achieved.
The Shellfish Management Plan should provide a means to assess the current status of eelgrass
beds in the harbors by conducting yearly assessment of eelgrass coverage in both harbors. This
should be translated to a GIS map that can be compared to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’
Department of Environmental Protection eelgrass studies which are updated approximately every four
years.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Nantucket Shellfish Association
Conservation Commission
Other concerned citizens
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 79
Objective V: Reduce impacts on native natural resources and systems from invasive species,
both plant and animal.
Background
Native plants and animals can be significantly affected by the introduction of non-native species,
particularly when those invasive species have no natural controls on their spread. There are several
invasive species found in or around Nantucket Harbors. These include Phragmites, Codium, other
macroalgal species, green crabs, and asian crabs. Often when species such as these are introduced, the
natural biodiversity suffers.
Recommendations
1. Support and enhance the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative.
The Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative is intended to identify, locate, inventory and monitor the species
of plant and animal assemblages on the island. As such, it includes the Nantucket and Madaket
Harbor planning areas. It further is designed to educate the people of Nantucket and beyond about
the importance of protecting the rich biodiversity of the islands.
The following are partners in the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative and should be considered the
responsible agencies/groups:
University of Massachusetts Boston Field Station *
Maria Mitchell Association
Conservation Foundation
Nantucket Islands Land Bank Commission
Mass Audubon
Nantucket Land Council
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program
Science Department, Nantucket High School
Trustees of Reservations
Tuckernuck Land Trust
2. Work towards the management and potential eradication of invasive species, including both
macroalgal species in the harbors and terrestrial and wetland species along the harbors’ shores.
A management plan for the eradication of vegetative species in and around the harbors should be
developed. The resultant plan could be implemented by town agencies, volunteer groups, and
private individuals as part of regulatory decisions, etc. The plan should identify species of concern,
their location, techniques and/or tools necessary for their eradication, any inherent difficulties with the
eradication process, and what agencies, organizations, or individuals could be utilized in the
eradication process.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Conservation Commission *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Non-governmental organizations associated with natural resource management and
protection
Academic groups
Individuals with expertise and/or training in invasive species management
3. Continue the existing culling program of green and asian crabs.
Green and asian crabs adversely affect shellfish populations. An ongoing effort to remove these
invasive species has been developed and implemented through the Nantucket Department of Marine
and Coastal Resources. It is described in the 2005 publication entitled “Predator Investigation”,
written by Keith Conant of the Marine and Coastal Resources Department.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 80
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Students
Fishers
Objective VI: To increase public knowledge about marine mammals common to Nantucket.
Recommendations
1. Educate the public about the island’s marine mammals, including cetaceans and pinnipeds. Distribute
brochures explaining federal and state protection of marine mammals with local numbers for reporting
strandings and harassment.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Nantucket Marine Mammal Stranding Team *
3.6 WATER QUALITY
Goal: To maintain and enhance the water quality of Nantucket and Madaket
Harbors through education, monitoring, research and the dissemination of
information.
One fact that has not changed since the development of the Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
in 1993 and this update is that all harbor-related activities are literally contingent on water quality.
Recreational and commercial fishing require that water quality be closely monitored. In addition,
Nantucket’s reliance on tourism mandates that clean swimming areas and beaches coincide with
increased human impacts. Over the past decade, the Town of Nantucket, the Department of Marine and
Coastal Resources, and numerous conservation and scientific groups have significantly increased
research efforts in the harbors and fresh water systems in order to meet these needs.
Objective I: Increase awareness of water quality issues and ways to protect and enhance water
quality through education, outreach and the dissemination of information.
Recommendations
1. Develop school curricula on water quality protection and environmental awareness. Establish a
curriculum piece for the Nantucket Public School for the 3rd, 6th, and 9th grades that integrates
environmental awareness and environmental science within the MCAS requirements. Initiate field
studies and in-class science demonstrations.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Nantucket School Committee *
2. Establish a link from the Town of Nantucket website to a clearinghouse for water quality data and
provide more information on the Department of Public Health website.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Health Department
Conservation Commission
3. Seek funding to develop a “Guide to Protecting Nantucket’s Waters”, similar to the Martha’s Vineyard
publication. State funding and/or grants may be available for this project.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 81
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Nantucket Land Council
The University of Massachusetts Field Station
4. Provide new homeowners with a free copy of the Guide along with a copy of all applicable regulations
and rules.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Conservation Commission *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
5. Mark all storm drains with red or yellow stencil scallops indicating direct input to harbor or indirect
input to harbor (some treatment). Stenciling the word “dumping” in circle with line through it could also
be used. Stenciling storm drains will help to inform residents of the drains’ function and the fate of
materials entering them.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Public Works *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Historic District Commission
6. Develop brochures describing prohibition of dumping of chemicals, waste products, sediment, fuel,
oil, or other pollutants and the associated fines. A comprehensive listing of prohibited substances and
the effects on shellfish and water quality should be stated clearly.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Conservation Commission *
Chamber of Commerce
Board of Health
Nantucket Land Council
Landscapers Association
7. Organize public forums and symposia throughout the year on topics such as septic systems,
landscaping, and organic gardening.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
University of Massachusetts Boston Field Station *
Maria Mitchell Association
Board of Health
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Nantucket Land Council
Civic League
Nantucket Community Association
Other interested agencies/groups
8. Provide homeowners and landscapers with information on environmentally suitable fertilizer
application rates, organic fertilizers, natural plantings, and other landscaping practices that would help
protect the harbors and harbor watersheds. Make pamphlets such as the Landscaper's Association
handout and the Nantucket Board of Health and Nantucket Land Council's pamphlet “Healthy Lawns
and Landscapes” readily available at locations such as the Visitor’s Center, the Town Building, and
the Chamber of Commerce.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 82
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Conservation Commission *
Chamber of Commerce
Board of Health
Nantucket Land Council
Landscapers Association
9. Provide boat owners with information regarding water quality, the “No Discharge Area” regulations
and services, Best Management Practices recommended by Office of Coastal Zone Management for
fueling and cleaning, prohibition on underwater hull cleaning, and the use of low-impact cleaning
agents.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Board of Health
Marine-related businesses
10. Distribute car-related water quality impact pamphlets to car owners along with registration renewal
information.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Nantucket Registry of Motor Vehicles *
Town of Nantucket Finance Department and Assessors Office
11. Establish and enforce new littering fines. Provide more trash receptacles at area beaches, and secure
funds to maintain receptacles throughout planning area. Provide information to beach goers.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Park and Recreation Commission
Sheriff’s Office
Police Department
12. Educate year-round and summer residents about the dangers of bird droppings including
discouraging the feeding of ducks and the development of high vegetation buffer zones around
ponds. As part of this recommendation, post signs advising against feeding birds.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Health *
13. Utilize local TV and other media to educate the public about water quality issues.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Board of Health
Nantucket Land Council
Office of Coastal Zone Management
Local conservation groups
14. Ensure that recommendations from the Estuaries Study are implemented.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 83
Board of Health
Nantucket Land Council
Conservation Commission
Objective II: Increase scientific research focused on water quality and specific issues and
problems faced by Nantucket
Recommendations
1. Seek funding for increased monitoring in both harbors. The use of both static systems and towed
arrays to monitor nutrients, DO, photic depth, temperature, salinity, and current speed measurements
can provide valuable information relating to water quality. Several locations in both harbors, such as
the Town Pier or a floating summer dock, would provide ideal platforms for a static system connected
to a data-logger recording chemical and physical water characteristics. These type of systems can
greatly improve upon the “snapshot” measurements acquired during bi-weekly transects.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
SMAST
Other relevant organizations, institutions and groups
2. Develop a comprehensive Water Quality Management Plan incorporating goals, objectives, and
recommendations in this section of the harbor plan with a protocol for updating and evaluating
progress on a biannual basis. Establish timelines and funding sources.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Town Biologist
Health Department
Conservation Commission
Nantucket Land Council
UMass Boston Field Station
Other interested parties
3. Establish a permanent research facility(ies) that can accommodate current and future research
requirements for the Town of Nantucket and can augment and interface with all existing facilities
currently operated by the town and local organizations. Investigate strengthening a public/private
partnership and funding sources to achieve this goal.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Nantucket Shellfish Association
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Other relevant organizations, institutions and groups
4. Emphasize evaluation of habitat quality by undertaking local and periodic monitoring of eelgrass
distribution and benthic organisms. Adopt standardized and recognized sampling protocols.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Relevant organizations, institutions and groups *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
5. Undertake studies of associated flora and fauna, as well as bird populations.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 84
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Relevant organizations, institutions and groups *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
6. Establish a combination of currently used porosity measurement methods, such as the percolation
tests used by the Board of Health and the Conservation Commission, and the Nantucket-based
hydrographic research reports (both informal local geology classes and formal reports). Use this
combination of methods to calculate or measure nutrient groundwater travel times in Nantucket soils
and sediments in order to properly calibrate computer simulation models and to calculate mass input
rates for nitrogen and phosphorus.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Relevant organizations, institutions and groups *
Conservation Commission
7. Actively monitor changes in population of algae species associated with excess nutrient concentration
such as Ulva lactuca (sea lettuce).
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Relevant organizations, institutions and groups *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
8. Use current groundwater monitoring and sampling practices (such as those used by the UMass
Boston Nantucket Field Station, the Nantucket Land Council, and the Nantucket Conservation
Foundation) as a template to create a larger island-wide effort to evaluate groundwater contaminants
such as excess nutrients, bacteria, etc. Citizens should be part of this island-wide effort (“Citizen
Science”).
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Relevant organizations, institutions and groups *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
9. Evaluate harbor modeling products used for water quality management decisions by the Department
of Marine and Coastal Resources every three years as to effectiveness, ease of use, and
applicability. Incorporate results into the Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP).
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
10. Create a data clearinghouse to provide access to maps, historical data, links to remediation solutions
for businesses and individuals, information for teachers, etc. A comprehensive database of past and
ongoing research should be developed and regularly updated, allowing scientists and other
monitoring groups to freely share and access up-to-date information.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Nantucket Land Council
Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative
Maria Mitchell Association
Board of Health
Other relevant organizations, institutions and groups
11. Investigate methods for identifying fecal bacteria sources using DNA and bacterial identifiers to
distinguish between avian, human, and canine introduced fecal matter.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 85
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Health *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Conservation Commission
12. Ensure that suitable monitoring is established to assess any environmental effects of aquaculture
activities. This will be particularly important if any non-shellfish aquaculture activities are permitted in
the future.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
13. Establish research priorities and integrate existing studies on and off-island to quantify and evaluate
the effects of water quality degradation on shellfish populations (see Water Quality Management Plan
and Shellfish Management Plan).
List of implementing agencies/groups:
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Town Biologist
Nantucket Shellfish Association
Health Department
Conservation Commission
Nantucket Land Council
UMass Boston Field Station
Maria Mitchell Association
Other interested parties
14. Conduct yearly benthic and water column grab samples to evaluate presence or absence of cysts
deposited from the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) outbreak in 2005 caused by the dinoflagellate
Alexandrium tamarense.
List of implementing agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Objective III: Adopt new bylaws to ensure that water quality is maintained and improved.
Recommendations
1. Inform area parents of the Children’s Protection Act (Chapter 85 of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Acts of 2000). Every school, day care provider, or like institution has to file an
Integrated Pest Management plan with the state. Those listed so far are the Nantucket New School,
Nantucket Public Schools, Small Friends of Nantucket, and Wee Whalers. The Public School Plan
states that no pesticides are used on the outside portions of the property. Request that Park and
Recreation and the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club file and implement similar plans and require all
schools (public and private) to have IPM plans on file in Town Building according to state law
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Conservation Commission
Nantucket Boys and Girls Club
Nantucket Park and Recreation Commission
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 86
Institutions with IPM plans
2. Adopt warrant articles that reduce or eliminate quick release fertilizers and excessive use of fertilizers
within the harbors watershed protection districts.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Conservation Commission
3. Work with the Planning Board to draft new Zoning Bylaws that protect harbor waters. Use
recommendations from the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, the Septage
Management Plan, and the Estuaries Project to derive specific language for these articles. The first
set of articles should be brought forward at the 2008 Annual Town Meeting.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Conservation Commission
Board of Health
4. During the process of renewing the town contract for landscaping, make it an order of condition that
no pesticides or quick release fertilizers be used on town owned land.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Conservation Commission *
5. Establish a bylaw prohibiting dumping of any chemical, waste product, sediment, fuel, oil, or other
pollutant in storm-drains. Establish a fine for each violation. In addition, review Massachusetts
suggested storm water bylaw language to ensure local Conservation Commission standards include
adequate protection of stormwater catch basins.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Planning Board
Conservation Commission
6. Where applicable adopt recommendations from the Estuaries Reports as bylaws
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
7. Ensure that goals as stated by the Board of Selectmen (2006-2007) regarding water quality, septic
and storm water management are all updated to incorporate the recommendations included in this
harbor plan.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
8. Adopt new bylaws that incorporate the Best Management Practices suggested in the Office of
Coastal Zone Management’s Clean Marina Guidelines.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 87
Objective IV: Increase and maintain regulatory notices to inform the public of potential health
risks associated with shellfish closures and the consumption of fish from some
ponds.
Recommendations
1. Distribute multi-lingual pond quality information and state warnings on fish consumption for area
ponds through area tackle shops and chandleries. Multi-lingual regulatory notices should be placed at
ponds with fish consumption warning issues (Miacomet, Gibbs, Sesachacha, Hummock, Long, and
Tom Nevers ponds).
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Health *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
2. Check and maintain all regulatory notices related to shellfish closures; post multi-lingual notices.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Health *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Objective V: Identify and reduce non-point source pollution by using Best Management
Practices and methods available.
Recommendations
1. Implement the stormwater infrastructure improvements outlined in Earthtech’s 2005 Stormwater
Outfall Analysis including all Best Management Practices and recommended technologies. Continue
financial support of these projects.
List of implementing groups/agencies
Board of Selectmen *
Department of Public Works
Finance Committee
2. Establish a comprehensive list of all ponds and coastal areas that require rehabilitation and identify
specific proposals and methodologies for implementing such rehabilitation in conjunction with state
agencies. Prioritize each water body or area on the list using criteria such as (but not limited to) state
of degradation of habitat, public health concerns, reduction in state threatened or protected species,
essential fish habitat, spread of invasive species, or other related indicators. Develop a coordinated
program and timeline for rehabilitation based on priority level and identify potential funding sources.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Local conservation groups such as the Nantucket Land Council *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Board of Health
Nantucket Land Council
Conservation Commission
Department of Public Works
Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
3. Investigate the feasibility of reducing avian “nuisance species” such as Canada Geese and Mute
Swans. Methods could include using coyote/fox statues in fields to repel Canada Geese, reducing or
eliminating hand feeding, and restoring high vegetation around ponds.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 88
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Conservation Commission *
3.7 COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHING
Goal: To sustain and improve the commercial and recreational fisheries of
Nantucket by: protecting and enhancing a suitable habitat; providing the
infrastructure for efficient and safe harvesting, appropriate monitoring of
catch, and aquaculture and research facilities as appropriate to support
natural stocks; developing a shellfish management plan; and ensuring that
the highest possible water quality is maintained.
Commercial and recreational fishing are two activities that help to give Nantucket its identity. The future
of these industries depend on several factors including water quality, establishing and maintaining
adequate harvest limits, and ensuring access to the water.
Objective I: To preserve, protect, and enhance shellfish populations resulting in a sustainable
fishery.
Background
Nantucket’s largest commercial fishery is that of the bay scallop. While many people rely on this fishery
as a source of income, catches vary greatly from year to year. The 2005-2006 season was particularly
troublesome, with fishers bringing in only 1/6th of the total catch from the previous season. This drastic
drop in total catch generated support for the development of a shellfish management plan.
Several shellfish “management plans” have been developed in the past, yet none of these plans took a
comprehensive approach to shellfish management, nor were they implemented.
Recommendations:
1. Develop and implement a Shellfish Management Plan by October 1, 2008 to protect and enhance the
island’s shellfish resources, employing either community-based management or co-management.
This shellfish management plan will serve as the basic document from which Nantucket’s shellfishery
management and governance practices are derived. The shellfish management plan should be
developed with the cooperation of all stakeholders including government agencies, the shellfishers,
and researchers.
This shellfish management plan should:
Define or re-define the legal definition of scallop acceptable for harvest by October 1, 2007
Establish guidelines and objectives for comprehensive scientific research. This section
should attempt to encourage collaboration between the town biologist and the shellfishers, as
well as any independent consultants
Establish guidelines for monitoring efforts
Develop an enforcement plan, identifying how the plan will be enforced, as well as the
person(s) responsible for enforcement. This section should attempt to avoid situations in
which enforcement personnel also hold other potentially conflicting positions
Outline the means by which propagation might be employed to support the fishery. Establish
policies and objectives for shellfish propagation activities.
Present any relevant controls on the shellfish fisheries such as license and/or catch
limitations, gear restrictions, and closed areas
Incorporate practices to preserve and enhance the natural resources crucial to the fishery
Develop an implementation section of the plan, identifying how the plan will be implemented,
as well as the person(s) responsible for implementation.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 89
Identify and incorporate best practices for population enhancement, harvesting, seed
management, or any other activities linked to the preservation and enhancement of the
natural resource.
Propose guidelines and provisions for evaluating direct or indirect impacts of proposed land
use developments, transportation entities, recreational activities or any water-impacting
activity on the fishery and the resources.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Shellfish and Harbor Advisory Board
Nantucket Shellfish Association
Other concerned citizens
2. Continue existing propagation efforts for soft shell clams, oysters, and bay scallops. Re-establish a
bay scallop propagation facility at the Brant Point boathouse with a focus not only on propagation but
also on research to gauge the facility’s success at supplementing the natural stock with genetically
diverse scallops.
Use of the Brant Point facility should include, but not be limited to:
A shellfish propagation facility that would include a hatchery for the production of local seed
to be used for population studies, appropriate fisheries enhancement, and aquaculture
enterprises. This element of the facility would seek to reduce or eliminate the importation of
seed for a variety of shellfish from outside sources.
A research facility for use by the town, local scientists, students, and visiting scientists as
appropriate, for the purposes of monitoring and improving Nantucket’s harbor water quality,
developing science on shellfish species and habitat, and providing educational programs for
the public.
A marine sciences education facility to benefit young people and adults, where public access
would be encouraged.
A governance mechanism that will ensure that research programs are maximized for the
benefit of local water quality, that shellfish seed production is successful, and that town
departments and staff have sufficient access to the facility to continue local programs and
activities.
A mechanism to ensure long range funding for the facility and an extension of the lease on
the property for the town.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Nantucket Shellfish Association
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
3. Continue to seek funding through grants, shellfish license fees, and fines to support fisheries
development, management, and research.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Nantucket Shellfish Association
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 90
Objective II: Maintain and improve the infrastructure necessary to support both shellfishing and
finfishing.
Background
Finfishing is a small industry on Nantucket, dominated by five charter boat companies and recreational
fishers. The charter boats target a variety of species including bluefish, striped bass, bonita, shark, marlin,
tuna, fluke, and cod.
Commercial finfishing also exists, with two draggers and approximately fifteen fluke fishers who bring their
catch into Nantucket Harbor.
In addition to maintaining existing infrastructure such as pumpouts, affordable berthing space, and fuel,
for the charter boats and commercial fishers, it is also important to ensure continued public access to the
shore for the purposes of surfcasting, shellfishing, and launching/hauling boats. The current situation
provides too few launches, resulting in long lines and parking difficulties for fishers and other launch
users.
Recommendations
1. Improve and expand upon existing waterfront access points and seek new access for fisheries uses
through easements, Chapter 91 license requirements, land purchases, recovery of historical points of
access not recorded by the town, or other means. Some sites to consider in particular include: Brant
Point, the Land Bank property at Petrol Landing, Spruce Street, Warren’s Landing, East and West
Polpis access points, and the Town Pier. Ensure that these access points do not result in the
unreported taking of shellfish by designating specific unloading areas.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Nantucket Shellfish Association
Nantucket Marine Trades Association
MA Department of Environmental Protection
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Nantucket Right of Way Committee
2. Expand availability of adequate and affordable dock and mooring spaces to support commercial and
recreational fisheries by including special conditions in Chapter 91 licenses.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board *
Nantucket Shellfish Association
Nantucket Marine Trades Association
Department of Environmental Protection
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Board of Selectmen
3. Increase and improve existing shore-side infrastructure, including boat repair facilities and marine
supply shops to support commercial and recreational fishing opportunities.
Through Chapter 91 permitting and local zoning, new shore-side infrastructure can be acquired
through public investments such as the possibilities under consideration at Petrol Landing.
Infrastructure can also be acquired via commercial enterprises. Refer to the Commercial Waterfront
section of this report for more information on these opportunities.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 91
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Nantucket Marine Trades Association
Others
3.8 PUBLIC ACCESS IN NANTUCKET AND MADAKET HARBORS
For the purposes of this project, “public access” does not include opportunities to view or reach
the waters of Madaket Harbor or Nantucket Harbor provided for a cost. For example, this
discussion excludes situations in which one might access the water via boat for a fee.
Goal: To preserve and improve physical and visual public access to the waters
and shorelines of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors.
Objective I: Identify, maintain, and improve existing public access sites to and along the shore.
Background
Public access to Nantucket’s shoreline and water is obtained in three ways: through acquisitions,
easements, and regulatory conditions.
On the upland (above mean high water), access is permitted on some properties owned by various
landholding groups such as the Town of Nantucket, the Nantucket Land Bank, the Conservation
Commission, the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, and the
Trustees of Reservations.
In addition to public access permitted on these privately held properties, the public can also access the
water at some town-owned road ends, and via historic rights of way.
Public access within the intertidal area (between the mean high and low water), is permitted for fishing,
fowling, navigation, and their natural derivatives per the Public Trust Doctrine. These rights are also
codified in Chapter 91 of Massachusetts General Laws. To protect public trust rights on tidelands,
Chapter 91 and its accompanying waterways regulations may specify signage, stairs, overhead
clearance, strolling rights within the intertidal zone, berthing space for commercial fishing vessels, etc.
Over 50 Chapter 91 licenses within the planning area currently call for public access in one form or
another (see Appendix 3).
The Public Trust Doctrine also applies below mean low water, extending out three nautical miles from the
shore.
Recommendations
1. Inventory and map all existing public access, including those access points established through the
Chapter 91 licensing process and those held by all landholding agencies. As part of this process,
assess each site’s condition (i.e. signage, parking, handicap accessibility, necessary improvements,
opportunities for expansion) and clarify the legal status of the property.
An initial map of Nantucket has been developed depicting public access points based on
conversations with town officials and landholding organizations, and available GIS data. The Town of
Nantucket and the Right of Way Committee should continue to identify and map existing public
access sites, as well as investigate the conditions of the sites on a regular basis. Furthermore, the
town and the Right of Way Committee should investigate the legal status of each site and ensure that
the proper paperwork has been filed to legally record those parcels that may have been obtained
unofficially (Figures 3.1 to 3.3).
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Right of Way Committee *
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 92
2. Ensure that existing public access points are retained and maintained for use by the general public.
The town should identify the party responsible for site maintenance at each public access point
(including visual access points), and work with them to ensure unobstructed and safe public use. In
addition, the town should work with the Department of Environmental Protection to review and
enforce Chapter 91 license conditions including appropriate signage.
Enforcement and maintenance should be conducted on a regular schedule to ensure that access is
not impeded in any way. A penalty system should be developed to encourage appropriate upkeep of
sites.
Respect and support enforcement of any time restrictions on public access established by property
owners, easements, or regulatory conditions.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Right of Way Committee *
Department of Environmental Protection
Figure 3.1 Public Access around Nantucket Harbor.
3. Develop and distribute guides identifying public access points to and along the shores of the harbors.
The Right of Way Committee should work with all landholding groups to develop a public access
guide that includes information about location, ownership of the parcel, available parking, the
allowable types of access (i.e. fishing, bird watching, etc.), times when access is permissible,
amenities, handicap accessible sites, etc.. The guide should be updated regularly to provide
accurate information about public access opportunities.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 93
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Right of Way Committee *
Landholding groups
Chamber of Commerce
4. Improve and standardize signage at existing shoreline and waterfront access sites
The Right of Way Committee and the Department of Public Works should develop a standard public
access sign, have signs constructed and installed at existing and new sites, and develop a plan for
the regular inspection of signs. This standard format should also be used for all Chapter 91 license
conditions requiring signage.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Right of Way Committee *
Department of Environmental Protection
Department of Public Works
Beach Manager
Objective II: Expand the number of access points in a systematic way that responds to the
needs of the various segments of the population that use the harbors.
Background
While many public access sites already exist, there is still a need to increase access opportunities,
specifically for people requiring handicapped access, for commercial and recreational fishers, and others
who need to haul and launch their boats. Additionally, some sites should be expanded to include
amenities such as restrooms and parking. In considering new or expanded access to the harbor, it is
important to consider the type and quality of the natural resources in the area. Certain natural resources,
such as tidal wetlands or nesting areas, can be damaged or disrupted by human intrusion. In all cases of
proposed new or expanded access, the planned level and type of access should be carefully evaluated
and aligned with the capability of the natural resources to tolerate the activity. In the case of sites with
existing or proposed water-dependent use, new or expanded public access should avoid undue
interference with the water-dependent use.
Nothing in this plan or in any of the recommendations contained herein, however, should be construed as
taking any position as to whether the Steamship Authority should provide any additional or different types
of public access to the Steamship Authority dock than currently exists, or whether the Steamship
Authority should maintain the same amount of public access as it currently provides to its dock. This plan
recognizes that the principal purpose of providing public access to the Steamship Authority dock is so that
the Steamship Authority can perform its essential governmental function of providing adequate
transportation of persons and necessaries of life for the island of Nantucket, and that the Steamship
Authority has legitimate security, safety and operational reasons for limiting or sometimes even
prohibiting other types of public access to its property that would hinder its ability to carry out its statutory
mission of providing safe, economical, convenient and reliable ferry service for the island.
Recommendations
1. Inventory and map potential new public access points. Use this information to guide future
acquisitions.
The Right of Way Committee should work with all landholding groups to identify and map general
areas where increased access should be sought. Such an effort would lead to greater coordination in
the acquisition of public access sites.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Right of Way Committee *
Landholding groups
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 94
Department of Public Works
Board of Selectmen
2. Improve boating access (specifically for fishers and recreational boaters).
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and the Right of Way Committee should work with
the Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board and the Nantucket Shellfish Association to identify potential
sites for expansion or acquisitions of boating access sites. Consideration should be given to areas
that can accommodate parking, and that will have minimal impact on surrounding natural resources.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Right of Way Committee *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Nantucket Shellfish Association
Figure 3.2 Downtown Public Access.
3. When appropriate, the town should continue to require public access easements (including new
launch sites and parking, pedestrian access, and affordable slips/moorings) on all new or expanded
waterfront development.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Planning Board *
Department of Environmental Protection
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 95
Conservation Commission
Board of Selectmen
4. The town should provide incentives to homeowners to encourage providing public access on their
property. Incentives may include limiting the hours of public access and providing assistance with
beach cleaning efforts.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Planning Board *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Figure 3.3 Public Access in Madaket Harbor.
5. Chapter 91 licenses issued by the Department of Environmental Protection should incorporate public
access conditions consistent with this plan. More specifically, licenses should contain, where
appropriate, conditions including but not limited to parking, restrooms, signage, pedestrian access,
handicap access visual access, boating access, boat storage, trash receptacles, boat ramps,
commercial berthing, and/or boat lift.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Planning Board *
Conservation Commission
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Right of Way Committee
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Department of Public Works
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 96
Board of Selectmen
6. The town should explore the feasibility of developing a “harbor walk” with standardized access signs
and interpretive signs along Nantucket Harbor, recognizing that pedestrian walkways are a waterfront
use that should not be implemented to the detriment of commercial or recreational boating interests.
Lateral access along the waterfront for pedestrian traffic unrelated to active harbor uses should only
be encouraged where water dependent uses providing direct access to the harbor are not
compromised. In areas where new waterfront pedestrian walkways would interfere unacceptably with
existing water-dependent commercial or recreational boating activities, off-site public benefits or
amenities related to the waterfront should be considered. Where appropriate, the “harbor walk”
should be handicap-accessible.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Right of Way Committee *
Commission on Disability
Chamber of Commerce
7. The town should file the paperwork needed to legally record currently-used access points that have
not been officially or properly obtained.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Right of Way Committee *
Objective III: Maintain existing visual access to the harbors and the waters’ edge and work for
improved visual access.
Background
The natural and cultural resources of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors and surrounding landscape have
scenic qualities that add to the enjoyment and attraction of being on or near the water. For many
residents and visitors, these scenic resources are most available from public ways and pedestrian access
points surrounding the harbor. In built-up areas viewsheds can be impaired by plantings, buildings,
fences, and other types of obstructions. While there is no formal visual access plan for the island, there
should be increased recognition of the value of scenic resources and the town should undertake a
planning process to identify and preserve outstanding views and visual access points.
Recommendations
1. Identify outstanding views and visual access points along the harbors
The town should conduct a viewshed study (inventory and qualify scenic resources) and inventory
existing and potential visual access points. As part of the study, develop criteria for protecting scenic
resources and for providing places where the public has visual access to the harbor. Once the study
is complete, these criteria should be incorporated into the town’s site plan review for waterfront
development and, as appropriate, into the town’s comments on Chapter 91 license applications.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Planning Board *
Department of Environmental Protection
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 97
3.9 DOCKS, WHARVES, AND PIERS
Goal: To preserve and enhance the natural resources, ability to navigate, public
access along the shoreline and traditional character of Nantucket and
Madaket Harbors by limiting the construction of new, or the expansion of
existing private docks, wharves, or piers.
Background
Presently, the construction of new private docks, wharves or piers is prohibited through zoning on all of
Nantucket, with the exception of the Residential Commercial District. In the latter district, a moratorium
on new docks and piers has been in place since 2005 and by vote of the 2007 Annual Town Meeting was
extended through April 30, 2008. In extending the ban, Town Meeting approved a provision to allow for
the construction of a public dock or pier on both Tuckernuck and Muskeget islands because of the need
for access.
Docks, wharves, and piers can have a number of impacts to the environment and natural resources, to
the ability to navigate along the shore, to public access along the shoreline or to shellfishing areas, and to
the traditional community character of an area. In passing the zoning ordinance prohibiting these
structures outside of the Residential Commercial District, the town indicated that it felt private use of the
waters along the shore was detrimental to the wishes of its citizens.
Exceptions to the prohibition of new docks, wharves, and piers were made for governmental and public
entities.
Objective: To limit the construction of new private docks, wharves and piers, and the
extension or expansion of existing private docks, wharves, and piers.
Recommendations
1. Develop language to be considered at the 2007 Special Town Meeting to amend the town Zoning
Bylaw to prohibit new, expanded, or extended private docks, wharves, or piers in any town waters.
Include provisions to exempt governmental agencies or public entities from this prohibition.
This recommended amendment to the Zoning Bylaw should be submitted to the Special Town
Meeting in the Fall of 2007.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Planning Board *
2. Complete a survey of the existing docks, wharves and piers to ensure that the structures are all
licensed under the provisions of MGL Chapter 91 and that the structures meet all requirements noted
in their license.
A partial listing of the existing licenses for docks, wharves, and piers on Nantucket Island will be
provided as part of this updated harbors action plan (see Appendix 3). It is suggested that the Town
of Nantucket could coordinate a group of volunteers to complete the list and survey the existing docks
to compare their existing configuration with that licensed through Chapter 91. Any violations of the
provisions of licenses for the structures should be reported to the Waterways Division of the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for enforcement.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Planning Department
Conservation Commission
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 98
3. Review the legal status of permit applications for private docks that have already been submitted.
Some applications for private docks in the current Residential Commercial District have been
submitted in the past to one or another of the various permitting agencies, e.g. the Nantucket
Conservation Commission, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and/or the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These permit applications should be reviewed to clarify their legal
status as part of this above recommendation for prohibition of new private docks, wharves, and piers.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Conservation Commission *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Office of the Town Counsel
4. Implement standards for design and construction of docks, wharves, and piers, that will protect the
safety of people, buildings and infrastructure, in addition to natural resources both in normal use and
in the case of a significant storm.
The Planning Board should propose design standards and criteria to be incorporated into the Zoning
Bylaw that will ensure that docks, wharves, and piers will be safe for those using them and that the
docks will not become a danger to the public or to natural resources in instances of significant storms.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Planning Department *
Building Department
5. Establish criteria to evaluate whether a dock, wharf, or pier has substantially deteriorated and a
process to have deteriorated docks, wharves, or piers repaired or removed.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, in conjunction with the Building Inspector, should
develop criteria to evaluate whether such a structure should be considered deteriorated. Following
such a determination, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should notify the dock’s
owner of the deterioration and set a period of time in which the dock must be repaired to satisfactory
condition or be removed. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources may determine that only
a portion of the structure is substantially deteriorated and must be repaired or removed, allowing the
rest of the pier to remain. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection may be able
to assist in this effort through the provisions of MGL Chapter 91.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Building Inspector
3.10 COMMERCIAL WATERFRONT
Goal: To preserve, promote and support water-dependent uses of the harbor and
the commercial waterfront.
Background
The commercial waterfronts of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors are centers of the island’s traditional and
existing water-based industrial and commercial uses including water-borne passenger and cargo
transportation, commercial fishing, recreational boating, and the businesses that support these activities.
Nantucket’s natural harbors provided shelter for the original wharves, piers and seafaring industries.
Over subsequent years alterations and investments have expanded and enhanced these locations to
support contemporary water-dependent uses. The improved harbors, with engineered shorelines,
infrastructure, docks and piers are irreplaceable assets essential to the community’s existence and
economy. Today, environmental and land use regulations discourage alteration of natural resources and
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 99
the construction or expansion of docks and piers in areas beyond the existing commercial waterfronts.
Activities that require direct access to the water must be given priority in these developed harbor areas.
Objective: Discourage the displacement of existing water-dependent uses and activities. Give
highest priority to uses and activities that require access to coastal waters when
making land-use decisions on waterfront redevelopment.
Recommendations
1. Develop and adopt into the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw, a Harbor Overlay District (Figures 3.4 and 3.5)
to be applied to the commercial waterfront areas of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors to ensure that:
Existing water-dependent uses are not displaced by nonwater-dependent uses;
Harbor waters and the immediate shoreline and pier areas are dedicated to water-dependent
uses;
Commercial uses allowed by the underlying district regulations are compatible with, support,
or otherwise do not interfere with water-dependent uses of the site; and,
No conversion of commercial use to residential use (new residential use allowed only on
upper floors of new structures).
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Planning Board *
Board of Selectmen
2. Include in the harbor plan, and adopt into the town’s Zoning Bylaws, a list of priority water-dependent
uses, activities and services as guidance to property owners and developers.
This will serve as a guide not only for municipal land use decisions, but also for Chapter 91 licensing
decisions by the Department of Environmental Protection.
Boating support services:
¾ Boat ramp or other public boating access facilities
¾ Boat haul-out capabilities
¾ Boat repair and maintenance or waterfront facilities associated with inland sites providing
these services
¾ Launch service
¾ Fuel and pump-out services
¾ Upland boat storage
¾ Services such as ice, laundry, bait, provisions
¾ Businesses such as ship chandlery, fishing outfitter
¾ Parking
Commercial fishing
¾ Berthing
¾ Loading/unloading areas
¾ Gear storage facilities
¾ Parking
¾ Seafood wholesaler
¾ Retail fish market
Commercial charter boat
¾ Berthing
¾ Support facilities
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 100
Waterfront public access and amenities (as an enhancement to all other uses, except where
water-dependent operations would present a safety concern)
¾ Public restrooms
¾ Public parks
¾ Seating
Passenger and cargo ferry pier and facilities
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Department of Environmental Protection
3. Include in the harbor plan, and prohibit in the town’s Zoning Bylaws, a list of water-dependent uses
that are not consistent with the objectives of the harbor plan.
Cruise ship terminals or support services;
Personal watercraft rental;
New facilities of private tenancy, i.e., facilities at which the advantages of use accrue to a
relatively limited group of specified individuals rather than to the public at large.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Department of Environmental Protection
Figure 3.4 Downtown Showing Building Use, the RC District and the Proposed Overlay District.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 101
4. Adopt waterfront property assessment policies that provide incentives for water-dependent uses.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Assessor’s Office
Figure 3.5 Madaket Harbor Showing the RC District and the Proposed Overlay District.
5. Identify scenic views (or characteristics of scenic views) of the harbor landscape and waterscape to
guide decision making on potential impacts to visual access.
The protection of scenic values is particularly important to communities with economies built around
tourism. Coastal scenic viewsheds include views of the harbor or ocean from land-based sites such
as public roads, walks, parks, and vista points as well as views from vessels in coastal waters looking
toward the coastal landscape which might consist of either natural or cultural features or both.
Planning and regulatory decisions for protection of coastal scenic resources will be made on a case-
by-case basis. However, it is useful to catalog either the types of scenic resources warranting
protection or specific elements of existing viewsheds that should be preserved or protected. In
general, views that include landscapes, places, or structures characteristic or symbolic of the
particular place, that are unique or irreplaceable, have outstanding visual qualities, or that is
characteristic of the traditions or history of the community, are considered worthy of protection.
Oftentimes a natural or historical resource that contributes to a scenic view will itself be protected (by
ownership or regulation) against alteration, but not its broader context. An effort should be made to
identify and describe the particular values of viewsheds in the harbor planning areas that will serve to
guide future decision making.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 102
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Right of Way Committee *
Conservation Commission
Planning Board
Historic District Commission
6. Identify all structures on or adjacent to the waterfront that can be considered historic assets in the
context of a working waterfront and add them to the Historic District Commission’s list of individually
or contributing significant structures.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Historic District Commission *
3.11 HARBOR OPERATIONS, SAFETY, NAVIGATION AND MOORINGS
Goal: To provide a boating environment that promotes safety and balanced uses
while maintaining the character and protecting the natural resources of the
harbors.
Objective I: To improve the waiting list system for moorings in Nantucket Harbor.
Background
Mooring space in both Nantucket and Madaket Harbors is in high demand. The Department of Marine
and Coastal Resources maintains two separate waitlists depending on vessel size. The list for a vessel
of 26 feet or less, had over 600 people on it as of October 2006. Each year, between 30 and 40 of those
on the 26-foot and under waiting list receive a mooring. While the waiting list for larger boats (over 26
feet) is currently 202 people, the turnover is much less, with only one or two new people getting moorings
each year.
Although the waiting lists are bound to remain long, the process by which the lists are maintained can be
improved to provide more accurate and up-to date information for the Department of Marine and Coastal
Resources and boaters alike.
One of the existing problems with the waiting list is that, once boaters sign up to be on the list, they do not
have to renew their position, nor do they have to update their contact information. This results in waiting
lists of people who may no longer be interested in moorings, and creates difficulties when trying to
contact people.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources recently developed an application for mooring permits.
This application gathers contact information and vessel information for each applicant. The Department
of Marine and Coastal Resources will send this form out to each member of the waiting lists on an annual
basis to keep records current. Applicants will have to return the form and a check for $5.00 to the
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to renew their position. These funds will be used by the
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources for their mooring program. As part of the initial process,
email addresses will be collected so that future renewals and communications can be conducted
electronically.
Recommendations
1. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should implement a waiting list application
process that requires individuals to annually update their contact information and to reaffirm their
desire to remain on the waiting list by paying a $5.00 fee.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 103
2. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should make the waiting lists available on the
Department’s website.
In order to minimize the number of phone calls and questions about where people sit on a waiting list,
the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources will maintain an on-line copy. This will enable
mooring applicants to monitor their progress on the waiting list, and will reduce the number of
mooring-related questions coming into the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Objective II: To ensure that both the number and size of boats does not exceed the carrying
capacities of either Nantucket or Madaket Harbors.
Background
While the harbors physically have space to accommodate more boats, the Department of Marine and
Coastal Resources has placed a cap on the number of mooring permits that they issue. This is
necessary to balance a number of different uses and factors that are influenced by the number of boats in
the harbors. This current cap has been set in part to address water quality and eelgrass concerns and to
ensure that it remains possible to safely haul boats in the event of a storm. In addition, an increase in the
number of boats would create new opportunities for user conflicts, and would overwhelm the companies
that currently manage moorings and service and store boats. Finally, an increase in the number of boats
in the harbors would require new public access sites, including parking.
Although mooring numbers have been capped, the town has never officially defined a carrying capacity
for either harbor. Generally, the carrying capacity refers to the number of boats that can be
accommodated within a harbor. However, it may also need to reflect the size distribution of boats and,
possibly, the ratio of sailboats to powered vessels.
There are at least three ways to determine a harbor’s carrying capacity, and they often focus on
maintaining desired conditions. Physical carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of vessels that
can be accommodated in the harbor at one time without jeopardizing boating safety or efficiency. Social
carrying capacity considers the impacts that different uses and intensities of uses have on recreational
and social experiences. Ecological carrying capacity refers to the “maximum level of use, in terms of
numbers and types of activities, before an unacceptable or irreversible decline in ecosystem value
occurs” (Gona, 2004). Public input during the harbor plan update process suggests that a carrying
capacity for the harbors might include physical, ecological, and social considerations.
As all these methods of determining carrying capacity are very subjective, such a determination can only
be achieved by finding a compromise that all stakeholders can live with. This is what the Department of
Marine and Coastal Resources has been striving to achieve with its current limit on the number of
mooring permits.
In addition to the number of boats allowed in the harbors, the size of the boat also impacts natural
resources, user conflicts, and the ability to safely manage activities in the harbor. Even a small number of
large, commercial passenger vessels may exceed the carrying capacity of Nantucket Harbor. In 1998, in
response to concerns of town officials and the business community, the Board of Selectmen issued a
statement that large cruise ships have an unacceptable impact on Nantucket and should not be
encouraged. Navigational safety concerns, the capacity of the current tourist infrastructure and
transportation systems to handle large influxes of people arriving at once, and the importance of
maintaining the quality of visitor experience, are the reasons cited for the town’s policy to discourage
large cruise ship visits.
Recommendations
1. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should assess the need to quantify the carrying
capacity of Nantucket’s harbors. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should assess
the need to quantify the carrying capacity of Nantucket’s harbors in consultation with the Steamship
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 104
Authority and all other harbor users to the extent that their activities may be affected by any change in
current conditions.
If the decision is to move forward with quantifying the carrying capacity, they should consider: (1)
which definition(s) of carrying capacity they wish to address; (2) whether or not the current conditions
are also the “desired” conditions which they will strive to maintain; and (3) what types of research
would be necessary in order to determine the impact of boats on the desired conditions.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
2. Until the above recommendation has been completed, the Department of Marine and Coastal
Resources should continue to cap the number of moorings in the harbor at approximately 2100
vessels, while maintaining a similar ratio of smaller boats (less than 26 feet) to larger vessels. The
current ratio is approximately 7:1 (smaller boats:larger boats).
This cap will help prevent additional damage to the natural resources within the harbors, prevent an
increase in user-conflicts, and avoid overwhelming those responsible for managing the existing
moorings or emergency boat haul-out.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
3. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should determine the maximum number of
mooring permits that can be issued to a waterfront homeowner.
Currently, waterfront homeowners may apply for mooring permits in order to keep their boats offshore
of their properties. Currently, no language or regulations exist that limit the number of mooring
permits that can be requested by a waterfront property owner; however, no one has yet asked for
more than two such permits. While the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources may deny a
request for a mooring permit, language should be developed to officially limit the number of boats a
waterfront homeowner can moor off their property at a maximum of two per property. The
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should take into consideration conflicts of use and
impacts to natural resources when making their decision.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
4. Mooring permits for waterfront properties should only be issued for boats that are held in the owner’s
name and registered in Massachusetts.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
5. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and the Nantucket Planning and Economic
Development Commission should periodically reevaluate the issues related to cruise ship visits to
Nantucket. This reevaluation should consider navigation limitations, the town’s ability to cope with a
significant increase in visitor numbers and how such increases would affect on-shore facilities and
services. Such evaluation should take into account the size of vessels, the passenger capacities, the
planned frequency and duration of visits, and the timing/season of visits.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission
6. If cruise ship visits are acceptable, a per person landing fee should be levied and these funds should
be used by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 105
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
7. There should be no anchoring of vessels east of First Point. All large, commercial passenger vessels
should anchor between the anchorage and First Point.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
8. Cruise lines and other large, commercial passenger vessels that frequently visit Nantucket should be
required to install, maintain and utilize their own ground tackle. The location of, and necessity for
these moorings should be determined by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Objective III: To grid all existing mooring fields.
Background
The 1993 Harbors Action Plan recommended that each mooring field be gridded. While this activity was
completed for some areas, others such as Monomoy are not gridded. Establishing a grid system does
not always create additional spaces to moor boats; however it does provide points of reference that
enable people to set a mooring with some accuracy. Gridding also helps people locate their moorings in
an efficient manner.
Recommendations
1. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should continue to establish grid patterns for all
existing mooring fields, ensuring that the process of gridding does not drastically change the number
of vessels allowed in each mooring field.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
2. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should develop a more detailed anchorage plan
for Nantucket Harbor.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Objective IV: To reduce the negative impacts of moorings on eelgrass.
Background
The traditional, and most popular mooring used in Nantucket consists of a mushroom anchor attached to
a length of heavy bottom chain. The heavy bottom chain is then attached to a light chain via a shackle
and swivel, and this light chain runs to the mooring buoy. Reaching the mooring is facilitated by the
addition of a mooring pennant and pick-up buoy. Although these moorings are extremely effective in
anchoring boats, they cause damage to the benthic environment. As a moored vessel moves due to
currents, tides and the weather, the bottom chain is dragged in circles around the mushroom anchor. If
the mooring is located within an eelgrass bed, a circular swath of eelgrass will be “mowed” by the bottom
chain. As the length of bottom chain may be up to 2.5 times the maximum water depth, the diameter of
the damaged area of seagrass may be large. An additional impact that mushroom anchors may have on
eelgrass occurs when the moorings are removed from eelgrass beds each year to allow the scallop
dredges to pass freely over the eelgrass. This removal process may further damage eelgrass beds by
disrupting the sediment. When these moorings are reset in the spring using GPS, some may not be
located exactly where they had been the previous year, resulting in a series of overlapping circular scars
in eelgrass beds.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 106
Other mooring systems may be suitable for Nantucket, and such systems should continue to be
evaluated. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has used a number of helix anchors as
moorings. These anchors are drilled into the seafloor and require less scope when being used as a
mooring. Tests have shown that they are extremely effective as moorings; however, they are expensive
to install and difficult to uninstall. Due to these factors, rather than removing the anchors during the
winter, it would only be feasible to remove the tackle. This has proved to be an issue with scallopers as
the helix anchor can severely impede their work. Experiments with caps to cover the anchors have had
mixed results. While helix moorings may not be the answer to the issue of moorings and eelgrass beds,
the Town of Nantucket, the Nantucket Marine Trades Association, the Department of Marine and Coastal
Resources, the Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board, the Nantucket Shellfish Association and other
interested parties should continue to study alternative mooring systems to determine their suitability for
Nantucket.
Recommendations
1. The Town of Nantucket should continue to explore different types of moorings to determine which is
best for use in Madaket and Nantucket Harbors. The analysis should take into consideration the
impacts of the mooring type on the eelgrass beds and the scallop fishery. Additionally, mooring types
may be suitable in certain situations or applications, but unsuitable in others.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Nantucket Shellfish Association
Other interested parties
2. Compile existing research dealing with the impacts of moorings on eelgrass. Apply this research to
the management of moorings in Nantucket and Madaket Harbors, outlining the specific changes (if
any) to be made, and the strategies that will be used to make the changes.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Other interested parties
Objective V: To improve harbor safety.
Background
While Nantucket and Madaket Harbors are generally safe, there are a number of improvements that
would increase the safety levels within the harbors. One critical safety issue with Nantucket Harbor deals
with the partial submergence of the jetties protecting the entrance at mid- to high-tide. This significantly
reduces the jetties’ ability to protect the harbor entrance and increases susceptibility to erosion and storm
damage. A potential additional benefit to raising the jetties is that the speed at which water moves
through the channel should increase. This should reduce siltation within the channel and so may reduce
the need for costly dredging.
An additional safety issue in Nantucket Harbor is the location of the fuel off-loading facility and the tank
farm. These are a potential threat to safety as they are located in the downtown area. Additionally, the
location means that there is increased truck traffic in the downtown area. There are currently plans to
develop an off-loading facility on the south shore of the island and to locate the fuel storage facility at, or
near the airport. While an off-loading facility away from the downtown area may be challenging, the
general feeling is that its physical and economic feasibility should be explored along with other
alternatives to evaluate what measures reasonably can and should be taken to create a better situation
than the existing one.
Outdoor lighting on shoreline properties can be a nuisance and a safety problem for boaters navigating in
the harbor at night. Glaring light from fixtures whose bulbs are inadequately shielded and from bright light
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 107
reflecting on the water obscure navigation aids and affect vision, making it difficult to see other boaters,
structures and hazards.
Nantucket does regulate outdoor lighting to eliminate problems of glare. Specifically, town bylaws seek to
minimize light trespass on adjacent properties and public and private ways by limiting wattages and
lumens of outdoor lights and by controlling the direction of lighting and the area that can be illuminated.
Chapter 102 of the Code of Nantucket contains regulations and standards for all outdoor lighting
throughout the island. This bylaw, passed in April 2005, requires all outdoor lighting to conform to the
requirements of the code within three years. The Zoning Bylaw also establishes performance standards
for outdoor lighting as part of site plan review.
The reduction of light pollution around the harbors to ensure navigational safety is not specifically
mentioned among the purposes of these bylaws. The types of limitations on lighting imposed by these
regulations are, however, appropriate for reducing light pollution on the waterways. This plan
recommends enforcement of the bylaws on shoreline property with particular attention to shoreline
lighting that is visible from the water.
An additional way to increase safety within the harbors is to develop comprehensive no-wake zone maps
to educate boaters.
Recommendations
1. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, in cooperation with the Steamship Authority and
all other harbor users, should continue to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to repair and raise
jetties at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor and the Board of Selectmen should actively support the
department’s efforts.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Board of Selectmen
Army Corps of Engineers
2. The town should actively encourage a study of the feasibility of relocating the current fuel off-loading
and storage facilities to a location away from the downtown area, as well as other alternatives, to
evaluate what measures reasonably can and should be taken to create a better situation than the
existing one. The Steamship Authority should also be included in the preparation of this study as
appropriate.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Planning Board
3. Gather bathymetric data in both harbors using low cost techniques so that this data can be used for
navigation purposes and to develop bathymetric models. These can then be used to study changes
over time.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
4. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should lead an initiative to identify existing lighting
that trespasses on the harbors. Discontinue unnecessary shoreline lighting and enforce compliance
with existing regulations for outdoor lighting.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Lighting Enforcement Officer
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 108
5. Adopt additional lighting controls into the Harbor Overlay District regulations specific to waterfront
conditions. Consider amending Section 102-4 (Uplighting; highlighting; floodlighting; motion lighting;
recreation facilities) of Chapter 102 (Outdoor lighting) of the Nantucket Bylaws to include specific
mention of the impact of lighting on the safe navigation of vessels, modeled after § 102-3(G) which
deals with the impacts of lighting on the safe navigation of motor vehicles on roads.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Planning and Economic Development Commission
6. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should develop and distribute a comprehensive
no-wake zone map to educate boaters. Signs should also be posted where possible.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
7. The town should secure funding and permits for dredging projects as outlined in the 5- and 10-year
plans, or as necessary.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Goal: To increase the security of the harbors and to ensure smooth and
continued operations in the event of a significant maritime disaster, storm
or accident.
Objective VI: Ensure that the movement of goods and people to and from the island can
continue in the event that vessel access became restricted.
Background
Nantucket continues to be almost entirely reliant on large vessel access to the harbor for the movement
of people, goods and material between the island and the mainland. While the airport provides some
access, it is unlikely to be able to cope if vessel access were to become limited. If a large vessel were to
become disabled or were to sink in the channel or once inside the harbor, or if access to the harbor were
blocked by ice for an extended period of time, vessel access could be highly disrupted and this could
have serious implications on the island as a whole.
The location of the current commercial wharf in the center of downtown increases the need for truck traffic
in the area. It also means that any hazardous materials must be transported through the populated center
of the town.
Recommendation
1. The Town of Nantucket, in coordination with the Steamship Authority and other harbor users as
appropriate, should study the feasibility of developing a second commercial dock that would be
capable of handling large vessels carrying passengers, goods and vehicles in an emergency. A
facility located outside of the downtown area may help alleviate some of the truck traffic problems and
reduce the amount of hazardous materials transported through populated areas. The study should
also evaluate other alternatives for addressing these emergencies, including improving the area’s ice-
breaking capabilities and the channel, and determining what measures can and should be taken to be
able to establish immediate temporary off-loading facilities in any such emergency.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 109
Objective VII: Ensure that boating services and infrastructure is adequate to meet the needs of
boats in Nantucket and Madaket Harbors – especially during a storm event.
Background
The somewhat isolated location of Nantucket requires that it be largely self-sufficient in terms of boating
services. In fact, according to the Harbormaster, boating services are the single-most limiting factor in
terms of the number of boats allowed to dock and moor in the harbors. The primary concern is that a
situation will arise in which the haul-out capacity of the island is reduced, compromising the safety of
boats and boaters in a storm event. It is important that the town and private companies work together to
prevent the loss of haul-out capabilities that would jeopardize the ability to take boats out of the water in
an emergency situation.
Recommendation
1. All efforts should be made to maintain the haul-out capacity on Nantucket at levels that will allow for
the safe and timely removal of boats from the water in an emergency situation.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Board of Selectmen *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Private businesses
2. The town should continue to investigate options for developing a new boat ramp at the south end of
town. While there appear to be no “ideal” locations, a ramp may still be feasible.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Board of Selectmen
Conservation Commission
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Private businesses
3. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources currently works with local businesses to
coordinate the hauling of boats in the event of an imminent storm. This should be formalized in writing
and the responsibilities of the town and private providers should be defined.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Private businesses
3.12 OIL SPILL RESPONSE
Goal: To minimize adverse impacts from involuntary discharges of petroleum
products into Nantucket and Madaket Harbors.
Background
Both Nantucket and Madaket Harbors are rich in natural resources, i.e. eelgrass beds, beaches and
scallops, that are used both commercially and for recreation. A release of any petroleum-based product
could have major impacts to both the natural systems of the harbors and human use of the resources.
Nantucket Harbor has several facilities that handle petroleum products at or near the shoreline, as well as
thousands of vessels that use petroleum for fuel. Madaket Harbor has a smaller number of vessels and
only one fueling station at the head of Hither Creek; however, because the creek is so constricted, there
is the potential for significant damage to marshes and shellfish if an oil spill were to occur there.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 110
The current “Nantucket Coastal Oil Spill Response Plan” was written in 1991 and has not been updated
since. The objectives of “this local plan are to enable timely, efficient coordinated and effective action to
minimize damage from oil spills through (1) the development and implementation of immediate oil
containment or deflection practices, (2) the identification, ranking and mapping of Highly Vulnerable Areas
(HVA’s), (3) the listing of oil containment and removal resources, both governmental and private,
available for local spill response activities.”
Much of the information in the plan is out of date. In lieu of the plan, an informal—but apparently quite
effective—response process has evolved with coordination between the Nantucket Department of Marine
and Coastal Resources, the Nantucket Fire Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard Station at Brant Point.
This seems to function based on personal interactions of individuals within those departments as
opposed to any coordinated, pre-planned system. It is not clear how well the response actions would be
coordinated and how effective they would be if these individuals were not available at the time of a spill.
Objective I: Update the existing Nantucket Coastal Oil Spill Response Plan.
Background
The existing plan should be updated in several ways:
The “Chain of Command” in the case of a spill needs to be clarified and current contact
information incorporated
The list of Highly Vulnerable Areas should be reviewed and updated as necessary
The inventory of available equipment and facilities that could be utilized in the case of an oil spill
should be updated
Recommendations
1. Review and update the existing Nantucket Coastal Oil Spill Response Plan. The original plan was
developed through the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission with partial
funding from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). It established an Oil
Spill Response Planning Team that included members of several town departments, CZM, the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the US Coast Guard, and several citizens of
the Town of Nantucket. This seems to be a reasonable model and could be used to update the plan.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Office of Coastal Zone Management
Department of Environmental Protection
Fire Department
US Coast Guard
2. Identify a Nantucket Oil Spill Response Coordinator. It is recommended that there be a single
individual and department that would act as coordinator in the case of an oil spill in either Nantucket
of Madaket Harbors. This individual/department would ensure communication between the various
involved parties, contact additional agencies at the state or federal level as needed, and ensure that
all aspects of the response and follow-up were completed in a satisfactory manner.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 111
Objective II: Increase preparedness for involuntary oil spills at each fueling facility along the
shore.
Background
There are several facilities along the shores of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors that handle petroleum-
based fuel (off loading, sales to individual boats, etc.). There are several other facilities where individual
boat-owners may fuel their own vessels or where vessels containing a load of fuel might congregate.
Each of these has some potential to be the site of a spill.
The required response to a spill depends on a number of factors, such as the type of fuel involved, the
amount of fuel involved, and the location of the spill (i.e. is it near an environmentally sensitive area or is it
likely to be a danger to health). Not every spill requires a full response including the deployment of booms
or use of dispersants. Accidental spillages of small quantities of gas or diesel while fuelling a boat may
require no more than the use of special absorbent pads. A larger oil spill may require the deployment of
specialized equipment.
The use of specialized equipment may require special training or heavy machinery to help with
deployment. It is therefore important to deploy such equipment strategically around the harbors in areas
where it is most likely to be required and where the necessary personnel and equipment are at hand.
Less advanced response equipment, such as absorbent pads and “Speedy Dry”, could be required at all
locations where boats can tie up. However, materials must also be provided so that boaters can be
informed as to how to safely dispose of any contaminated materials that have resulted from a small clean-
up.
Recommendations
1. Mandate that all fuel off-loading facilities, and sites containing 5 or more boat slips where the fueling
of vessels occurs, develop and maintain a current plan to respond to a spill at that facility; have
suitable, specialized equipment to respond to a spill at their facility or nearby; and have trained staff
available for initial response.
Each facility with 5 or more slips or that off-loads fuel should work with the Nantucket Oil Spill
Coordinator and/or the Nantucket Oil Spill Response Team to develop a suitable initial response plan
for action in the case of a spill at their facility or nearby in the harbor. Part of this planning effort
should be to identify, acquire, and maintain suitable equipment for initial response to the type of
potential spills at that facility and have staff available that is trained in when and how to use this
equipment.
The planning effort could initially be part of the update of the Nantucket Oil Spill Response Plan with
future updates involving the Nantucket Oil Spill Coordinator. Presently, Harbor Fuel provides training
for its staff. The town should investigate whether this training could be made available to other
entities on a regular basis. Failing that, some method of training staff at the various facilities should
be developed. An added benefit to the town from such a training program is that there would be a
larger cadre of trained initial responders in the case of a large spill.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources *
Board of Selectmen
Nantucket Oil Spill Coordinator
Fire Department
US Coast Guard
2. Simple clean-up materials should be required at all facilities where boats can tie up or be launched.
Educational material should also be available at these sites so that the public is informed as to the
need for cleaning up even small spills and how to safely dispose of any materials used.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Nantucket Oil Spill Coordinator *
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 112
3. Boaters should be reminded that certain oil spill clean-up materials are available for free through the
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Nantucket Oil Spill Coordinator *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Figure 3.6 Location of Catch Basins in the Downtown Area.
Objective III: Increase preparedness for involuntary oil spills on land but in proximity to the
harbors or the stormwater system.
Background
In the event of a significant spill in proximity to the waterfront, a full oil spill response might be required.
However, if the oil has not yet entered the harbor or the stormwater system, preventing this may greatly
reduce the impacts on the harbor itself.
Recommendations
1. Oil spill response equipment should include a simple system that can be implemented to prevent any
spilled liquid from entering catch basins and subsequently contaminating the harbors or other waters.
If an extensive spill were to occur on land, a number of catch basins may need to be covered. To
ensure that this is implemented as efficiently as possible, emergency responders should be provided
with maps that indicate those catch basins that feed into especially sensitive areas or are in close
proximity to a water body.
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Nantucket Coastal Oil Spill Coordinator
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 113
2. Stencil storm drains with a symbol that identifies those that discharge directly into the harbors.
Covering these should be prioritized in the event of a fuel spill on land (Figures 3.6 and 3.7).
List of responsible agencies/groups:
Department of Public Works *
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
Historic District Commission
Figure 3.7 Location of Catch Basins in Madaket.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 114
4 RESOURCES
Section 2.1
16 U.S.C. 1801 2(a)104-297(10) Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
310 CMR 10.27(2). Definition of Coastal Beach and Tidal Flat.
310 CMR 10.29(2). Definition of Barrier Beach.
310 CMR 10.32.2 Definition of Salt Marsh.
Bixby, Amanda. 2004. Town of Nantucket Beach Management Plan. On line at: http://www.nantucket-
ma.gov/departments/marine/Beach%20Mgmt%20Plan%20Adopted.pdf. (Last viewed on October 31,
2006).
Conant, K. 2005. Nantucket Bay Scallop Fisheries Management Plan Proposal.
Conant, K. 2004. Predator Investigation. Prepared for the Nantucket Marine and Coastal Resources
Department.
Conant, K. 2002. Shellfish Survey Memo. Prepared for the Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board.
Conant, K. 2000. Spat Collection. Prepared for the Nantucket Marine and Coastal Resources
Department.
Conant, K. 2000. Soft Shell Clam Propagation. Prepared for the Nantucket Marine and Coastal
Resources Department.
Conant, K., and Curley, T.L. 2005. Nantucket Scallops, Argopectin irradians, overwinter twice and spawn
for the first time at 21-22 months of age. Prepared for the Nantucket Marine and Coastal Resources
Department.
Curley, T. 2002. Nantucket Harbor Water Quality, Annual Report.
Dean, M.J., K.A. Lundy, and T.B. Hoopes. 2003. Massachusetts lobster fishery statistics. On line at:
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/publications/lobster_report_2003_tr23.pdf. (Last viewed on December
13, 2005).
Executive Order No. 181. 1980. On line at: http://www.lawlib.state.ma.us/ExecOrders/eo181.txt. (Last
viewed January 4, 2007).
Kelley, K.M. The Nantucket Bay Scallop Fishery: The Resource and its Management.
Lundgren, J., B. Hammond, J. Stone, and L. Sneddon. 2000. Vegetation classification and mapping of
Nantucket Island Massachusetts: Final Draft. The Nature Conservancy.
Massachusetts Barrier Beach Task Force. 1994. Guidelines for Barrier Beach Management in
Massachusetts. Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management.
MassWildlife. 1999. MassWildlife’s State Mammal List. On line at:
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfwmam.htm. (Last viewed on December 20, 2005).
Mosellot, C. and Melvin, S. 2001. Summary of Massachusetts Piping Plover Census Data. On line at:
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/pipingplover/state/ma.html (Last viewed on August 2, 2003).
Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. 2006. Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative. On line at:
http://www.nantucketconservation.com/nantucketbiodiversityinitiative/index.htm. (Last viewed January 3,
2007).
Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. 2006. Natural Habitats of Nantucket. On line at:
http://www.nantucketconservation.org/page.php?section=3&page=habitat_types. (Last viewed November
2006).
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 115
Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. 2005. Salt Marshes. On line at:
http://www.nantucketconservation.com/info_files/habitats/marshes.html. (Last viewed on December 20,
2005).
Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. 2005. Coatue. On line at:
http://www.nantucketconservation.com/info_files/properties/coatuef.html. (Last viewed on August 2,
2003).
Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge information. On line at:
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=53515. (Last viewed January 4, 2007).
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association. 2005. Guide to Essential Fish Habitat
Designations in the Northeastern United States. On line at: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/hcd/webintro.html.
(Last viewed on December 7, 2005).
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association. 2005b. Gray Seal: Western Atlantic Stock. On
line at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/sars/ao2005segr-wn.pdf. (Last viewed December 28, 2006).
Nelson, G.A. 2004 Massachusetts Striped Bass Monitoring Report. On line at:
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/publications/tr24_stb_monitoring_2004.pdf. (Last viewed on December
13, 2005).
Norton, A.B. 2000. Nantucket Bay Scallop Resource Conservation and Management Plan. Prepared for
the Nantucket Marine and Coastal Resources Department.
Stevenson, R., The Maria Mitchell Association. 2006. Electronic Field Guide. On line at:
http://efg.cs.umb.edu/nantucket/. (Last viewed November 27, 2006).
US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006. Northeast Coastal Areas Study: Significant Coastal Habitats: Site 39
(MA). On line at: http://training.fws.gov/library/pubs5/necas/web_link/39_muskeget.htm (Last viewed on
October 13, 2006).
Valiela et al. May 2000. Land-derived nitrogen loading to Nantucket Harbor.
Woods, S. 2006. Personal Communication.
Section 2.2
Conant, Keith. January, 2006. Nantucket Harbor Water Quality Annual Report 2005. Prepared for the
Marine and Coastal Resources Department.
Conant, Keith. January, 2006. Madaket Harbor/Long Pond Annual Report 2005. Prepared for the Marine
and Coastal Resources Department.
Conant, Keith. March 12, 2002. Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Transects for Nantucket Harbor
2001. Prepared for the Town of Nantucket.
Connors, Susan. 2003. Island Watershed 2000 Water Quality Assessment Report. Prepared for the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection; Division of Watershed
Management. Report # 97-AC-2. DWM control # CN 084.0.
Corporation for National and Community Service. Stenciling storm drains. On line at:
http://nationalserviceresources.org/epicenter/practices/index.php?ep_action=view&ep_id=965 (Last
viewed October 12, 2006).
Curley, Tracy. 2004. Nantucket Harbor Water Quality Annual Report. Prepared for the Nantucket Marine
and Coastal Resources Department.
Curley, Tracy. 2002. Nantucket Harbor Water Quality 2002 Annual Report. Prepared for the Nantucket
Marine and Coastal Resources Department.
Curley, Tracy. 2002. Nantucket Harbor Water Quality Synopsis.
Earth Tech, Inc. 2005. Drainage Outfall Evaluation: Nantucket, Massachusetts. Prepared for the
Nantucket Department of Public Works.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 116
Earth Tech, Inc. 2004. Phase III – Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan and Final
Environmental Impact Report. Prepared for the Nantucket Department of Public Works.
Earth Tech, Inc. 2003. Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact
Report Phase II – Alternatives and Site Identification. Prepared for the Nantucket Department of Public
Works.
Earth Tech, Inc. 2001. Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan and Environmental Impact Report
Phase I – Needs Analysis and Screening of Alternatives. Prepared for the Nantucket Department of
Public Works.
Ely, E and Ross, N.W. Rhode Island Seagrant fact sheet “Red Tide in the Northeast” (P1099).
http://seagrant.gso.uri.edu/factsheets/redtide.html. (Last viewed 7 May, 2007)
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. 2005. Island of Nantucket Watershed. On line at:
http://www.mass.gov/envir/water/nantucket/nantucket.htm. (Last viewed January 4, 2007).
Gardner, Kristin and R. Vogel. 2003. Predicting Groundwater Nitrate Concentration from Land Use in
Nantucket, Massachusetts. American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2003, abstract #H41F-1055.
Howes. 2003. Massachusetts Estuaries Project for Management and Restoration of 89 southeastern
Massachusetts Embayments. Quality Assurance Project Plan. Final Report to MA Department of
Environmental Protection and US EPA, 650pp. Published by MA DEP.
Howes. 2002. Nitrogen modeling to support watershed management: comparison of approaches and
sensitivity analysis. Final Report to MA Department of Environmental Protection and USEPA, 94 pp.
Published by MA DEP
Howes, B.L. and D.D. Goehringer. 1993. Overview of Nantucket Fresh Ponds: 1989-1992. Technical
Report for the Nantucket Land Council and Town of Nantucket.
Howes, B.L. and D.D. Goehringer. 1992. Nutrient related water quality of Nantucket Harbor. Interim
Report to the Town of Nantucket.
Howes, B.L., D.D. Goehringer, N.P. Millham, D.R. Schlezinger, G.R. Hampson, C.D. Taylor and D.G.
Aubrey. 1997. Nantucket Harbor Study: A quantitative assessment of the environmental health of
Nantucket Harbor for the development of a nutrient management plan. Technical Report to the Town of
Nantucket, pp. 110.
Howes, B. L., R. Samimy and B. Dudley. 2003. Massachusetts Estuaries Project: Site-Specific Nitrogen
Thresholds for Southeastern Massachusetts Embayments: Critical Indicators. Interim Report. Prepared
for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Projection.
Howes B., S.W. Kelley, M. Osler, J.S. Ramsey, R. Samimy, D. Schlezinger, E. Eichner. 2006a. Linked
Watershed-Embayment Model to Determine Critical Nitrogen Loading Thresholds for Sesachacha Pond,
Town of Nantucket, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Final Report, November 2006. Massachusetts
Estuaries Project. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Boston, MA.
Howes B., S.W. Kelley, M. Osler, J.S. Ramsey, R. Samimy, D. Schlezinger, E. Eichner. 2006b. Linked
Watershed-Embayment Model to Determine Critical Nitrogen Loading Thresholds for Nantucket Harbor,
Town of Nantucket, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Final Report, November 2006. Massachusetts
Estuaries Project. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Boston, MA.
Massachusetts Chapter 85 of the Acts of 2000: An Act Protecting Children and Families from Harmful
Pesticides http://massnrc.org/ipm/schools-daycare/child-protection-act-2000/full-text.html
Massachusetts Clean Marina Guide: Strategies for reducing Environmental Impacts; Prepared by Epsilon
Associates, Inc. for the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management. April 2001.
http://www.mass.gov/czm/marinas/guide/pdf/cmgcomplete.pdf
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. 2005. About Estuaries and the MEP. On line at:
http://mass.gov/dep/smerp/about/htm. (Last viewed December 2005).
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 117
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. 2003. The Massachusetts Estuaries Project:
Embayment Restoration and Guidance for Implementation Strategies. On line at:
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/mamep.doc. (Last viewed January 4, 2007).
Massachusetts Estuaries Project. 2005. Total Maximum Daily Loads. On line at:
http://www.mass.gov/dep/smerp/files/basics.pdf.
Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act and Regulations:
http://www.mass.gov/agr/pesticides/pesticides_regulation_in_mass.htm
Nantucket Harbor Planning and Advisory Committee, University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources
Center. 1993. Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan.
Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission. 2005. Nantucket Comprehensive
Community Plan: Status Report Matrix. Nantucket Board of Selectman Report to the People 2005-2006.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2006. Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. On
line at: http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/nonpoint/ss/urban05.html). (Last accessed December 27,
2006).
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2005. Michigan Makes Land Use Planning a Priority.
On line at: http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/nonpoint/ss/urban05.html. (Last viewed December 29,
2006).
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2004. Atmospheric Investigation, Regional Modeling,
Analysis and Prediction. On line at: http://airmap.unh.edu/background/airQuality.html. (Last viewed
December 8, 2006).
Organization for the Assabet River. 2006. Friend or Phosphate. On line at:
http://www.assabetriver.org/nutrient/detergents.html. (Last viewed December 29, 2006).
Report of the Nantucket Harbor Watershed Work Group. June 1, 2003. Endorsed by the Nantucket
Harbor Watershed Work Group.
Somers, G, B. Raymond, W. Uhlman. 1999. P.E.I. Water Quality Interpretive Report. Prepared for
Canada - Prince Edward Island Water Annex to the Federal/Provincial Framework Agreement For
Environmental Cooperation In Atlantic Canada (http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/waterquality_99.pdf)
The Coastal Systems Group. 2005. The Estuaries Project: Watershed/Embayment Nitrogen
Management. On line at: http://www.smast.umassd.edu/Coastal/research/estuaries/estuaries.html. (Last
viewed January 4, 2007).
Town of Nantucket. 2005. Town of Nantucket Annual Report: July 1, 2004 – June 30, 2005.
Town of Nantucket Board of Selectmen. 2005. Board of Selectmen Meeting notes. On line at:
http://www.nantucket-ma.gov/departments/bos/minutes/2005/BOS110905.pdf. (Last viewed January 4,
2007).
Ward, M.C. and J.C. Swanson. 2002. Madaket Harbor Circulation Study (Project 01-11/MWI). Applied
Science Associates, Inc. Narragansett, RI.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute New Release, August 29, 2006.
Section 2.4
Department of Housing and Community Development. 2003. Executive Order 418 Housing Certification.
Available online at: http://www.nantuckethousingoffice.org/reports/eo418.pdf. (Last Viewed on December
22, 2005).
John J. Ryan. 2002. Nantucket: Housing Our Community, a Year-round Housing Needs Assessment.
Available online at: http://www.nantuckethousingoffice.org/reports/housing_needs.pdf. (Last Viewed on
December 22, 2005).
Jonathan Rose & Associates, Inc. 1998. Affordable Housing in Nantucket.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 118
Nantucket Economic Development and Planning Commission. 2001. Nantucket Comprehensive
Community Plan: Chapter 2, Housing Needs. Available online at:
http://www.nantucketcomplan.com/planindex.htm. (Last Viewed on December 22, 2005).
Nantucket Housing Office. Programs. Available online at:
http://www.nantuckethousingoffice.org/programs.html. (Last Viewed on November 21, 2005).
Nantucket Memorial Airport. 2005. Operations Summary. On line at:
http://www.nantucketairport.com/index.html. (Last viewed January 4, 2007).
Nantucket Memorial Airport Improvements. EOEA # 12299. May 17, 2004.
Nantucket Resident Housing Partnership and Nantucket Sustainable Development Corporation. 2002.
Nantucket Community Housing Action Plan. Available online at:
http://www.nantuckethousingoffice.org/reports/action_plan.pdf (Last viewed on December 22, 2005).
RKG Associates, Inc. 1998. Fiscal and Economic Impact Analysis of Development at Variable Growth
Rates: Island of Nantucket, Final Report.
Section 3.4
PA Association of Conservation Districts. 2004. Water Pollution Solutions: Canada Geese and our lakes
and ponds. On line at: http://pacd.org/resources/pollution_solutions/2004%20Canada%20Geese.pdf.
(Last viewed December 28, 2006).
Section 3.10
Gona, D.A. (2004). Multiple Use: A guide for waterway management, Second edition. Produced by the
National Water Safety Congress, Inc. in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators. On line at:
http://www.nmma.org/government/local/downloads/documents/multiple_use_waterways_management.pd
f. (Last visited 3/20.07).
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 119 APPENDIX 1 – ACTION ITEMS FROM THE 1993 PLAN AND THE 2007 UPDATE New recommendations are shaded in green PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 1993 RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE PARTY STATUS AFTER 1993 PLAN DISCUSSION 2007 RECOMMENDATION TIMELINE Objective I Recommendation 1 Board of Selectmen* The Board of Selectmen should develop an implementation strategy for this Harbors Plan. As part of its implementation strategy, the Board of Selectmen should consider charging a board with coordinating and overseeing the implementation of this Harbors Plan. 1 NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION 1993 RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE PARTY STATUS AFTER 1993 PLAN DISCUSSION 2007 RECOMMENDATION TIMELINE Objective I Recommendation 1 Enforce local wetland by-law and Mass. Wetlands Protection Act Conservation Commission*; Nantucket Planning Board; Nantucket Board of Health; Nantucket Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Nantucket Police Department On-going Conservation Commission enforces wetland by-law and MA Wetlands Protection Act. Public education may be useful to describe the Conservation Commissions role, jurisdiction, and limitations. Continue to enforce existing town by-laws pertaining to natural resource conservation and protection (including Chapter 193 – Zoning; Chapter 136 – Wetlands; Chapter 99 – Nantucket and Madaket Harbor Watersheds; and Chapter 56 – Regulation of Motor Vehicles on Beaches). The Conservation Commission should develop more restrictive regulations if they feel that such moves can be scientifically justified. 1 Objective I Recommendation 2 Conservation Commission*; NP&EDC Continue to monitor and assess actual and potential impacts on wetlands resources from adjacent development and increased usage. Adopt a stormwater bylaw establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse effects of increased post-development stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution associated with new development and redevelopment. As warranted, consider measures such as increasing the no-build and no-disturbance buffer zones around wetlands resources required by the Wetlands Bylaws. Ensure that physical improvements in support of recreational use on and around wetlands resources do not impact those resources either directly or indirectly by increasing usage beyond the carrying capacity of the area. 2-3
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 120 Objective I Recommendation 3 Nantucket Board of Selectmen*; Nantucket Conservation Commission Assure that legal assistance is available to the Conservation Commission for enforcement of the town wetlands bylaws; especially as the bylaws pertain to new development abutting or potentially affecting environmentally sensitive areas such as sand dunes, beaches, and barrier beaches. 1 Objective II Recommendation 1 Board of Selectmen*; Conservation Commission; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Planning Board; Board of Health, Other departments or groups as may be appropriate Establish a scientific/technical advisory committee to assist boards, commissions, and committees to review and interpret scientific and engineering data and recommend management options supported by these reviews. 2 Objective II Recommendation 2 Conservation Commission* Enhance the environmental planning capability of the Town of Nantucket through bylaw changes via Annual Town Meeting. Much of the Conservation Commission’s effort is in response to permit applications for proposed projects. This sort of case-by-case review needs to be augmented by broader, proactive environmental planning. 3 Objective III Recommendation 1 Maintain an inventory of existing open spaces within harbor areas Conservation Commission*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Board of Selectmen; Resource-related non-profit groups Completed and on-going This inventory is completed and updated using GIS. Continue the coordinated inventory and mapping efforts of critical resource and open space areas around Nantucket and Madaket Harbors. 4 Objective IV Recommendation 1 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; SHAB; Nantucket Shellfish Association; Conservation Commission; Other concerned citizens Develop and implement mechanisms to conserve and restore eelgrass, in coordination with the Shellfish Management Plan (see Shellfish Management Plan recommendation). Apply these mechanisms, as well as existing research to the management of moorings and their impacts on eelgrass in Nantucket and Madaket Harbors. 3
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 121 Objective VRecommendation 1 UMASS Boston Field Station*; Maria Mitchell Association; Nantucket Conservation Foundation; Nantucket Land Bank Commission; MA Audubon; Nantucket Land Council; Commonwealth of MA Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program; Nantucket High School Science Department; Trustees of Reservations; Tuckernuck Land Trust Support and enhance the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative. 1 Objective V Recommendation 2 Conservation Commission*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; NGOs associated with natural resources management and protection; Academic Groups; Individuals with expertise and/or training in invasive species management Work towards the management and potential eradication of invasive species, including both macroalgal species in the harbors and terrestrial and wetland species along the harbors’ shores. 5 Objective V Recommendation 3 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Students; Fishers Continue the existing culling program of green and asian crabs. 1 Objective VI Recommendation 1 Nantucket Marine Mammal Stranding Team* Educate the public about the island’s marine mammals, including cetaceans and pinnipeds. Distribute brochures explaining federal and state protection of marine mammals with local numbers for reporting strandings and harassment. 4 Inventory and map critical resource areas around the harbors. Conservation Commission*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Board of Selectmen; Resource-related non-profit groups One inventory completed, deserves further attention The Nantucket Watershed group developed maps, but they are not used by town boards and commissions. See Objective III, Recommendation 1 of this section 4
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 122 Produce a document describing environmentally responsible building on the harbor shores geared for home builders Conservation Commission; NP&EDC; Building Department Not developed A generalized document may not be most effective, given the individual project review conducted by the Conservation Commission. State and local regulations already mandate standards through the building code, conservation commission regulations, etc. making such a document duplicative. None Enforce Board of Health regulations on Toxic and Hazardous Materials Board of Health On-going None Enforce Board of Health Regulations on Underground Fuel and Chemical Tanks Board of Health On-going Fire Department keeps data on the presence and age of tanks. The fire department and the Board of Health work together on enforcement issues. None Pursue public education materials regarding pollution of waters by cleaning agents, fertilizers, failing septic systems, etc. Disseminate materials. Board of Selectmen; Realtors Association; Chamber of Commerce; Tourist Information Bureau On-going Central coordination of public education efforts would be helpful. None Support conservation restrictions Board of Selectmen; Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services On-going BOS have supported several presented by the Nantucket Land Council, Conservation Foundation, Land Bank and private property owners. None Pursue open space program Nantucket Land Bank; Conservation Commission; Nantucket Conservation Foundation; Nantucket Land Council On-going This is being actively done through the variety of existing land trust/land acquisition groups. None New development abutting environmentally sensitive areas should be sited in a manner to protect critical natural resources. Incorporate this action item into the Open Conservation Commission; Planning Board; Board of Health On-going. The open-space plan has not been updated since before the 1993 Town Biologist reviews plans and gives input to Conservation Commission. The Conservation Commission addresses each development proposal on a case-by-case basis. Strong local regulations protect wetlands, but are limited to None
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 123 Space Plan Harbor Plan protection of specific wetland interests and area of jurisdiction. WATER QUALITY 1993 RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE PARTY STATUS AFTER 1993 PLAN DISCUSSION 2007 RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT BY YEAR Objective IRecommendation 1 Develop school curriculum on water quality protection & environmental awareness Nantucket School Committee* Partially completed High school offers a marine science class for grades 10-12. The curriculum does not address water quality or environmental awareness. Develop school curricula on water quality protection and environmental awareness. Establish a curriculum piece for the Nantucket Public School for the 3rd, 6th, and 9th grade that integrates environmental awareness and environmental science within the MCAS requirements. Initiate field studies and in-class science demonstrations. 3 Objective I Recommendation 2 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Department of Public Health; Conservation Commission Establish a link on the town website to a clearinghouse for water quality data and provide more information on the Department of Health's website. 1 Objective I Recommendation 3 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Nantucket Land Council; the University of Massachusetts Boston Seek funding to develop a "Guide to Protecting Nantucket's Waters" similar to the Martha's Vineyard publication. 1 Objective I Recommendation 4 Develop & distribute education materials for land owners within harbor watersheds addressing various non-point sources of pollution and their management Conservation Commission*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Completed & On-going Department heads speak to the annual area association meetings, make presentations to the Civic League, Chamber, Rotary. Have held numerous public forums on Watershed Initiatives, Water Quality, and SMAST Estuaries Project Provide homeowners with a free copy of the Guide to Protecting Nantucket's Waters, along with a copy of all applicable regulations and rules to new homeowners. 2 Objective I Recommendation 5 Department of Public Works*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Historic District Commission Mark all storm drains with red or yellow stencil scallops indicating direct input to harbor or indirect input to harbor (some treatment). Stenciling the word “dumping” in circle with line through it could also be used. Stenciling storm drains will help to inform residents of their function and the fate of materials entering them. 2
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 124 Objective I Recommendation 6 Conservation Commission*; Chamber of Commerce; Board of Health; Nantucket Land Council; Landscapers Association Develop brochures describing prohibition of dumping of chemicals, waste products, sediment, fuel, oil, or other pollutants and the associated fines. A comprehensive listing of prohibited substances and the effects on shellfish and water quality should clearly be stated. 3 Objective I Recommendation 7 Develop & distribute education materials for land owners within harbor watersheds addressing various non-point sources of pollution and their management UMass Boston Field Station*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Maria Mitchell Association; Board of Health; Nantucket Land Council; Civic League; Nantucket Community Association; Other interested agencies/groups Completed & On-going Department heads speak to the annual area association meetings, make presentations to the Civic League, Chamber, Rotary. Have held numerous public forums on Watershed Initiatives, Water Quality, and SMAST Estuaries Project Organize public forums and symposia throughout the year on topics such as septic systems, landscaping, and organic gardening. 2 Objective I Recommendation 8 Adopt new by-laws to minimize residential use of herbicides, pesticides & fertilizers Conservation Commission*; Chamber of Commerce; Board of Health; Nantucket Land Council; Landscapers Association Incomplete By-law drafted but not accepted. Provide homeowners and landscapers with information on environmentally suitable fertilizer application rates, organic fertilizers, natural plantings, and other landscaping practices that would help protect the harbors and harbor watersheds. Make pamphlets such as the Landscaper's Association handout and the Nantucket Board of Health and Nantucket Land Council's pamphlet “Healthy Lawns and Landscapes” readily available at locations such as the Visitor’s Center, the Town Building, and the Chamber of Commerce. 1 Objective I Recommendation 9 Develop & distribute education materials for boaters on locations & use of pump-outs, toxic waste, recycling, etc Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Board of Health; Marine-related businesses Completed & On-going Handouts. Recycling bins at the Town Pier. Information distributed to boats upon arrival. Handouts by the mooring company. Materials located at MCRD. Provide boat owners with information regarding water quality, the “No Discharge Area” regulations and services, and the use of low-impact cleaning agents. This information should be distributed when boat owners renew their mooring permits or schedule service. 2 Objective I Recommendation 10 Nantucket Registry of Motor Vehicles*; Town of Nantucket Finance Department and Assessor's Office Distribute car related water quality impact pamphlets to car owners along with registration renewal information. 3
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 125 Objective I Recommendation 11 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Park and Recreation Commission; Sheriff's Office; Police Department Establish and enforce new littering fines; post clearly. Provide more trash receptacles at area beaches and seek funding to maintain receptacles 2 Objective I Recommendation 12 Monitor and map waterfowl & gull nesting areas; establish management practices to minimize impacts to water quality Board of Health* On-going Beach Management Program, bird census along with other agencies Audubon, Conservation Foundation, Trustees of Reservations. Town reports published annually. Educate year-round and summer residents about the dangers of bird droppings, including discouraging the feeding of ducks and the development of high vegetation buffer zones around ponds. Post signs advising against feeding birds. 2 Objective IRecommendation 13 Maria Mitchell Association*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Board of Health; Office of Coastal Zone Management; Local conservation groups Utilize local TV and other media to educate the public about water quality issues. 2 Objective I Recommendation 14 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Board of Health; Nantucket Land Council; Conservation Commission Ensure that recommendations from the Estuaries Study are implemented. 2-3 Objective II Recommendation 1 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; SMAST; Other relevant organizations, institutions or groups Seek funding for increased monitoring in both harbors. The use of static systems and towed arrays to monitor nutrients, DO, photic depth, temperature, salinity, and current speed measurements can provide valuable information relating to water quality. 2 Objective II Recommendation 2 Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board *; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Town Biologist; Health Department; Conservation Commission; Nantucket Land Council; UMass Boston Field Station; Other interested parties Develop a comprehensive Water Quality Management Plan incorporating goals, objectives, and recommendations in this section of the harbor plan with a protocol for updating and evaluating progress on a biannual basis. Establish timelines and funding sources. 1
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 126 Objective II Recommendation 3 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board; Nantucket Shellfish Association; Other relevant organizations, institutions, or groups Establish a permanent research facility(ies) that can accommodate current and future research requirements for the Town of Nantucket and can augment and interface with all existing facilities currently operated by the town and local organizations. Investigate strengthening a public/private partnership and funding sources to achieve this goal. 2 Objective II Recommendation 4 Relevant organizations, institutions, and groups*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Emphasize evaluation of habitat quality by undertaking local and periodic monitoring of eelgrass distribution and benthic organisms. Adopt standardized and recognized sampling protocols. 3 Objective II Recommendation 5 Relevant organizations, institutions, and groups*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Undertake studies of associated flora and fauna, as well as bird populations. 3 Objective II Recommendation 6 Relevant groups, institutions, and groups*; Conservation Commission Establish a combination of currently used porosity measurement methods, such as the percolation tests used by the Board of Health and the Conservation Commission, and Nantucket-based hydrographic research reports (both informal local geology classes and formal reports). Use this combination of methods to calculate or measure nutrient groundwater travel times in Nantucket soils and sediments in order to properly calibrate computer simulation models and to calculate mass input rates for nitrogen and phosphorus. 3 Objective II Recommendation 7 Other relevant organizations, institutions, and groups*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Actively monitor changes in population of algae species associated with excess nutrient concentration such as Ulva lactuca (sea lettuce). 2 Objective II Recommendation 8 Establish citizens’ monitoring program Relevant organizations, institutions, and groups*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources On-going Several individual entities continue to collect water samples (monthly) Health, Marine, UMass (citizen participation not viable). Town reports published annually on website. There may be an opportunity now to start a citizen's water quality monitoring group. Use current groundwater monitoring and sampling practices (such as those used by the UMass Boston Nantucket Field Station, the Nantucket Land Council, and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation) as a template to create a larger island-wide effort to evaluate groundwater contaminants such as excess nutrients, bacteria, etc. Citizens should be part of this island-wide effort (“Citizen Science”). 3
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 127 Objective II Recommendation 9 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* Evaluate harbor modeling products used for water quality management decisions by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources every three years as to effectiveness, ease of use, and applicability. Incorporate results into the Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP). 3 Objective IIRecommendation 10 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Maria Mitchell Association; Board of Health; Other relevant organizations, institutions, and groups Create a data clearinghouse to provide access to maps, historical data, links to remediation solutions for businesses and individuals, information for teachers, etc. A comprehensive database of past and ongoing research should be developed and regularly updated, allowing scientists and other monitoring groups to freely share and access up-to-date information. 1 Objective II Recommendation 11 Board of Health*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Conservation Commission Investigate methods for identifying fecal bacteria sources using DNA and bacterial identifiers to distinguish between avian, human, and canine introduced fecal matter. 2 Objective II Recommendation 12 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* Ensure that suitable monitoring is established to assess any environmental effects of aquaculture activities. This will be particularly important if any non-shellfish aquaculture activities are permitted in the future. 2 Objective II Recommendation 13 Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Town Biologist; Nantucket Shellfish Association; Health Department; Conservation Commission; Nantucket Land Council; UMass Boston Field Station; Maria Mitchell Association; Other interested parties Establish research priorities and integrate existing studies on and off-island to quantify and evaluate the effects of water quality degradation on shellfish populations (see Water Quality Management Plan and Shellfish Management Plan). 1 Objective II Recommendation 14 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Shellfish and Harbor Advisory Board Conduct yearly benthic and water column grab samples to evaluate presence or absence of cysts deposited from the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) outbreak in 2005 caused by the dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense. 2
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 128 Objective III Recommendation 1 Board of Selectmen*; Conservation Commission; Nantucket Park and Recreation Commission; Institutions with IPM Plans Inform area parents of the Children’s Protection Act (Chapter 85 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Acts of 2000; http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw00/sl000085.htm). Encourage the Park and Recreation Department and the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club to file and implement similar plans and require all schools (public and private) to have IPM Plans on file in Town Building according to state law. 2 Objective III Recommendation 2 Adopt new by-laws to minimize residential use of herbicides, pesticides & fertilizers Board of Selectmen*; Conservation Commission Incomplete By-law drafted but not accepted. Adopt warrant articles that can reduce or eliminate quick release fertilizers and excessive use of fertilizers within the harbors watershed protection districts. 1 Objective III Recommendation 3 Board of Selectmen*; Board of Health; Conservation Commission Work with the Planning Board to draft new Zoning Bylaws that protect harbor waters. Use recommendations from the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, the Septage Management Plan, and the Estuaries Project to derive specific language for these articles. The first set of articles should be brought forward at the 2008 Annual Town Meeting. 1 Objective III Recommendation 4 Board of Selectmen*; Conservation Commission During the process of renewing the town contract for landscaping, make it an order of condition that no pesticides or quick release fertilizers be used on town-owned land. 3 Objective III Recommendation 5 Board of Selectmen*; Planning Board; Conservation Commission Establish a bylaw prohibiting dumping of any chemical, waste product, sediment, fuel, oil, or other pollutant in storm-drains. Establish a fine for each violation. In addition review Massachusetts' suggested storm water bylaw language to ensure local Conservation Commission standards include adequate protection of stormwater catch basins. 2 Objective III Recommendation 6 Board of Selectmen* Where applicable adopt recommendations from the Estuaries Reports as bylaws. 2 Objective III Recommendation 7 Board of Selectmen* Ensure that goals as stated by the Board of Selectmen (2006-2007) regarding water quality, septic and storm water management are all updated to incorporate the recommendations included in this harbor plan. 1 Objective III Recommendation 8 Board of Selectmen* Adopt new bylaws that incorporate the Best Management Practices suggested in the Office of Coastal Zone Management’s Clean Marina Guidelines. 2 Objective IV Recommendation 1 Board of Health*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Multi-lingual regulatory notices should be placed at ponds with fish consumption warnings issued (Miacomet, Gibbs, Sesachacha, Hummock, Long and Tom Nevers ponds). 1
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 129 Objective IVRecommendation 2 Board of Health*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Check and maintain all regulatory notices related to shellfish closures; post multi-lingual signs 1 Objective V Recommendation 1 Board of Selectmen*; Department of Public Works; Finance Committee Implement the stormwater infrastructure improvements outlined in Earthtech’s 2005 Stormwater Outfall Analysis including all Best Management Practices and recommended technologies. Continue financial support of these projects. 2 Objective V Recommendation 2 Local conservation groups such as the Nantucket Land Council *; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Board of Health; Nantucket Land Council; Conservation Commission; Department of Public Works; Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management Establish a comprehensive list of all ponds and coastal areas that require rehabilitation and identify specific proposals and methodologies for implementing such rehabilitation in conjunction with state agencies. Prioritize each water body or area on the list using criteria such as (but not limited to) state of degradation of habitat, public health concerns, reduction in state threatened or protected species, essential fish habitat, spread of invasive species, or other related indicators. Develop a coordinated program and timeline for rehabilitation based on priority level and identify potential funding sources. 5 Objective V Recommendation 3 Monitor and map waterfowl & gull nesting areas; establish management practices to minimize impacts to water quality Conservation Commission* On-going Beach Management Program, bird census along with other agencies Audubon, Conservation Foundation, Trustees of Reservations. Town reports published annually. Investigate the feasibility of reducing avian “nuisance species” such as Canada Geese and Mute Swans. Methods could include using coyote/fox statues in fields to repel Canada Geese, reducing or eliminating hand feeding, and restoring high vegetation around ponds. 2 Investigate the feasibility of dredging Bass Point, Pocomo Point, and Polpis Harbor to improve water circulation Board of Selectmen (DEM, Army Corps) Completed 1993 entrance to Polpis Harbor dredged (32,500 cubic yards) disposal site Quaise Point. All cuspate spits dredged 1996, (9,999 cubic yards) Pocomo Point disposal site for beach nourishment. **Note no effect on water circulation quality See Objective V, Recommendation 7 of Harbor Operations, Safety, Navigation, and Moorings 3
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 130 Complete the quantitative assessment of health of harbor by WHOI Board of Health; County Commissioners Completed WHOI report submitted 1993 (limited copies available). None Complete an inventory and status report of storm drains, sewer outfalls, etc into both harbors. Apply pollution abatement methods where necessary Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Board of Health; Department of Public Works; NP&EDC Completed & On-going Town Biologist in conjunction with MCZM, GIS and DPW mapped 52 storm drain outfall pipes MCRD created a wetland @ Washington St. Extension to treat storm water from Union St., Lower Orange St. Washington Street. Catch basin filters installed three locations (2) Washington Street, Children’s Beach Retrofit of all drains outlined in the Strom Water Management plan developed by DPW. No such inventory exists for Madaket. Earth Tech completed a report (2005) evaluating outfalls and suggesting solutions and best management practices. None Investigate the need & methods for improving water circulation, Monomoy Creeks, Folgers Creeks, Coskata Pond Board of Selectmen Completed & On-going Commissioned a $50K water circulation modeling program…dredging assessment. This has now moved to the UMass Dartmouth SMAST Estuaries project for both Nantucket Harbor Watershed and Madaket Harbor Watershed Districts. None Develop monitoring scheme and weekly record keeping of data on boats with heads Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Private Waterfront Industry On-going None
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 131 Implement the policy directions established in the water quality management plan to be developed by WHOI Town Departments and County agencies On-going Biologist sampling protocols for Nantucket-Madaket Harbors - well established. Pond management for Miacomet, Long, Sesechacha. Hummock includes water quality analysis, Town reports published annually. None Assess need for zoning bylaw for waterfront overlay district including state standards for coastal protection & water quality Planning Board; NP&EDC Waterfront overlay district not developed None Seek Federal No-Discharge Designation for both harbors Board of Selectmen; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Completed August 17,1992 Federal No-Discharge Designation (2/4) average120,000 gallons/year. Cooperation with the Nantucket Boat Basin. Equipment purchased for the Town, Boat Basin and Madaket Marine to support FNDZ. None Provide trash/recycling barrels at boating facilities Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Department of Public Works; Marine-related businesses Completed Installed and mandated along with clear trash bags provided to all visiting boaters by MCRD, garbage dumpsters located at MCRD. None Implement & enforce existing regulations Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Board of Health; Coast Guard On-going Instituted formalized training for Harbormaster and Shellfish Wardens recognized at the state level for certification, trained in MGL90b authority, No Discharge Zone Enforcement, coordinated effort with U. S. Coast Guard daily. None Recommend use of environmentally safe cleaning agents Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Marine-related businesses On-going By-laws adopted for the use biodegradable soaps; No use of on-board dish washers or washing machines. Boat Basin, chandleries and HM distribute handouts. Copies available at MCRD. Difficult None
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 132 to control off-island purchases. Develop plan to enforce use of pump-out facilities Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Health Department On-going By-law adoptions for fines relating to pollution. Fines increased to $300/discharge and a possible ban from Nantucket waters. Education to every visiting boat. Information available at MCRD. Compliance for targeting events with dye tablets, Figawi, Opera Cup, Bucket Race, New York Yacht Club. None Implement existing local by-laws to mitigate pollution from land use around harbors Conservation Commission; Board of Health; Fire Department; Plumbing Inspector On-going Several discussions, several different forums, DPW, MCRD, CONCOM, Health. Established at ATM Nantucket Harbor Watershed and Madaket Watershed districts at ATM, SMAST Estuaries project, CWMP and Septic Management Plan. None Provide containers for disposal of hazardous materials and boat waste Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Department of Public Works; Marine-related businesses On-going Provided for at the Town Pier and Nantucket Boat Basin. None Designate critical habitat protection areas that are not suitable for development NP&EDC; Conservation Commission; Harbor Planning Advisory Committee; SHAB None
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 133 COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHING 1993 RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE PARTY STATUS AFTER 1993 PLAN DISCUSSION 2007 RECOMMENDATION TIMELINE Objective I Recommendation 1 Implement the fish & shellfish management plan through regulations and non-regulatory initiatives Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; SHAB; Nantucket Shellfish Association; Other concerned citizens Not completed Non-regulatory initiatives do not appear to be effective. Develop and implement a shellfish management plan by October 1, 2008 to protect and enhance the island’s shellfish resources, employing either community-based management or co-management. 1 Objective I Recommendation 2 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Nantucket Shellfish Association; SHAB Continue existing propagation efforts for soft shell clams, oysters, and bay scallops. Re-establish a bay scallop propagation facility at the Brant Point boathouse with a focus not only on propagation but also on research to gauge the facility’s success at supplementing the natural stock with genetically diverse scallops. 2 Objective I Recommendation 3 Secure funding for shellfish resource and infrastructure enhancement Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Nantucket Shellfish Association; SHAB On-going Funding established at ATM 75% of permit sales dedicated to shellfish propagation, Dept. of Agriculture and DMF have passed through legislation $22,500 per year. Continue to seek funding through grants, shellfish license fees, and fines to support fisheries development, management, and research. 1 Objective IIRecommendation 1 Develop a program to improve, maintain and locate additional boat ramps and launches in the harbors Board of Selectmen*; SHAB; Nantucket Shellfish Association; Nantucket Marine Trades Association; MA Department of Environmental Protection; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Nantucket Right of Way Committee On-going No official program. Jackson Point built in 2002, F Street rebuilt in 2005, Children’s designed in 2002- funding pending, Warren’s landing/Wood property. Under consideration. Three alternative sites were investigated in Town Improve and expand upon existing waterfront access points and seek new access for fisheries uses through easements, Chapter 91 license requirements, land purchases, recovery of historical points of access not recorded by the town, or other means. 1 Objective II Recommendation 2 Enhance commercial fishing slips and off-loading accessibility through local special permits for Major Commercial Developments and Ch. 91 SHAB*; Nantucket Shellfish Association; Nantucket Marine Trades Association; MA Department of Environmental Protection; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Board of Selectmen On-going 2001, added 15 commercial slips at Town pier (never allowed prior). Land Bank considering commercial offloading and slips at Petrel Landing 2005-06. 2005 rebuild east end of Town Pier with improved commercial facilities loading- offloading area scheduled times. Possible gantry assistance. Expand availability of adequate and affordable dock and mooring spaces to support commercial and recreational fisheries by including special conditions in Chapter 91 licenses. 3
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 134 Few Ch. 91 Licenses require commercial fishing access. Objective II Recommendation 3 Board of Selectmen*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Nantucket Marine Trades Association; Others Increase and improve existing shore-side infrastructure, including boat repair facilities and marine supply shops to support commercial and recreational fishing opportunities. 2 Prepare a fish and shellfish management plan Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; SHAB; Nantucket Shellfish Association; Other concerned citizens Several plans written; none implemented Several reports have been written, but none are official management plans. See Objective I, Recommendation 1 of this section 1 Place additional dinghy docks at the Town Pier, Children’s Beach Dock and other areas where there is a demand Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; SHAB; Nantucket Shellfish Association; Other concerned citizens On-going Town Pier expansion in 2001 added over 300 feet of dinghy dock. Dinghy racks have become the norm at Polpis, Madaket, Town Pier, Shimmo, and certain private properties. See Objective II, Recommendation 1 of this section 1 Determine the need and economic viability for a commercial fishing pier SHAB; NP&EDC; Conservation Commission; Fishing Association On-going None PUBLIC ACCESS 1993 RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE PARTY STATUS AFTER 1993 PLAN DISCUSSION 2007 RECOMMENDATION TIMELINE Objective I Recommendation 1 Develop a plan to acquire and maintain additional rights-of-way to the shores of the harbors Right of Way Committee* On-going Acquisition efforts continue by both the town and various land management groups. Inventory and map all existing public access, including those access points established through the Chapter 91 licensing process and those held by all landholding agencies. As part of this process, assess each site’s condition (i.e. signage, parking, handicap accessibility, necessary improvements, opportunities for expansion) and clarify the legal status of the property. 2
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 135 Objective I Recommendation 2 Right of Way Committee*; Department of Environmental Protection Ensure that existing public access points are retained and maintained for use by the general public. 3 Objective I Recommendation 3 Develop a public coastal access guide for the harbors Right of Way Committee*; Landholding Groups; Chamber of Commerce On-going Developed and distribute their guide which included a lot of pertinent information compiled by several entities copies at MCRD. This guide is not 100% complete. Develop and distribute guides identifying public access points to and along the shores of the harbors. 3 Objective I Recommendation 4 Maintain signage for all coastal access sites Right of Way Committee*; Department of Public Works; Beach Manager; Department of Environmental Protection On-going MCRD continue to do this with DPW and Beach Management. Many signs required by Ch. 91 licenses do not exist. Improve and standardize signage at existing shoreline and waterfront access sites. 3 Objective II Recommendation 1 Right of Way Subcommittee should inventory public harbor access sites and their condition; prepare a list of potential sites for acquisition; identify possible access sites requiring legal research; research legal status of street ends and public roads Right of Way Committee*; Landholding Groups: Department of Public Works; Board of Selectmen On-going Potential sites have been identified. Inventory and map potential new public access points. Use this information to guide future acquisitions. 3 Objective II Recommendation 2 Right of Way Committee*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; SHAB; Nantucket Shellfish Association Improve boating access (specifically for fishers and recreational boaters). 3 Objective IIRecommendation 3 Require public access easements, when appropriate, on all new or expanded waterfront development Planning Board*; Department of Environmental Protection; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Conservation Commission; Board of Selectmen On-going Public access benefits are incorporated into all project proposal reviews and decisions of the Board that related to either of the harbors. They have required pubic access benefits for the Yacht Club, White Elephant, etc. The public access benefits have not been summarized or included in any sort of comprehensive When appropriate, the town should continue to require public access easements (including new launch sites and parking, pedestrian access, and affordable slips/moorings,) on all new or expanded waterfront development. 1
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 136 town or harbor-wide inventory. Objective II Recommendation 4 Planning Board*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources The town should provide incentives to homeowners to encourage providing public access on their property. Incentives may include limiting the hours of public access and providing assistance with beach cleaning efforts. 3 Objective II Recommendation 5 Work with DEP to ensure public access is provided from C.91 projects Conservation Commission; Planning Board*; DEP; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Right of Way Committee; Department of Public Works; Board of Selectmen On-going MCRD reviews all plans for water dependant projects and insures that public access is a component of that review. Cash settlements have been received, Old North Wharf, Nantucket Electric- cable project, CONCOM review very thorough with Biologist and HM. Many CH 91 licenses call for public access, but required signage is lacking at many of those sites. Chapter 91 licenses issued by the Department of Environmental Protection should incorporate public access conditions consistent with this plan. More specifically, license should contain, where appropriate, conditions including but not limited to parking, restrooms, signage, pedestrian access, visual access, boating access, boat storage, trash receptacles, boat ramps, commercial berthing, and/or boat lifts. 2 Objective II Recommendation 6 Right of Way Committee*; Chamber of Commerce The town should explore the feasibility of developing a “harbor walk” with standardized access signs and interpretive signs along Nantucket Harbor. Where appropriate, the “harbor-walk” should be handicap-accessible. 5 Objective II Recommendation 7 Right of Way Committee* The town should file the paperwork needed to legally record currently-used access points that have not been officially or properly obtained. 3 Objective III Recommendation 1 Planning Board*; Department of Environmental Protection Identify outstanding views and visual access points along the harbors 1 Pursue an aggressive open space and right of way acquisition program to protect public access and wetland protection The Town and any relevant private or public agencies On-going, deserves additional attention Acquisition takes place, but is not done aggressively as part of a specific program. None
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 137 DOCKS, WHARVES, AND PIERS 1993 RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE PARTY STATUS AFTER 1993 PLAN DISCUSSION 2007 RECOMMENDATION TIMELINE Objective I Recommendation 1 Planning Board* Develop language to be considered at the Special 2007 Annual Town Meeting to amend the town Zoning Bylaw to prohibit new, expanded, or extended private docks, wharves, or piers in any town waters. Include provisions to exempt governmental agencies or public entities from this prohibition. 1 Objective I Recommendation 2 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Planning Department; Conservation Commission Complete a survey of the existing docks, wharves and piers to ensure that the structures are all licensed under the provisions of MGL Chapter 91 and that the structures meet all requirements noted in their license. 3 Objective I Recommendation 3 Conservation Commission*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Office of the Town Counsel Review the legal status of permit applications for private docks that have already been submitted. 2 Objective I Recommendation 4 Planning Department*; Building Department Implement standards for design and construction of docks, wharves, and piers, that will protect the safety of people, buildings and infrastructure in addition to natural resources both in normal use and in the case of a significant storm. 3 Objective I Recommendation 5 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Building Inspector Establish criteria to evaluate whether a dock, wharf, or pier has substantially deteriorated and a process to have deteriorated docks, wharves, or piers repaired or removed. 3 COMMERCIAL WATERFRONT 1993 RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE PARTY STATUS AFTER 1993 PLAN DISCUSSION 2007 RECOMMENDATION TIMELINE
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 138 Objective I Recommendation 1 Planning Board*; Board of Selectmen Develop and adopt into the Nantucket Zoning Bylaw, a Waterfront Overlay district to be applied to the commercial waterfront areas of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors to ensure: (1) Existing water-dependent uses are not displaced by nonwater-dependent uses; (2)-Harbor waters and immediate shoreline and pier areas are dedicated to water-dependent uses; (3) Commercial uses allowable by the underlying district regulations are compatible with, support, or otherwise not interfere with water-dependent uses of the site; (4) No conversion of commercial use to residential use (New residential use allowed only on upper floors of new structures). 1 Objective IRecommendation 2 Board of Selectmen*; Department of Environmental Protection Include in the Harbor Plan and adopt into the town's Zoning Bylaws a list of priority water-dependent uses, activities and services as guidance to property owners and developers. 1 Objective I Recommendation 3 Board of Selectmen*; Department of Environmental Protection Include in the Harbor Plan and prohibit in the town's Zoning Bylaws a list of water-dependent uses that are not consistent with the objectives of the Harbor Plan. 1 Objective I Recommendation 4 Adopt waterfront property assessment policies that provide incentives for water-dependent uses Board of Selectmen*; Assessor's Office Incomplete Adopt waterfront property assessment policies that provide incentives for water-dependent uses. 3 Objective I Recommendation 5 Identify scenic views or landscape or waterscape and develop protection policies Right of Way Committee*; Historic District Commission; Conservation Commission; Planning Board Incomplete Identify scenic views (or characteristics of scenic views) of the harbor landscape and waterscape to guide decision making on potential impacts to visual access. 3 Objective I Recommendation 6 Historic District Commission* Identify all structures on or adjacent to the waterfront that can be considered historic assets in the context of a working waterfront and add them to the Historic District Commission’s list of individually or contributing significant structures. 3 Review options to address and promote maritime-related uses, activities and traditional designs of the downtown commercial area Planning Board*; Board of Selectmen Incomplete See Objective I, Recommendation 1 of this section. 1 Consider relocation of the fuel off-loading site for Harbor fuel and the Electric Company and Board of Selectmen; Harbor Fuel; Nantucket Electric Company; Airport Commission On-going Electric cable has reduced the need for the number of tanks, tanks removed. Pipeline avgas, now using the freight boat. An off- shore See Objective V, Recommendation 2 of Harbor Operations, Safety, Navigation, and Moorings 3
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 139 determine permanent location for airport fuel off-loading option for fueling for airport on south shore is under consideration. Examine the feasibility of a facility for commercial fishing and marine-related boats Steamship Authority; Board of Selectmen; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; SHAB; Fishing Association On-going Identified in the 70’2, designed, funded?, permitted? For an area beyond the Nantucket Shipyard. Environmental concerns and the lack of up-land adjacent property are some of the causes for not moving forward. None Inventory structural and open space harbor front resources to evaluate what exists, what is needed, and where needs may be met to provide adequate facilities for water dependent uses NP&EDC Incomplete UHI inventoried and mapped waterfront land use in Downtown Nantucket None Implement a data collection to record types and intensities of commercial harbor activities on a seasonal basis NP&EDC Incomplete None Develop and implement HDC design guidelines for the Downtown Waterfront District which reflect the nature of the historic architecture Historic District Commission None Refine the Nantucket Island Architectural and Cultural Resources Survey Historic District Commission; Nantucket Historical Association None HARBOR OPERATIONS, SAFETY, NAVIGATION AND MOORINGS 1993 RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE PARTY STATUS AFTER 1993 PLAN DISCUSSION 2007 RECOMMENDATION TIMELINE
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 140 Objective I Recommendation 1 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should implement a waiting list application process which requires individuals to update their contact information and pay a $5 fee to reaffirm their interest in being on the waiting list. 2 Objective I Recommendation 2 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should make the waiting lists available on the Department’s website. 2 Objective II Recommendation 1 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and SHAB should assess the need to quantify the carrying capacity of Nantucket’s harbors. 3 Objective II Recommendation 2 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* Until the above recommendation has been completed, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should continue to cap the number of moorings in the harbor at approximately 2100 vessels, while maintaining a similar ratio of smaller boats (less than 26 feet) to larger vessels. The current ratio is approximately 7:1 (smaller boats:larger boats). 1 Objective II Recommendation 3 Quantify Nantucket and Madaket Harbors carrying capacity for moorings to protect other marine-activities, natural resources, and water quality Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* On-going Difficult to quantify since the size of boats has increased significantly – Factors: Gridding, size and type placement, removal of moorings prior to October 15th in shellfish areas, helix moorings. Waitlist currently has over 600 people for vessels 26 feet or less Determine the maximum number of mooring permits that can be issued to a waterfront homeowner. 1 Objective II Recommendation 4 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* Mooring permits for waterfront properties should only be issued for boats that are held in the owner's name and registered in Massachusetts. 1 Objective II Recommendation 5 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; NP&EDC The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission should periodically reevaluate the issues related to cruise ship visits to Nantucket. This reevaluation should consider navigation limitations, the town’s ability to cope with a significant increase in visitor numbers and how such increases would affect on-shore facilities and services. Such evaluation should take into account the size of vessels, the passenger capacities, the planned frequency and duration of visits, and the timing/season of visits. 3 Objective II Recommendation 6 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* If cruise ship visits are acceptable, a per person landing fee should be levied and these funds should be used by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. 3
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 141 Objective II Recommendation 7 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* There should be no anchoring of vessels east of First Point. All large, commercial passenger vessels should anchor between the anchorage and First Point. 1 Objective II Recommendation 8 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* Cruise lines and other large, commercial passenger vessels that frequently visit Nantucket should be required to install, maintain and utilize their own ground tackle. The location of, and necessity for these moorings should be determined by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. 1 Objective III Recommendation 1 Establish Official Mooring Fields and Anchorages, including grids for each mooring field Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* On-going Mooring field designation by the HM, Ch. 91, Section 10A. Commercial permit for rental moorings approved by the Corps of Engineers. Gridding complete - Children’s, General, South of Town Pier, Hither Creek, not feasible for (Easy St, Hulbert, Swains). The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should continue to establish grid patterns for all existing mooring fields, ensuring that the process of gridding does not drastically change the number of vessels allowed in each mooring field. 3 Objective III Recommendation 2 Establish Official Mooring Fields and Anchorages, including grids for each mooring field Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* On-going Mooring field designation by the HM, Ch. 91, Section 10A. Commercial permit for rental moorings approved by the Corps of Engineers. Gridding complete - Children’s, General, South of Town Pier, Hither Creek, not feasible for (Easy St, Hulbert, Swains). The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should develop a more detailed anchorage plan for Nantucket Harbor. 3 Objective IV Recommendation 1 Recommend mooring tackle for use in the harbors. Inspect mooring tackle every 3 years Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; SHAB; Nantucket Shellfish Association; Other interested parties Completed Regulations on file, copy in by-laws. Records kept (electronically and paper). Handouts available at MCRD. Renewal contingent upon inspection of payment record. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources keeps up-to-date with new technologies but there is little local enthusiasm for moving away from traditional moorings The Town of Nantucket should continue to explore different types of moorings to determine which is best for use in Madaket and Nantucket Harbors. The analysis should take into consideration the impacts of the mooring type on the eelgrass beds and the scallop fishery. Additionally, mooring types may be suitable in certain situations or applications, but unsuitable in others. 2 Objective IV Recommendation 2 Recommend mooring tackle for use in the harbors. Inspect mooring tackle every 3 years Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Other interested parties Completed Regulations on file, copy in by-laws. Records kept (electronically and paper). Handouts available at MCRD. Renewal contingent upon inspection of payment record. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources keeps up-to-date with new Compile existing research dealing with the impacts of moorings on eelgrass. Apply this research to the management of moorings in Nantucket and Madaket Harbors, outlining the specific changes (if any) to be made and the strategies that will be used to make the changes. 2
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 142 technologies but there is little local enthusiasm for moving away from traditional moorings Objective V Recommendation 1 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Board of Selectmen; Army Corps of Engineers The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should continue to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to repair and raise the jetties at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. The Board of Selectmen should actively support the department's efforts. 2 Objective V Recommendation 2 Board of Selectmen*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Planning Board The town should actively encourage the relocation of the current fuel off-loading facility to the south shore and the fuel storage facility (tank farm) to a location in the vicinity of the airport. 3 Objective V Recommendation 3 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* Gather bathymetric data in both harbors using low cost techniques so that this data can be used for navigation purposes and to develop bathymetric models. These can then be used to study changes over time. 2 Objective V Recommendation 4 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Lighting Enforcement Officer The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should lead an initiative to identify existing lighting that trespasses on the harbors. Discontinue unnecessary shoreline lighting and enforce compliance with existing regulations for outdoor lighting. 3 Objective V Recommendation 5 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; NP&EDC Adopt additional lighting controls into the Harbor Overlay District regulations, specific to waterfront conditions. Consider amending Section 102-4 (Uplighting; highlighting; floodlighting; motion lighting; recreation facilities) of Chapter 102 (Outdoor lighting) of the Nantucket Bylaws to include specific mention of the impact of lighting on the safe navigation of vessels, modeled after § 102-3(G) which deals with the impacts of lighting on the safe navigation of motor vehicles on roads. 3 Objective V Recommendation 6 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* Develop and distribute a comprehensive no-wake zone map to educate boaters. Signs should also be posted where possible. 3 Objective V Recommendation 7 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* The town should secure funding and permits for dredging projects as outlined in the 5 and 10-year plans or as necessary.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 143 Objective VI Recommendation 1 Board of Selectmen*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources The Town of Nantucket should pursue opportunities to develop a second commercial dock that would be capable of handling large vessels carrying passengers, goods, and vehicles in an emergency. A facility located outside of the downtown area may help alleviate some of the truck traffic problems and reduce the amount of hazardous materials transported through populated areas. 5 Objective VII Recommendation 1 Board of Selectmen*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Private businesses All efforts should be made to maintain the haul-out capacity on Nantucket at levels that will allow for the safe and timely removal of boats from the water in an emergency situation. 1 Objective VII Recommendation 2 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Board of Selectmen; Private businesses; Conservation Commission: SHAB The town should continue to investigate options for developing a new boat ramp at the south end of town. While there appear to be no “ideal” locations, a ramp may still be feasible. 4 Objective VII Recommendation 3 Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Private businesses The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources currently works with local businesses to coordinate the hauling of boats in the event of an imminent storm. This should be formalized in writing and the responsibilities of the town and private providers should be defined. 2 Minimize the use of jet skis by prohibiting commercial rentals through town regulation Board of Selectmen* Department of Environmental Protection Completed By laws written and adopted at ATM, records at MCRD. No rental companies located on the Island at this time. See Objective I, Recommendation 3 of the Commercial Waterfront Section. 1 Produce a harbor guide or chart showing mooring fields, anchorages, channels, fairways areas of potential hazards Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; SHAB Completed Done by several entities with several collaborative funding mechanisms Land Council, Chamber of Commerce, SHAB, MCRD. Needs to be re-printed. Information/charts copied and available at MCRD. None Examine the possibility of classifying moorings into categories: resident, resident commercial, nonresident, nonresident commercial Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; SHAB; Board of Selectmen Deemed not necessary Classifications have been established. Residential, commercial, livery, repair, rental, non-resident category prohibited. Moorings are also assigned based on size and type (sail or motorized) of vessel. None
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 144 Enforce local laws and regulations relating to harbor safety and navigation. Maintain catalog of applicable laws and regulations Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Board of Selectmen On-going Established formalized training, for full-time and seasonal employees. Increased patrols with staff limitations. None Department of Marine and Coastal Resources should enforce Nantucket Code on Abandonment of Vessels, Moorings Department of Marine and Coastal Resources On-going SHAB proposed new regulations reducing the reporting times. Derelict and abandoned boats being removed -mechanisms in affect to recover costs. By-law in place: § 137-7. abandonment of vessels, moorings, etc. None Pursue changes in Town Code of Nantucket to improve safety, control, enforcement, and environmental conditions of the wharves and waterways Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and SHAB On-going Regulations and by-laws instituted on an on-going basis, jet skis, kite boards, no wake zones, pollution, mooring tackle changes etc. all on an annual basis based on the public’s input for what is needed. None Increase Cooperation of local, state, & federal agencies to maintain Nantucket Harbor’s Federal Navigation Channel Board of Selectmen; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources On-going US Coast Guard working with MCRD, added new channel markers. Half tide-full tide jetty discussion on-going as it relates to water quality and navigation. East Jetty is a danger needs to be marked on charts --submerged at half water. None Maintain channel markers and siting buoys Department of Marine and Coastal Resources On-going Increased from 35 to 65 marks. MCRD marks all channels & rocks within the three-mile limit of the waters of Nantucket. Need to maintain turning area. None Analyze the need for a harbor and water sheet overlay management plan NP&EDC On-going Several discussions, several different forums, DPW, MCRD, CONCOM, Health. Established at ATM Nantucket Harbor Watershed and Madaket Watershed districts at ATM, SMAST Estuaries Project, CWMP and Septic Management Plan. None
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 145 OIL SPILL RESPONSE 1993 RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE PARTY STATUS AFTER 1993 PLAN DISCUSSION 2007 RECOMMENDATION TIMELINE Objective I Recommendation 1 Finalize and implement oil spill contingency plan NP&EDC*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Office of Coastal Zone Management; Department of Environmental Protection; US Coast Guard; Fire Department Completed 1991 report on file MCRD, NFD. Outdated Review and update the existing Nantucket Coastal Oil Spill Response Plan. 2-3 Objective I Recommendation 2 Finalize and implement oil spill contingency plan Department of Marine and Coastal Resources* Completed 1991 report on file MCRD, NFD. Outdated Identify an Oil Spill Response Coordinator. 2-3 Objective II Recommendation 1 Finalize and implement oil spill contingency plan Department of Marine and Coastal Resources*; Board of Selectmen; Oil Spill Coordinator; US Coast Guard; Fire Department Completed 1991 report on file MCRD, NFD. Outdated Mandate that all fuel off-loading sites, facilities containing 5 or more boat slips, or sites where fuelling of vessels occurs develop and maintain a current plan to respond to a spill at that facility, have suitable, specialized equipment to respond to a spill at their facility or nearby and have trained staff available for initial response. 2-3 Objective II Recommendation 2 Finalize and implement oil spill contingency plan Oil Spill Coordinator* Completed 1991 report on file MCRD, NFD. Outdated Simple clean-up materials should be required at all facilities where boats can tie up or be launched. Educational material should also be available at these sites so that the public is informed as to the need for cleaning up even small spills and how to safely dispose of any materials used. 2-3 Objective II Recommendation 3 Finalize and implement oil spill contingency plan Oil Spill Coordinator*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Completed 1991 report on file MCRD, NFD. Outdated Boaters should be reminded that certain oil-spill clean-up materials are available for free through the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources 2-3 Objective III Recommendation 1 Finalize and implement oil spill contingency plan Oil Spill Coordinator* Completed 1991 report on file MCRD, NFD. Outdated Oil spill response equipment should include a simple system that can be implemented to prevent any spilled liquid from entering catch basins and subsequently contaminating the harbors or other waters. 2-3
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 146 Objective III Recommendation 2 Finalize and implement oil spill contingency plan Department of Public Works*; Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Historic District Commission Completed 1991 report on file MCRD, NFD. Outdated Stencil storm drains with a symbol that identifies those that discharge directly into the harbors. Covering these should be prioritized in the event of a fuel spill on land. 2-3
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 147 Amend by-laws to minimize non-point pollution from expanded development in watersheds Conservation Commission*; Planning and Economic Development Commission Completed Addresses importance in: Section 99-3(B) “It is in the public interest to delineate the boundaries of the Nantucket and Madaket Harbor Watersheds, thus providing a frame of reference for diverse, multi-jurisdictional strategies and activities which promote the purposes of this section.” Might include structural improvements (i.e., dredging, extension of sanitary sewers/package treatment facilities, retrofit of storm drainage systems to reduce nutrient loading, and the development of planning contingencies and improvements devised to support spill containment), and regulatory activities, such as public health regulations. Open space preservation activities, such as land acquisition and implementation of conservation restrictions, by the Land Bank Commission and other entities are encouraged within the watershed, because they reduce the land use impacts which can degrade the water quality of these Harbors. It is also important that educational strategies devised to inform the public of ways to preserve the Harbors’ water quality have defined watersheds as frames of reference. See Objective I, Recommendation 2 of Natural Resources Section 2-3
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 148 TOURISM & RECREATION 1993 RECOMMENDATION RESPONSIBLE PARTY STATUS AFTER 1993 PLAN DISCUSSION 2007 RECOMMENDATION TIMELINE Provide improved public service facilities in the central business district. New or improved major commercial developments on the waterfront should be conditioned to provide public service facilities Board of Selectmen*; Department of Environmental Protection On-going $128K bathroom renovation at MCRD through State/federal funding. Boat basin has also done major upgrades to bathrooms and pump-out-facilities. Fresh water now available at two locations at the town pier, with pump-out options being added in 2006. See Objective I, Recommendation 2 of the Commercial Waterfront section 1 Analyze the need for a harbor and water sheet overlay management plan NP&EDC Incomplete None Develop & disseminate a waterfront guide Visitor Services; Chamber of Commerce; Information Services On-going Info available everywhere, in several different formats plus harbor guide (which needs re-printing). None Coordinate efforts to promote fishing as an important tourist activity in both harbors Department of Marine and Coastal Resources; Chamber of Commerce; local fishing associations On-going Charters, eco-tours, whale watching, and scallop charter all offered at the commercial slips at MCRD. Community Sailing has many new programs for sailing, kayaking, lessons etc. None Implement a data collection system that records the types of harbor uses on a seasonal basis Department of Marine and Coastal Resources On-going Several different forms/cards used, check off sheets developed. Tied to parking for live-aboards. Records of every pump-out submitted to the state annually to satisfy CVA grant funding. Records maintained at the MCRD None
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 149
APPENDIX 2 – PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE NANTUCKET CODE OF
ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 139
HARBOR OVERLAY DISTRICT
Article prepared for 2007 Annual Town Meetings was tabled and a revised article is being
prepared for 2007 Special Town Meeting
DOCKS, PIERS AND WHARVES
Article prepared for 2007 Annual Town Meetings was tabled and a revised article is being
prepared for 2007 Special Town Meeting
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 150 APPENDIX 3 - SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 91 LICENSES # Street Owner Co-Owner License Plan Number Applicant Date Project Description Public Access Component 15 HARBOR VIEW WY NANTUCKET TOWN OF C/O PARK & REC 10021 Nantucket Harbor Master 7/8/04 Children's Beach: Pier and Boat Ramp to "provide public access to navigable waters and shoreline stabilization for the protection of a water dependent use”. Lateral passage between the high and low water marks with the exception of structures and property not intended for lateral passage; Foot passage from dawn to dusk within the area seaward of the high water mark; Cannot impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement by limiting hours of availability of any areas designated for public passage or by placing gates, fences, or other structures that would impede access; Public access is permitted in lands lying seaward of the low water mark; Place public access signs on the northerly and southerly sides of the boat ramp adjacent to the mean high water shoreline OLD NORTH WF 10199 Old North Wharf Cooperative, Inc. 6/10/05 Timber pier and tie-off piles for "noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters" Lateral passage between the high and low water marks with the exception of structures and property not intended for lateral passage; Foot passage from dawn to dusk within the area seaward of the high water mark; Cannot impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement by limiting hours of availability of any areas designated for public passage or by placing gates, fences, or other structures that would impede access; Public access is permitted in lands lying seaward of the low water mark; Place public access signs along the delineated access way OLD NORTH WF 9139 Old North Wharf Trust 12/12/01 For the purpose of a management office, a private social club, and several private residences, a docking and boating facility for access to navigable waters and public access for passive recreational purposes: Maintain a 370 sq. ft. office building, a 392 sq. ft. Fish House building, a 680 sq. ft. Nautilus building, 65 sq. ft. of the Lydia building, 88 sq. ft. of the Independence building, 50 sq. ft. of the Constitution building, and 40 sq. ft. of the Wharf Rat Special Condition 1: Public passage via foot for all lawful purposes, within the designated 10 foot clear pedestrian walkway; Place no fewer than 5 trash receptacles for public use immediately adjacent to said public pedestrian walkway; access should be available to the general public on a daily basis from 5:30 am to 11:00 pm, free of charge; May prevent unlawful activity. Special Condition 2: May adopt rules governing the public accessible areas of the site, subject to prior review and written approval by the Department, as is necessary for the protection of public health and safety and private property, and to ensure public use and enjoyment by minimizing conflicts between user groups. Special condition 3: The licensee shall provide 2 signs denoting public access to the wharf. One sign shall be visible by the pedestrians on the Easy Street sidewalk at the beginning of the pedestrian access easement on a
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 151 Club building. Also covers the following existing structures: a 64 ft. long bulkhead; 14 sq. ft. of existing dock seaward of Nautilus; 126 sq. ft. of existing dock with 128 sq. ft. of finger piers; 66 cu. yards of existing fill along the northern side of the wharf; and 1220 sq. ft. of deck space comprising 186 sq. ft. at the Coffin property, 680 sq. ft. at the Peru property, 130 sq. ft. at the Carey property and 224 sq. ft. at the fourth structure east of Easy Street standard public works street sign, and the other sign shall be located where the lateral access easement connects to the abutting southerly parcel as depicted on Sheet 3 of 10 of the License Plans. Special Condition 4: Provide berthing, including vehicular access on the landside for loading and unloading of gear and catch on a 24 hr./day basis) to at least one member of the Nantucket commercial fishing fleet on a year-round basis at a slip located on the pier north of the fish house (may charge an appropriate fee similar to those charged in Nantucket Harbor); Public is allowed to use and pass freely in the area of property lying between the high and low tide marks for fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof; Public has the right to use and pass freely, for any lawful purpose, upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark; Cannot impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement by limiting hours of availability of any areas designated for public passage or by placing gates, fences, or other structures that would impede access 64 MONOMOY RD PILGRIM GARY L & RUTH E 9912 Gary and Ruth Pilgrim 4/12/04 Construct and maintain a ramp and pile held float and to maintain an existing pier for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters Lateral passage between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives; Foot passage from dawn to dusk within the area seaward of the high water mark; Cannot impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement by limiting hours of availability of any areas designated for public passage or by placing gates, fences, or other structures that would impede access; Public is access permitted in lands lying seaward of the low water mark; Place public access signs on the northerly and southerly sides of the boat ramp adjacent to the mean high water shoreline OLD NORTH WF 10114 Old North Wharf Cooperative, Inc. 3/31/05 Construct and maintain a pile supported pier, deck, and tie-off pile for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters Lateral passage between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives; Foot passage from dawn to dusk within the public access way delineated on the license plan; Cannot impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement by limiting hours of availability of any areas designated for public passage or by placing gates, fences, or other structures that would impede access; Public access is permitted in lands lying seaward of the low water mark; Place public access signs on the easterly and westerly sides of the boat ramp adjacent to the mean high water shoreline 42 EASTON ST GIFFORD WHITNEY TRST 42 EASTON STREET NOM 10194 Whitney Giffo– -- Trustee of 6/11/2005 Construct and maintain a pile supported timber pier Lateral passage between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation,
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 152 TRUST 42 Easton Street Nominee Trust and outhaul for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters. and the natural derivatives; Foot passage from dawn to dusk within the area of the property lying seaward of the high water mark; Cannot impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement by limiting hours of availability of any areas designated for public passage or by placing gates, fences, or other structures that would impede access; Public access is permitted in lands lying seaward of the low water mark; Place public access signs on both side of the pier adjacent to the mean high water shoreline OLD NORTH WF 9582 Old North Wharf Company 3/20/03 Construct and maintain two finger piers, mooring piles and deck extension for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters. Lateral passage between the high and low water marks; Foot passage from dawn to dusk within the public access way delineated on the license plan; Cannot impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement by limiting hours of availability of any areas designated for public passage or by placing gates, fences, or other structures that would impede access; Public access is permitted in lands lying seaward of the low water mark; Place public access signs along the delineated access way. OLD NORTH WF 9631 Old North Wharf Company 5/13/03 Construct and maintain floats and support piles for non commercial docking and boating access to navigable waters Lateral passage between the high and low water marks; Foot passage from dawn to dusk within the public access way delineated on the license plan; Cannot impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement by limiting hours of availability of any areas designated for public passage or by placing gates, fences, or other structures that would impede access; Public access is permitted in lands lying seaward of the low water mark; Place public access signs along the delineated access way. 90 WASHINGTON ST CROWE ROBERT B TRUSTEE ORANGE REALTY TRUST 9804 Lyle Howland 11/11/03 Construct and maintain a timber pier, ramp, float, and outhaul piles for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters Lateral passage between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof; Foot passage from dawn to dusk within the public access way delineated on the license plan; Cannot impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement by limiting hours of availability of any areas designated for public passage or by placing gates, fences, or other structures that would impede access; Public access is permitted in lands lying seaward of the low water mark; Place public access signs along the northerly and southerly sides of the pier adjacent to the mean high water shoreline. 24 OLD NORTH WF OLD NORTH WHARF COOPERATIVE INC C/O NEMO L–C - ONE IF BY LAND 9583 Old North Wharf Company 3/20/03 Construct and maintain a finger pier and tie-off piles Shall not restrict the public's right to use and to pass freely, for any lawful purpose, upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. Said lands are held in trust by the Commonwealth for the benefit of the public
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 153 34 WASHINGTON ST NANTUCKET TOWN OF 8795 Town of Nantucket 4/6/01 Construct and maintain a pile and timber pier, mooring piles, ramps, and fixed floating docks for commercial and public recreational docking and boating access to navigable waters Public foot passage permitted for any purpose, from dawn to dusk, within the property lying seaward of the high water mark; Public shall be allowed free passage around all structures on the property; Town shall place a public access sign at each property line, adjacent to the mean high water shoreline; berths should be assigned in a fair manner, and may be assigned based on vessel characteristics; berths shall be made available for transient use during periods of vacancy in excess of 24 hours; public has right to use and pass freely upon the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof; public can pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark 21 COMMERCIAL WF COREY RICHARD G TRUSTEE 21 COMMERCIAL WHARF NOM TR 9449 21 Commercial Wharf Nominee Trust 10/17/02 Construct and maintain a pile supported timber dock for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters Public passage around all structures within the intertidal area; Public access signs shall be placed at each property line adjacent to the mean high water shoreline; Public foot passage is allowed from dawn to dusk within the property lying seaward of the high water mark; Public is allowed to pass freely on area lying between high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof; Public can pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark 9200 John P. Dunfey 1999? Maintain existing pile-supported residential structure for private residence and appurtenant deck Public access to and from the intertidal area of Nantucket Harbor to the dedicated public pedestrian access easement on Old North Wharf at a minimum from dawn until dusk, seven days a week. The access way shall be located on the western side of the property, encompassing the area between the structure and the property line. Accessway shall provide even and level grading and shall be constructed and maintained of durable materials. The intent of the public access condition is to allow public strolling and viewing of the cove in addition to the public rights of fishing, fowling, and navigation. No gates, fences, or other obstructions may be placed on any areas open to public in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. Signs should be placed on the western side of the property. Signs shall be of adequate size to be clearly visible to pedestrian traffic on the public access easement along Old North Wharf and from the boating public on the harbor side. Signs may include any reasonable rules for use. Licensee shall contribute $2,700.00 to the Harbormaster for the installation of a public use at Ames Street adjacent to Millie's Bridge. The licensee may adopt rules
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 154 governing the publicly accessible areas of the site, subject to the prior review and written approval of the Department as are necessary for the public health and safety and the private property, and to ensure public use and enjoyment by minimizing conflicts between user groups. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely, for any lawful purpose, upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. Public shall be able to use and pass freely on the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 22 OLD NORTH WF OLD NORTH WHARF COOPERATIVE INC C/O WILLIAMSON ROY 9710 David L. Douglas 6/1/03 Construct and maintain an approximate 400 square foot addition to a previously authorized residential structure for residential use Licensee will make a $1,500.00 donation to the Harbormaster earmarked for the Nantucket Municipal Waterfront improvement and Maintenance Fund for the installation of new, publicly accessible dinghy docks at the Town of Nantucket's municipal pier. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely, for any lawful purpose, upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 38 SHIMMO POND RD ALFIERI DOMINICK & EILEEN TRST WINDSONG NOMINEE TRUST 4449 Alice C. Erickson 3/9/95 Maintain two existing timber groins for the purpose of shoreline stabilization for the protection of existing structures Licensee shall allow the public to use and pass freely on the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 23 OLD NORTH WF OLD NORTH WHARF COOPERATIVE INC C/O SANFORD ALFRED F III ETAL TRS 4594 Old North Wharf Trust 8/8/95 Construct and maintain an extension to an existing timber pier for docking and boating access to navigable waters. Public allowed to pass on foot, for any purpose and from dawn to dusk, within the area of the property lying seaward of the high water mark. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 155 discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 45 HULBERT AV WETHERILL DAVID C TR A C WETHERILL INCOME TR 5861 David C. Wetherill, Trustee 7/23/96 Maintain an existing timer bulkhead and timber groins for shoreline stabilization for protection of existing structures In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely over all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed on both the easterly/westerly sides of the easternmost timber groin authorized herein, adjacent to the mean highwater shoreline. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 50 TENNESSEE AV MINSTRELL NORMA M & CHASE NANC 4229 Nancy A. Chase and Norma M. Minstrell 12/14/94 Maintain an existing pile supported pier for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters. In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely over all structures in the intertidal area. Licensee shall place a ladder and public access sign on both the northeasterly and southwesterly sides of the pier, adjacent to the mean high water shoreline. The ladders shall be constructed of durable materials, shall be fixed to the pier in such a manner so as not to rest on the marsh, shall have a minimum width of 2 feet, and shall have adequate railings extending above the pier decking in order to facilitate safe passage. If, at any time, pier reconstruction in excess of 50% is necessary, the Licensee shall raise the decking, within the intertidal zone, to provide a minimum clearance of 5 feet between the pier and the mean high water datum. Upon reconstruction, signs and ladders shall no longer be required. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 156 limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 23 OLD NORTH WF OLD NORTH WHARF COOPERATIVE INC C/O SANFORD ALFRED F III ETAL TRS 4110 Old North Wharf Trust 10/26/94 Place and maintain two single-pile dolphins, one double-pile dolphin, and 4 triple pile dolphins for commercial docking and boating access to navigable waters Public allowed to pass on foot, for any purpose and from dawn to dusk, within the area of the property lying seaward of the high water mark. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 42 SHIMMO POND RD STEWART JAMES TR 4109 Low Shimmo Nominee Trust, James M. Stewat, Trustee 10/26/94 Maintain an existing platform, gangway, and four pile-held floats for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 11 H ST HOLMES JEAN S TRUSTEE THE JS HOLMES NOMINEE TRUST 4560 Jean S. Holmes 4/14/95 Maintain an existing post-supported pier with gangway and pile-held float for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely over all structures in the intertidal area. Licensee shall place a ladder and public access sign on both the northeasterly and southwesterly sides of the pier, adjacent to the mean high water shoreline. The ladders shall be constructed of durable materials, shall be fixed to the pier in such a manner so as not to rest on the marsh, shall have a minimum width of 2 feet, and shall have adequate railings extending above the pier decking in order to facilitate safe passage. If, at any time, pier reconstruction in excess of 50% is necessary, the Licensee shall raise the decking, within the intertidal zone, to provide a minimum clearance of 5 feet between the pier and the mean high water datum. Upon reconstruction, signs and ladders shall no longer be required. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 157 hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 50 EASTON ST NANTUCKET ISLAND RESORTS LLC C/O NI MANAGEMENT 5343 Sherburne Associates Realty Trust 4/4/96 Maintain existing pier extensions for docking and boating access to navigable waters Public allowed to pass on foot, for any purpose and from dawn to dusk, within the area of the property landward of the bulkhead along the waters edge. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 50 EASTON ST NANTUCKET ISLAND RESORTS LLC C/O NI MANAGEMENT 5342 Sherburne Associates Realty Trust 4/4/96 Maintain existing bulkheads, backfill, walkways and pile-supported piers for shoreline stabilization for the protection of existing structures and docking and boating access to navigable waters. In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely around all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed at both the easterly and westerly property lines adjacent to the bulkhead. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 38 SHIMMO POND RD ALFIERI DOMINICK & EILEEN TRST WINDSONG NOMINEE TRUST 5813 Windsong Nominee Trust 7/15/96 Maintain an existing timber bulkhead and groins for shoreline stabilization for the protection of existing structures Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 158 thereon. 28 TENNESSEE AV ROWLEY SHIRLEY M TR SHIRLEY M ROWLEY TRUST 3630 Durwood B. and Shirley M. Rowley 2/4/94 Maintain an existing pile supported pier with gangway and pile-held float for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely around all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed at both the northeasterly and southwesterly sides of the pier adjacent to the mean high water shoreline. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. 14 BALTIMORE ST WHELDEN HAROLD R 3627 Harold R. Whelden 2/4/94 Maintain an existing pile-supported pier with gangway and pile-held float for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely around all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed at both the easterly and westerly sides of the pier adjacent to the mean high water shoreline. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 28 EASTON ST DOUBLEDAY SANDRA PINE 4510 Sandra Pine Doubleday 5/5/95 Maintain an existing timber bulkhead, pile-supported pier, gangway and pile-held float for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters and shoreline stabilization for the protection of existing structures In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely around all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed at both property lines, adjacent to the existing bulkhead. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 159 natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 16 D ST BARTLETT FRANKLIN ETAL TRS 3778 Sand Bar Trust 4/11/94 Maintain an existing pile-supported pier with ramp and pile-held float for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely around all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed at both the easterly and westerly sides of the pier. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 55 HULBERT AV LILLY DAVID M & PERRIN B 3612 David M. and Perrin B. Lilly 12/27/93 Maintain an existing timber bulkhead and two timber groins for shoreline stabilization for the protection of existing structures Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 26 TENNESSEE AV HITHERVIEW ASSOC LIMITED PTNSP C/O ANNESE JEAN C 3618 Jean C. Annese 12/27/93 Maintain an existing pile-supported pier with gangway and 2 pile-held floats for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely around all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed at both the southwesterly and
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 160 northeasterly sides of the pier. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 33 HULBERT AV SAGER LOIS G ETAL TRS C/O GIBBONS KATHRYN 3255 The Gibbons Company 5/19/93 Maintain an existing timber bulkhead and groin for shoreline stabilization and the protection of existing structures Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 13 C ST MADAKET PROPERTY PRTNERSHIP LP 4874 Robert M. Ray 10/6/95 Maintain an existing pier, ramp, and pile-held float for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely over all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs and ladders shall be placed at both the easterly and westerly sides of the pier, adjacent to the mean high water shoreline. A ladder shall be constructed of durable materials, fixed to the pier in such a way as to not rest on the marsh, shall have a minimum width of 2 feet, and shall have adequate railings extending above the pier decking in order to facilitate safe passage. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. If, at any time, pier reconstruction in excess of 50% is necessary, the Licensee shall raise the decking, within the intertidal zone, to provide a minimum clearance of 5 feet between the pier and the mean high water datum. Upon reconstruction, signs and ladders shall no longer be required. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 161 natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 329 MADAKET RD MACLEAN MARY JANE & JENNINGS ANNE TRUSTEES 4873 Rita M. Moran 12/8/95 Maintain an existing pier, ramp, and pile-held floats for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely over all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed on both the easterly and westerly sides of the pier. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 51 HULBERT AV DAVIS RAMONA N TR C/O DAVIS STEPHEN 4860 Ramona N. Davis, Trustee #51 Hulbert Avenue Realty Trust 9/25/95 Maintain an existing timber groin for shoreline stabilization for the protection of existing structures In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely over all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed at both the easterly and westerly sides of the groin. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 162 that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 6 OLD NORTH WF SMITH D VAN & ANN E 6175 Richard Lovelace 1/30/97 Maintain an existing catwalk and deck for residential use Licensee shall allow public to pass on foot for any public purpose 24 hours a day, within the area of the property lying seaward of the present high water mark. The purpose is to allow access in and across the intertidal zone located onsite for activities such as strolling, nature watching, and observation of the water, in addition to fishing, fowling, and navigation. The Licensee may adopt rules governing the publicly accessible areas within the site, subject to Department review, for the purpose of ensuring public health and safety and private property and to ensure public use and enjoyment by minimizing conflicts between user groups. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 4 OLD NORTH WF ANDREWS VIRGINIA F 5601 George Andrews 4/2/96 Maintain an existing boathouse, deck, and three tie-piles for storage of boats and other associated water-dependent purposes, and docking and boating access to navigable waters Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 14 TENNESSEE AV SHARP RANDOLPH JR 5359 Randolph G. Sharp 3/28/96 Maintain an existing pier, ramp, and pile-held float for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely over all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs and ladders shall be placed at both the easterly and westerly sides of the pier, adjacent to the mean high water shoreline. A ladder shall be constructed of durable materials, fixed to the pier in such a way as to not rest on the marsh, shall have a minimum width of 2 feet, and shall have adequate railings extending above the pier decking in order to facilitate safe passage. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 163 preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. If, at any time, pier reconstruction in excess of 50% is necessary, the Licensee shall raise the decking, within the intertidal zone, to provide a minimum clearance of 5 feet between the pier and the mean high water datum. Upon reconstruction, signs and ladders shall no longer be required. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 4 CHARLES ST GUMAER ELLIOTT W JR 8351 Allen P. Mills and Elliot W. Gumaer, Jr., Trustees of Mills Nominee Trust 10/29/99 Maintain an existing timber bulkhead, returns, and groins for shoreline stabilization for the protection of existing structures In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely over the timber groins. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 12 TENNESSEE AV CANTELLA DAVID V 8540 P&M Reis Trucking, Inc. & David V. Cantella 11/1/99 Maintain existing pier, ramp, and float for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely around all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed at both the easterly and westerly sides of the pier. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 164 derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. OLD SOUTH WF HESS WALTER R TR C/O NIR RETAIL LLC 8618 21 Commercial Wharf Nominee Trust 6/21/00 Maintain existing decks for residential use In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely around all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed at each property line, adjacent to the mean high water shoreline. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public foot passage is allowed from dawn to dusk within the property lying seaward of the high water mark. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 14 TENNESSEE AV SHARP RANDOLPH JR 8873 Randolph G. Sharp 8/8/01 Maintain an existing catwalk, ramp, and float for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely over all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed at both the easterly and westerly sides of the pier, adjacent to the high water shoreline. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public foot passage is allowed from dawn to dusk within the property lying seaward of the high water mark. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 165 fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public's right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 32 WASHINGTON ST KOTALAC RICHARD E JR 5296 Richard Kotalac, Jr. 1/19/96 Construct and maintain a two-story residential and commercial building, and an attached, one-story boathouse for the sale of marine supplies on the ground floor; upper floor residential purposes; and boat storage Licensee shall construct, landscape, and maintain in good repair a walkway along the southern property line. Walkway shall be a minimum of 5 feet wide, including a connection to the Town Pier, incorporate amenities such as lighting and trash receptacles, and consist of adequately compacted crushed shells or a similar material. Licensee shall reserve and maintain the open area, approx. 2200 sq. ft., between the seaward edge of the existing dune and the present low water mark, as public open space for all lawful purposes including, but not limited to strolling, swimming, other beach recreational activities. Licensee shall allow the storage of small boats and dinghies within the site's open space. Said storage shall occur along the landward portion of the beach area or within future storage racks if the town provides the racks. The public access conditions shall be available to the general public, free of charge, at a minimum from dawn to dusk. The areas should also be maintained, in good repair, clear and free from debris. Licensee may adopt rules governing the publicly accessible areas of the site, subject to prior review and written approval of the Department, as are necessary for the protection of public health and safety and private property, and to ensure public use and enjoyment by minimizing conflicts between user groups. Signage shall be posted, clearly visible from Washington Street and Town Pier. Signs shall be placed at all entryways, encourage public patronage of the facilities, state the hours of public access, and any reasonable rules for their use. At least one sign shall be places in a prominent location stating the waterways license number of the project and a location on the site where the license can be inspected by the public. Licensee shall prune and maintain the hedge row along the southern property line to an adequate width and height, to ensure views are enhanced and maintained from Washington Street to the water. In the event that the town develops a public access plan for this section of the waterfront, and said plan includes the construction of a boardwalk or similar facility
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 166 across the open space described above, the Licensee shall grant the town permission to construct the boardwalk. The licensee shall not restrict the public’s right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. Unless otherwise expressly provided by this license, the licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 16 MEDOUIE CREEK RD GRAY DAVID JR EST OF C/O HANST DALE E TR 7550 David M. Gray 10/6/98 Maintain an existing pier, gangway, floats, boat ramp and piles for noncommercial docking, and boating access to navigable waters In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely around all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed on both the easterly and westerly sides of the pier, adjacent to the mean high water shoreline. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public foot passage is allowed from dawn to dusk within the property lying seaward of the high water mark. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not restrict the public’s right to use and pass freely upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 16 NORTH RD STEVE JILL TRUST C/O NEW ENGLAND DEVELOPMENT 7242 The Steve Jill Trust 11/26/99 Maintain an existing bulkhead for shoreline stabilization for the protection of existing structures Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon. 113 MADAKET RD KELTZ GREGORY P & HEATHER B 7525 Gregory and Heather Keltz 6/19/98 Construct and maintain a catwalk with stairs, In accordance with any license condition, easement, or other public right of lateral passage that exists in the
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan May 2009 167 gangway, and float for noncommercial docking and boating access to navigable waters area of the subject property lying between the high and low water marks, the Licensee shall allow the public in the exercise of such rights, to pass freely over all structures in the intertidal area. Public access signs shall be placed on both the easterly and westerly sides of the catwalk, adjacent to the mean high water shoreline. Nothing in this condition shall be construed as preventing the licensee from excluding the public from portions of said structures or property not intended for lateral passage. Public shall be allowed to use and pass freely upon the area of the property lying between the high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling, navigation, and the natural derivatives thereof. The licensee shall not limit the hours of availability of any areas of the property designated for public passage, nor place any gates, fences, or other structures on such areas in a manner that would impede or discourage the free flow of pedestrian movement thereon.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 168
APPENDIX 4 - SHELLFISH MANAGEMENT PLAN OUTLINE
Purpose for developing a Shellfish Management Program
The two principal purposes for the development of a Shellfish Management Plan are:
• To manage the resource at a sustainable yield via resource definition and harvest monitoring, and
• To assign responsibility for the human effort associated with resource management including:
regulatory and planning authority, management and/or elimination of deleterious influences,
staffing, and budgets
The plan brings together all shellfish-related town data and history in one place to be used in
development of a management regime. It explains how management and enforcement will take place
and provides the background and reasoning behind regulations and other management decisions.
Finally, it establishes an approach to future shellfish management issues.
Note: Most of the material that follows was developed using Dave Whittaker’s
Shellfish Management Plan outline. He may be reached at the Massachusetts
Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), (508) 563-1779 ext. 126 or
David.Whitaker@state.ma.us. Mr. Whitaker also teaches a course in developing
a Shellfish Management Plan for the Massachusetts Shellfish Officer’s Course at
the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
Framework of a Shellfish Management Plan
A Shellfish Management Plan provides an opportunity and mechanism for a community to bring together,
in one document, all of the information available about how the town has managed shellfishing in the
past, how it is presently managed, and plans for future management.
1. Brief description of the town and its natural resources related to shellfish
This should be a brief, 1–2 paragraph overview of the town’s demographics and available shellfish area
a) Population of the town (both overall number and centers of concentration)
b) Coastline (total length, length related to shellfishing areas, types of shoreline (e.g. rocky, sandy,
etc.))
c) Brief description of shellfishing area(s) including a general description of species’ locations
2. Historical background of shellfishing in the town
This section can use graphs and charts to show summaries and trends of historical data. Some brief
narratives may be necessary or beneficial, particularly for sections b), f), g), and h)
a) Catch statistics (available through the Division of Marine Fisheries if not available in town
records)
b) Propagation activities (a brief overview of major historical activities used and their successes or
failures)
c) Commercial fisheries (species, techniques, volume, etc.)
d) Recreational fisheries (species, techniques, volume, etc.)
e) Aquaculture activities (a brief overview of major historical activities and their successes or
failures)
f) Diseases, die-offs, fish kills or other damages to the fishery
g) History of closures
h) Town structure/organization for managing the resources (i.e., role of Department of Marine
Resources, shellfish warden, Shellfish Advisory Board, Board of Health, etc.)
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 169
3. Budget Breakdown
This may be a copy of the Application For Reimbursement form sent annually by the town to the DMF
a) Personnel (including salaries and benefits)
b) Equipment (a listing of equipment and supplies with cost breakdowns for each)
c) Propagation costs (a listing by species and cost for each)
d) General expenses
4. Shellfish Resources
This section should include maps. Resource and habitat maps should indicate DMF-identified shellfish
growing areas.
a) Status of shellfish areas within the town
(1) Description of town management of areas, with maps and text
(2) State DMF classifications
b) Accessibility to the resources
(1) Shore vs. boat-only access
(2) Public access locations related to shellfishing
c) Resource and habitat maps
(1) Maps of current species locations (not including aquaculture)
(2) Maps with location of aquaculture leases (noting species)
(3) Maps of commercial and recreational shellfishing areas
5. Other Marine Resource Usage
Elements from Harbor Management Plans or the like may be used for this section, if they are available. It
is generally a good idea for fishery management to prioritize the most important shellfish areas to protect
them from potentially conflicting uses. List areas that are zoned for specific purposes, e.g., mooring
areas or dock-free zones. Ideally a map should be provided that shows each area and documents the
harbor in such a way that is it obvious where overlapping uses may occur.
a) Mooring areas and marinas
b) No discharge zones
c) Areas designated for waterskiing, personal watercraft, etc.
d) Locations of existing or proposed docks and piers
6. Resource Management
This is the most important element of the Shellfish Management Plan. This is the section in which the
town outlines its short- and long-term goals and plans for shellfish management and propagation. Short-
term plans should be specific, e.g., how much seed or relay stock will be planted when and where, what
areas will be “rotated” (providing maps, dates, etc.). How does the town assess harvest amounts (by sub-
areas) and how will the data be used. If applicable, charts may be used to show seasonal areas for relay
planting. Work in progress should be noted as well. It is useful to document what has and hasn’t worked
in the past.
a) Relays and transplants (noting areas planted with dates and amounts)
b) Seed programs
(1) If the town has an upweller or other grow-out program, note the amount to be produced and
when. Describe specific areas where planting will take place and when
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 170
(2) If the town intends to buy seed at plantable size, note the amount to be planted, where and
when
c) Predator control programs (describes which species, methods and techniques, and when they
are conducted)
d) Area rotations (specifically describe the boundaries for the areas, including maps; the dates of
opening and closing; and the amounts of species to be planted)
e) Law enforcement capabilities (note seasonal fluctuations, staff changes, etc.)
f) Future plans (note goals, plans for new programs, management of new types of equipment, etc.)
g) Maximum sustainable yield, maximum economic yield, and/or optimum sustainable yield. (If
standing crop is known, develop a maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for each management area.
Note that a MSY cannot effectively be developed without knowledge of the standing crop and a
dependable harvest reporting system.)
h) Harvest documentation methods, describing what catch reporting techniques will be used, who
will collect the data and how, how it will be analyzed and stored, and how it will be used relative to
developing or implementing a MSY, MEY, or OSY.
i) How implementation of the management plan will respond to unusual situations such as die-off,
exceptionally mild or harsh winters, etc. that can have a significant impact on the standing crop
7. Shellfish Lease Program
A map of leased areas is useful for this section.
a) Policy of the town regarding shellfish leases
b) Number and location (using maps) of existing leases
c) Estimated annual production (species and amounts)
8. Shellfish Permits
Very briefly list the types of permits to be issued and their respective fees. If the town has specific
residency time requirements or other requisites, make note of it.
a) Numbers of permits of various types issued and maximum number, if any
b) Fees for various categories of licenses issued
c) Requirements for the various types of licenses (residency, community service, etc.)
d) Processes by which permits are obtained and/or transferred
9. Rules and Regulations
A copy of the town’s current shellfish regulations
10. Other Related Programs
This section can provide brief descriptions and references to significant related activities that are on-going
or planned in the town.
i. Water quality programs
ii. Public education/outreach programs
iii. Special projects related to shellfishing
11. Appendices
Any additional pertinent information related to shellfishing in the town, e.g., a list of defined terms, a
bibliography of published reports and studies, etc.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 171
APPENDIX 5 - PARTIAL LIST OF WATER QUALITY DOCUMENTS
Title Author Organization Date
Nantucket Harbor Water Quality 2006 Annual
Report
Keith Conant, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 2006
Hummock Pond 2005 Monitoring Report George W. Knoecklein, Northeast
Aquatic Research
TON-MCRD Mar. 006
Miacomet Pond 2005 Annual Report Keith Conant, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Feb. 2006
Madaket Harbor/Long Pond 2005 Annual
Report
Keith Conant, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Jan. 2006
Madaket Harbor/Long Pond 2005 Sampling
Stations
Keith Conant, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Jan. 2006
Sesachacha Pond 2005 Annual Report Keith Conant, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Mar. 1, 2006
Nantucket Harbor Water Quality 2005 Annual
Report
Keith Conant, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Jan. 2006
Predicting Groundwater Nitrate
Concentration from Land Use
K.K. Gardner and M. Vogel GroundwaterVol. 43;
Issue 3; page 343
May 1, 2005
Evaluating Drainage Outfall: Nantucket,
Massachusetts
Earth Tech, Inc. TON-DPW Jan.1, 2005
Summary of Groundwater, Surface Water
and Gas sampling Results, Nantucket
Landfill
Camp Dresser & McKee TON-DPW Apr. 2004
Nantucket Harbor Water Quality 2004 Annual
Report
Tracy Curley, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 2004
Report of the Nantucket Harbor Watershed
Workgroup
Nantucket Harbor Watershed Work
Group
TON Jun. 1, 2003
Nantucket Harbor Water Quality 2003 Annual
Report
Tracy Curley, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 2003
Nantucket Harbor Water Quality 2002 Annual
Report
Tracy Curley, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 2002
Nantucket Groundwater Nitrate Study
(Thesis)
Kristen Gardner Nantucket Land
Council has copy
2002
Madaket Harbor Circulation Study (Project
01-11/MWI)
Ward, M.C. and J.C. Swanson. Applies Science
Associates
Narragansett, RI
2002
Southwest Polpis Harbor Bacteria Study Comac Collier Nantucket Land
Council
2001
Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen
Transects for Nantucket Harbor 2001
Keith Conant, Assistant Town
Biologist
TON-MCRD Mar. 12, 2002
Nantucket Harbor Water Quality 2001 Annual
Report
Tracy Curley, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 2001
Sesachacha Pond Annual Report 2001 Tracy Curley, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 2001
Miacomet Pond, Nantucket, Massachusetts,
Annual Report 2001
Tracy Curley, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 2001
Hummock Pond, Nantucket, Massachusetts,
Annual Report 2001
Tracy Curley, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Feb. 2002
Nantucket Harbor Water Quality 2000 Annual
Report
Tracy Curley, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 2000
Islands Watershed 2000 Water Quality
Assessment Report
Susan G. Connors, DEP/ Div. Of
Watershed Management
Report Number: 97-
AC-2
DWM Control
Number: CN 084.0
Sept. 2003
Hummock Pond, Annual Report Janua–y -
December 2000
Tracy Curley, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 2000
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 172
Miacomet Pond Annual Report 2000 Tracy Curley, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 2000
Land-derived nitrogen loading to Nantucket
Harbor,
I. Valeila, et al. Boston Univ. Marine
Program
May, 2000
Sesachacha Pond Annual Report Janua–y -
December 2000
Tracy Curley, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 2000
Pond Sampling Report for Miacomet Site 1
and Site 2
Envirotech Laboratories, Inc. TON-MCRD Apr.10, 2000
Pond Sampling Report for Miacomet Site 1
and Site 2
Envirotech Laboratories, Inc. TON-MCRD Jul. 5, 2000
Nantucket Harbor Water Quality Monitoring
January - November 1999
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 1999
Sesachacha Pond Annual Report January -
December 1999
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1999
Miacomet Pond Annual Report January -
December 1999
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1999
Nantucket Harbor Monitoring Report, 1998 George W. Knoecklein, Northeast
Aquatic Research
TON-MCRD Sept. 15, 1999
Sesachacha Pond Annual Report January -
December 1998
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1998
Beach Water Sampling Results Summary '97 Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 1997
Hummock Pond 1997 Annual Report
January - December
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1997
Memo re: Miacomet Po–d - first draft of
report
Marc Bellaud Aquatic Control
Technology, Inc.
Dec. 5, 1997
Nantucket Harbor Water Quality Annual
Report January - December 1997
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Jan. 1998
Sesachacha Pond Annual Report January -
December 1997
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1997
Sesachacha Nutrient Data 19–5 - 1997 (table
5)
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 1997
1997 Goose Pond/Consue Springs
Assessment Report
George W. Knoecklein TON-MCRD Jul. 1, 1997
Nantucket Harbor Study: A quantitative
assessment of the environmental health of
Nantucket Harbor for the development of a
nutrient management plan
B. Howes, et al. TON Jun. 19, 1995
Hummock Pond 1996 Annual Report
January - December
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist Town of Nantucket
Shellfish & Marine
Department
Dec. 1996
Nantucket Harbor Water Quality 1996 Annual
Report January - December 1996
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1996
Sesachacha Pond Annual Report January -
December 1996
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1996
The Effects of Pond Opening on surface and
groundwater dynamics and Quality,
Hummock Pond, Nantucket Island, MA
Theresa Miller, M.S. Thesis Univ of NH May, 1996
Long Pond Annual Report 1996 January -
December
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD 1996
Hummock Pond Annual Report January -
December 1995
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1995
Miacomet Pond Annual Report January -
December 1995
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1995
Surface Water Nutrient Flux from the Mill
Brook Watershed: Cranberry bogs,
freshwater marshes and nutrient input to the
Nantucket/Polpis Harbor System
B. Howes and N.P. Millham Biology Dept. WHOI 1995
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 173
Water Quality for Nantucket Harbor Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1995
Sesachacha Pond Annual Report January -
December 1995
Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1995
Long Pond Progress Report 1995 Tracy Sundell, Town Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 1995
Simulation of the effects of ground-water
withdrawals and recharge on groundwater
flow in Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and
Nantucket Island Basins
J.P. Masterson and P.M. Barlow USGS Open File
report 94-0316
1994
Update, Point Source Study TON-MCRD Aug. 26, 1994
Miacomet Pond 1994 (Results from 19–2 -
1994)
Tracy Sundell, Marine Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 31, 1994
Sesachacha Pond 1994 Annual Report Tracy Sundell, Marine Biologist TON-MCRD Dec. 31, 1994
Overview of Nantucket Fresh Ponds: 1991 –
1992
Brian L. Howes and Dale D.
Goehringer
Biology Department,
WHOI
Jun. 22, 1993
Sampling Results from 1993 T. Curley and A. Reinhard TON-MCRD 1993
Progress Report, Point Source Study Health and Marine Departments TON-MCRD Aug. 7, 1992
Nutrient related water quality of Nantucket
Harbor: Interim Report
Brian L. Howes and Dale D.
Goehringer
TON-MCRD 1992
Wildlife Habitat Evaluation, Long Pond,
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
IEP, Inc. Prepared for Tris’am's
Long Pond Owners
Association
May 22, 1990
Nantucket Harbor Nitrogen Inputs Chart
(followed by Polpis Cranberry Bog Study)
B. Howes, et al. Biology Department,
WHOI
1990
Final Report: Nantucket Water Resources
Management Plan
Horsley Witten and Hegerman, Inc. Prepared for TON 1990
Preliminary Water Quality Survey: Nantucket
Harbor to Wauwinet Harbor: Technical
Report to the TON
Brian L. Howes and Dale D.
Goehringer
Prepared for TON 1989
Nutrient conditions in Sesachacha Pond,
Massachusetts. Technical Report prepared
for Aubrey Consulting, Inc. and the Town of
Nantucket, Mass
Brian L. Howes and Dale D.
Goehringer
Prepared for TON 1989
Estimating Recharge Rates to the sand and
gravel aquifer using tritium, Nantucket MA
J.F. Knott and J.C. Olimpio USGS Water Supply
Paper 2297
1986
Nantucket Island: Sole Source Aquifer
determination: EPA 49 FR 2952
William D. Ruckelshaus US EPA 1984
Water Resources of Nantucket Island,
Massachusetts
E.H. Walker USGS Hydrological
Investigation HA 615
1980
Note: This table is modeled on the Cape Cod Water Reports Database from the 2004 Cape Cod Watershed Action Plan Mass
EOEA Appendix
These references only include water quality papers, many biological and geological papers exist and should be compiled in a
general Nantucket Science database
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 174
APPENDIX 6 - WATER QUALITY WEBSITES FOR NANTUCKET
This list includes the most current water quality data available for Nantucket’s harbors and the Mass
DEP’s recent recommendations and science related to nitrogen inputs and Total Minimum Daily Loads
(TMDL) for 89 Massachusetts embayments. If you want to understand the issues facing the Cape and
Islands regarding protection of our harbors, beaches, and watershed, please read the following
documents. A copy or link to each of these will also be posted on: www.nantucketharborplan.com
• Town of Nantucket Department of Marine and Coastal Resources water quality reports:
www.nantucket-ma.gov/departments/marine
• Mass DEP coastal resources and estuaries home page
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/brochure.htm
• Eelgrass Maps http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/maps/eelgrass/eelgrass.htm
• Massachusetts Center for Environmental Health including Beach water quality reports
http://www.mass.gov/dph/beha/tox/reports/beach/beaches.htm or http://www.mass.gov/dph/ceh
• Coliform testing at Nantucket beaches:
http://mass.digitalhealthdepartment.com/public_21/beaches.cfm?btown=Nantucket
• “Islands Watershed 2000 Water Quality Assessment Report” on the MADEP website:
http://www.mass.gov/dep/brp/wm/wqassess.htm
• The Massachusetts Estuaries Project “Embayment Restoration and Guidance for Implementation
Strategies”. Everything you ever wanted to know about nitrogen inputs, stormwater effects, and
how the Estuaries Project TMDL results will be implemented and evaluated. Long, but very
comprehensive and helpful. http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/mamep.doc
• Also helpful: Massachusetts Estuaries Project Site-Specific Nitrogen Thresholds for Southeastern
Massachusetts Embayments: Critical Indicators Interim Report
www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/nitroest.pdf
• Total Maximum Daily Loads; the basics: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/islands1.pdf and
draft TMDL’s for the islands http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/islands1.pdf
• How do we get these results and what do they mean? “Nitrogen Modeling to Support Watershed
Management: Comparison of Approaches and Sensitivity Analysis”
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/nitrpt.pdf#search=%22Nantucket%20Harbor%20%2B%2
0fertilizers%20%2B%20nitrogen%20%22
• Where does it go and how fast? “Ground-Water Recharge Areas and Traveltimes to Pumped Wells,
Ponds, Streams, and Coastal Water Bodies, Cape Cod, Massachusetts”
http://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/2004/2857/
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 175
APPENDIX 7 – WATERSHED DESIGNATION
Chapter 99: Designation of the Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Watershed
Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Nantucket 4-12-1999 by Art. 70, approved 8-10-
1999. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES Zoning — See Ch. 139.
§ 99-1. Purpose. [Amended 4-15-2003 ATM by Art. 64, approved 7-22-2003]
It is hereby resolved and declared that Nantucket and Madaket harbors are valuable environmental,
economic, recreational, and aesthetic resources.
§ 99-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
MADAKET HARBOR WATERSHED — The area constituting the watershed for Madaket Harbor, as
described in a technical report entitled “Nantucket Water Resources Management Plan”, 1990, by
Horsley, Witten, Hegemann, Inc., and as delineated on a map entitled “Madaket Harbor Watershed”,
Nantucket GIS, dated January, 2003. [Added 4-15-2003 ATM by Art. 64, approved 7-22-2003]
NANTUCKET HARBOR WATERSHED — The area constituting the watershed for Nantucket Harbor, as
described in a technical report entitled "Nantucket Water Resources Management Plan," 1990, by
Horsley, Witten, Hegemann, Inc., and as delineated on a map entitled "Nantucket Harbor Watershed,"
Nantucket GIS, dated January, 1999.
§ 99-3. Strategies and activities within watersheds. [Amended 4-15-2003 ATM by Art. 64, approved
7-22-2003]
A. The Nantucket and Madaket Harbor Watersheds encompass those areas of the Town, based on the
definition of the harbors’ watersheds, within which human activities may affect the quality of the
waters of Nantucket and Madaket Harbors.
B. It is in the public interest to delineate the boundaries of the Nantucket and Madaket Harbor
Watersheds, thus providing a frame of reference for diverse, multijurisdictional strategies and
activities which promote the purposes of this section. In the future, these activities might include
structural improvements (i.e., dredging or other activities to enhance water circulation, extension of
sanitary sewers/package treatment facilities to mitigate septic discharges, the retrofit of storm
drainage systems to reduce nutrient loading, and the development of planning contingencies and
improvements devised to support spill containment), and regulatory activities, such as public health
regulations. Open space preservation activities, such as land acquisition and implementation of
conservation restrictions, by the Land Bank Commission and other governmental and nonprofit
entities are encouraged within the watershed, because they reduce the land use impacts which can
degrade the water quality of these harbors. It is also important that educational strategies devised to
inform the public of ways to preserve the harbors’ water quality have defined watersheds as frames of
reference.
§ 99-4. Applicability.
Nothing in this chapter shall have any effect upon or applicability to the Zoning Bylaw of the Town of
Nantucket (Nantucket Code, Chapter 139), nor shall this chapter regulate expressly or impliedly any land
use or operate in any manner as a land use regulation.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 176
APPENDIX 8 – PUBLIC MEETINGS
Date Time Location Topics
August 29, 2005 4:00-6:00 pm Siasconset Casino Open discussion; introduction and all topics
September 20, 2005 5:30-7:30 pm Madaket Admiralty Hall
Open discussion; introduction and all Madaket
Harbor topics
September 28, 2005 7:00-9:00 pm Town Building Preliminary report to Board of Selectmen
October 3, 2005 7:00-9:00 pm Nantucket High School
Commercial & recreational fishing; harbor safety,
navigation & moorings
October 4, 2005 4:00-6:00 pm Nantucket High School Public access; tourism and recreation
October 17, 2005 4:00-6:00 pm Nantucket High School Water quality; natural resource protection
October 18, 2005 4:00-6:00 pm Nantucket High School Downtown waterfront
February 15, 2007 6:30-9:00 pm Nantucket High School Public comment on draft plan
February 22, 2007 6:30-9:00 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road Planning Board Public Meeting
Date Time Location Topics
August 17, 2006 10:00-noon 37 Washington Street State approval scoping session
Date Time Location Topics
August 17, 2006 1:00-3:00 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road Introduction and issues
August 24, 2006 4:00-6:00 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road Water quality
August 31, 2006 4:00-6:00 pm 37 Washington Street Docks and piers
September 7, 2006 4:00-6:00 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road Fisheries and natural resources
September 14, 2006 4:00-6:00 pm 37 Washington Street Chapter 91 and the harbor plan
September 21, 2006 4:00-6:00 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road Public access and zoning
September 28, 2006 4:00-6:00 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road Other issues, review
October 19, 2006 4:00-6:00 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road Review draft goals, objectives, recommendations
October 25, 2006 4:00-6:00 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road
Continue review of goals, objectives,
recommendations
November 8, 2006 6:00-8:00 pm Town Building Presentation of draft to Board of Selectmen
January 12, 2007 1:00-3:00 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road Review and revision of draft plan
March 14, 2007 4:00-6:30 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road Review and address public comments
March 29, 2007 4:00-6:30 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road Review of plan and warrant articles
April 26, 2007 1:00-6:20 pm 2 Fairgrounds Road Final review of public comments
Public Input Meetings
Meeting with Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan Review Committee
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 177
APPENDIX 9 – CHAPTER 137: TOWN WHARVES AND WATERWAYS
Taken from the Code of the Town of Nantucket (as of May 2, 2007)
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Nantucket 4-5-1983 by Art. 28,
approved 5-9-1984. Amendments noted where applicable.]
§ 137-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
DIVER — Includes swimmers using fins and/or masks and/or snorkel tubes or self-contained
underwater breathing devices and may include those diving without aids, where the circumstances are
appropriate.
GRAY WATER — In Nantucket waters as defined above, gray water is a vessel’s water/soap
discharge, which is derived from galley, bath, showers, dishwashing and laundry equipment. [Added 4-
15-2003 ATM by Art. 62, approved 6-30-2003]
HARBOR MASTER (MARINE SUPERINTENDENT) — Chief Harbor Master, duly empowered by the
General Laws of the commonwealth.
IMMEDIATE FAMILY — Parents, grandparents, children, sister, brother, and spouse. [Added 4-4-2006
ATM by Art. 63, approved 8-2-2006]
MOOR — Any space wherein a vessel is confined by wet slip, float, mooring, rack, sling, haul-out,
trailer or other type of docking facility. [Added 4-4-2006 ATM by Art. 63, approved 8-2-2006]
NANTUCKET WATERWAYS or WATERWAYS — Includes all of the navigable waters within the
boundaries of the Town, which shall include all harbors, rivers, bays or ponds, including waterways
which, from time to time, may be temporarily nonnavigable by reason of low tides, drought or seasonal
weather and water conditions.
PERSONS — Includes individuals, corporations, societies, associations, partnerships and trusts.
RESCUE PERSONNEL — State and federal law enforcement officials, Nantucket Fire Department,
Police Department, Marine and Coastal Resources Department personnel and Nantucket Sheriff's
Department Dive Team members. [Added 4-10-2000 ATM by Art. 56, approved 8-2-2000]
§ 137-2. Town wharf use regulations.
A. Except in an emergency, no boats shall be made fast to any of the Town's wharves, floats or piers
without the permission of the Harbor Master.
B. There shall be no scaling or cleaning of fish or shellfish on any of the Town's wharves, ramps, floats
or piers from Brant Point inward of Nantucket Harbor or in Hither Creek from Jackson's Point inward.
C. No person shall leave any boat or vessel, fishing equipment, fish or any other personal property upon
Town landing places, floats, wharves or pier for longer than is necessary in the act of loading or
unloading the same to and from boats or vehicles.
D. The Town shall not be responsible for any loss or damage to boats or vessels at the Town wharves,
floats, pier or moorings. Owners will be held responsible for damage caused by them or their vessels
to structures and pilings and related facilities owned by the Town.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 178
E. No warp or line shall be passed across the channels or any dock so as to obstruct or interfere with
vessels navigating in the area.
F. Except in an emergency, no boats shall fuel at any of the Town's wharves, floats or piers without the
permission of the Harbor Master. [Added 4-4-2006 ATM by Art. 63, approved 8-2-2006]
§ 137-3. Additional use regulations.
A. The Board of Selectmen shall have the power to establish standard contracts and contract terms and
fees for the rental of wharves, slips, docks and moorings.
B. Tug boats, cargo boats and any other boats used for commercial purposes (other than charter boats
and commercial fishing boats) shall not be permitted to moor at the Nantucket Town pier or wharves
in Madaket, except by permission of the Board of Selectmen or Harbor Master, as appropriate.
C. All boats or vessels using the Town wharves shall observe all police, fire, health and sanitary
regulations of the Town, and the owners or operators of such boats shall not permit acts contrary to
good order, public safety or public health, including public profanity or obscene language or indecent
exposure. Unnecessary noise, loud talking or playing of musical instruments between the hours of
11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. is not permitted. No person upon such boats shall throw garbage, paper,
refuse or debris of any kind into the harbor.
D. No vessel or watercraft of any kind whatsoever which is unseaworthy or in badly deteriorated
condition or which is likely to injure a person or damage private or public property or which might
become a menace to navigation shall be permitted to moor in Town waters or tie up at the Town
wharves. The Harbor Master may determine whether any watercraft is unseaworthy, dangerous or in
a badly deteriorated condition to render it unsafe. Upon making such a determination, the Harbor
Master shall give notice to the owner, in writing, of such determination as follows: (a) if the owner is
known, then by mail or hand-delivery; (b) if the owner is unknown, then by publication in a newspaper
of general circulation within the Town. If, after 10 days following the publication or written notice as
provided in the preceding sentence, the owner has failed to remedy the conditions leading to the
determination, the Harbor Master may take appropriate steps for removal of same. At any time, the
Harbor Master, notwithstanding the foregoing, may act immediately in the event of an emergency to
take appropriate steps for immediate removal of any watercraft that presents an eminent threat to life
or property; provided, however, that as soon as practicable after taking such action, notice of the
action taken shall be provided in the manner set forth in this section. If, after 30 days from the date of
notice or publication, the owner of the removed vessel shall fail to reimburse the Town for removal
costs, the vessel may then, at the discretion of the Harbor Master, be sold at public auction to cover
the costs of removal. If said auction produces surplus proceeds after payment of the costs of removal,
said surplus shall be held in a separate account and be paid over to the owner upon proof of
ownership. This shall not be deemed to apply to vessels in immediate distress as a result of current
emergencies. [Amended 4-12-1999 ATM by Art. 69, approved 8-10-1999; 4-12-2004 ATM by Art.
48, approved 9-3-2004]
E. Advertising signs on vessels or wharves will not be permitted at any Town-owned wharf, ramp or pier,
except commercial slips. [Amended 4-4-2006 ATM by Art. 63, approved 8-2-2006]
F. Repairing (other than emergency and maintenance repairs of minor nature), overhauling and/or
remodeling of any watercraft at Town wharves or ramps is prohibited.
G. All persons liable for injuring or damaging Town-owned wharves and properties shall forthwith
reimburse the Town in an amount equal to the cost of repairing (new for old) such damage, as
determined by the Marine Department or Board of Selectmen.
H. Commercial or business use of any vessel or watercraft docked at any Town-owned dock, pier or
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 179
wharf is prohibited, except:
(1) Charter or commercial fishing boats; or other uses defined as "water dependent" within the
meaning of MGL c. 91, § 1, provided that such uses and the vessels employed in such uses are
first allocated dock space in accordance with regulations to be adopted by the Board of
Selectmen after a public hearing. [Amended 4-10-2000 ATM by Art. 57, approved 8-2-2000]
I. Effective May 1, 1990, no vessel or watercraft of any kind whatsoever which is painted with paints
containing butyltin compounds shall be permitted to moor in Town waters or tie up at the Town
wharves, whether private or public. [Added 4-10-1989 ATM by Art. 117, approved 7-24-1989]
§ 137-4. Mooring regulations.
A. Any vessel habitually moored in Nantucket shall obtain a mooring permit from the Harbor Master. No
permit for a mooring, float or raft shall be transferable to another person, except to a person within the
immediate family of the permittee upon approval of the Harbor Master. [Amended 4-4-2006 ATM by
Art. 63, approved 8-2-2006]
B. All moorings must be registered and no mooring shall be placed or maintained in any of the waters of
the Town without the approval of and registration by the Marine Department. Only vessels owned by
the person holding the permit or lawfully in the possession of persons lawfully entitled to possession
and use of a boat for the season for which a mooring is granted, and displaying the proper sticker, will
be allowed to fasten to the mooring. The permit may be issued for one or more vessels under
common control, but only one vessel can be fastened to a mooring at any time. Subletting of moorings
is prohibited. [Amended 11-13-1990 STM by Art. 48, approved 3-19-1991; 4-10-2002 ATM by Art.
50, approved 7-31-2002]
C. All applications for a permanent mooring space in any Nantucket harbor or waterway shall be
submitted in writing on an approved form to the Marine Department. At the time of application if the
applicant does not own a boat or is not a person lawfully entitled to possession and use of a boat for
the season for which a mooring is granted, no mooring permit will be issued. If an individual holds a
valid mooring permit and sells his/her rights to the boat with the intention of replacing it, he/she will
have 12 months to replace the boat. If, at the end of 12 months, the boat has not been replaced, the
mooring permit shall be forfeited. [Amended 4-10-2002 ATM by Art. 50, approved 7-31-2002]
D. No boat shall use a mooring within the Town unless the mooring meets the following minimum
standards:
Length of Boat (feet) Mushroom Mooring (pounds)Concrete Block Mooring
Under 14 50
15 to 18 75
19 to 22 100 Subject to individual approval
23 to 28 150
29 to 32 200
33 to 50 500*
51 to 65 700
Over 65 Subject to ruling by Harbor Master
*NOTE: Three hundred to 400 pounds may be used where holding ground warrants, subject to
E. Scope and size of chain on moorings. Length of mooring chain shall be at least the vertical height
above the sea bottom to four feet above mean high water. Moorings for boats up to 26 feet in length
shall have a chain of 3/8 inch or larger; moorings for boats from 26 feet to 40 feet shall have a chain
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 180
of 1/2 inch or larger; and mooring for boats from 40 feet or larger in overall length shall use a chain of
5/8 inch. Maximum length of chain shall be no more than 2.5 times the maximum depth of the water,
except where the Harbor Master determines otherwise. The location of all moorings shall be
determined from time to time by the Harbor Master. No mooring shall be located in the main stream or
any channel of any of the harbors of the Town, unless, in the opinion of the Harbor Master, the
particular circumstances require it. Moorings shall be located so that vessels lying on them shall not
block any channel or approach to wharves or other moorings in the vicinity or create any other hazard
to navigation. If used, pennant length shall be twice the distance from the bow chock to the water line.
Pennant line size shall be 3/8 inch for boats up to 10 feet, 7/16 inch for boats 21 feet to 30 feet, 1/2
nylon for boats 31 feet to 40 feet.
F. Any mooring may be inspected and its owner may be ordered by the Harbor Master to remove or
relocate it whenever, in the judgment of the Harbor Master, the safety of other vessels or the optimum
use of the area requires such action. The expense of such removal or relocation shall be the
responsibility of the owner. Except in emergency situations, an owner shall have at least 14 days to
relocate or remove a mooring when so ordered by the Harbor Master. All private moorings shall be
removed from any shellfish areas prior to October 15. [Amended 5-4-1993 ATM by Art. 52,
approved 5-24-1993]
G. Each mooring buoy, both summer and winter, shall be painted white and have a minimum one-inch
blue band visible above the water and shall be marked with numbers assigned by the Harbor Master
Department. The numbers and/or letters shall be a minimum of three inches in height and be clearly
visible at all times. Spar buoys shall be upright at all times and not less than 40º at any period of tide
and not less than 18 inches exposed. Mooring buoys shall be of customary shape and materials, and
the Harbor Master may order the removal of any buoys deemed to be inappropriate in form or
appearance. A mooring permit sticker assigned by the Harbor Master shall be affixed to the port side
of the bow or the port side of the mast on classic-design wooden sailboats. The number will
correspond with the number on the mooring float. [Amended 11-13-1990 STM by Art. 48, approved
3-19-1991; 5-4-1993 ATM by Art. 52, approved 5-24-1993]
H. Any existing mooring in place prior to April 5, 1983, shall be allowed to remain in place, provided that
it meets the inspection criteria defined above. The owner of said mooring shall be allowed to upgrade
to any new standards as defined by this chapter. Nothing in the Code of the Town of Nantucket shall
affect the ability, power and duty of the Town and any other governmental entity to relocate moorings
for the purpose of opening or maintaining a channel or main stream or for the Town and/or any other
governmental entity to exercise rights, if any, to preserve and protect the public's right of navigation.
Editor's Note: Former Subsection I, restricting moorings for certain nonresidents, added 4-10-1989
ATM by Art. 118, approved 7-24-1989, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 4-4-
2006 ATM by Art. 63, approved 8-2-2006. [Amended 4-12-1999 ATM by Art. 69, approved 8-10-
1999]
§ 137-5. Mooring permits.
A. Permits for the use of mooring spaces shall be for a period of one year, or any fraction thereof,
terminating on December 31 of each year, unless revoked by the Harbor Master for good cause, and
shall be renewable annually for one year. Payment for mooring permits shall be made in full before
the permit will be issued. [Amended 4-10-2002 ATM by Art. 49, approved 7-31-2002]
B. In areas where no additional spaces are available, applicants therefor shall be placed on a continuing
waiting list maintained at the office of the Harbor Master. The waiting list shall be a public document
and shall be posted conspicuously. The waiting list shall include all applicants for moorings in
chronological order of application, regardless of the applicants' preferences for particular mooring
locations. The person at the top of the waiting list shall have priority to obtain the next available
location, but may waive the right to the next available location if it is not in a place convenient for him
or her without losing his or her place at the top of the waiting list. In the event of a waiver, the next
person on the list shall be offered the location, and if that person waives the right to the location, the
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 181
next successive person shall be offered the location, et cetera, until someone in succession on the list
takes it and registers a mooring there. Notice to the person entitled to the next available mooring shall
be in writing or by any reasonable method.
C. All boats 10 feet or under, without power, shall be exempt from this section.
D. All dinghies not in use between October 15 and April 1 on property controlled by the Town, shall be
removed to the owner's property. [Added 4-4-2006 ATM by Art. 63, approved 8-2-2006]
§ 137-6. Hazards to navigation.
Moorings, buoys, lobster pots, crab pots, eel pots or other obstacles that will cause or create a hazard to
navigation shall not be placed in areas usually used as channels for navigation. In cases of doubt, the
Harbor Master shall be consulted in advance before setting them in place. Hazards to navigation shall be
subject to summary removal by the Harbor Master, without notice or hearing, and neither the Harbor
Master nor the Town shall be responsible for any losses to the owners thereof caused by such removal.
§ 137-7. Abandonment of vessels, moorings, etc.
A. Except in a maritime emergency currently affecting those aboard or others in the immediate vicinity,
no vessel, mooring or other object shall be deliberately abandoned, sunk or otherwise placed in
waters within the Town of Nantucket where it may constitute a hazard. Any abandoned, sunk or
improperly placed vessel, mooring or object so found and any vessel otherwise improperly secured,
swamped, sunk, washed ashore or found in a restricted area may be ordered by the Harbor Master to
be removed or relocated. The Harbor Master shall give notice to the owner, in writing, of his order as
follows: (a) if the owner is known, then by mail or hand-delivery; (b) if the owner is unknown, then by
publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the Town. If, after 10 days following the
publication or written notice as provided in the preceding sentence, the owner has failed to remedy the
conditions leading to the order, the Harbor Master may take appropriate steps for removal or
relocation of same. At any time, the Harbor Master, notwithstanding the foregoing, may act
immediately in the event of an emergency to take appropriate steps for immediate removal or
relocation of any watercraft that presents an imminent threat to life or property; provided, however,
that as soon as practicable after taking such action, notice of the action taken shall be provided in the
manner set forth in this section. If, after 30 days, the owner of the removed vessel shall fail to
reimburse the Town for removal or relocation costs, the vessel may then, at the discretion of the
Harbor Master, be sold at public auction to cover the costs of removal or relocation. If said auction
produces surplus proceeds after payment of the costs of removal, said surplus shall be held in a
separate account and be paid over to the owner upon proof of ownership. [Amended 4-12-1999 ATM
by Art. 69, approved 8-10-1999; 4-12-2004 ATM by Art. 48, approved 9-3-2004]
B. Nothing in the above shall be deemed to prevent emergency action by the Harbor Master with or
without notice to the owner if, in his judgment, such action is necessary.
§ 137-8. Diving from wharves prohibited.
There shall be no diving from any public wharves, piers or from any bulkheads abutting any waterways of
the Town.
§ 137-9. Underwater divers.
Divers using fins and/or masks and/or snorkel tubes or self-contained underwater breathing devices,
except within designated and marked swimming areas, shall:
A. While diving, display a standard diver's flag consisting of a red field with a white diagonal stripe of a
size not less than 12 inches by 15 inches.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 182
B. Display such flag prominently on a float or other similar device which shall hold such flag upright and
shall extend vertically a minimum distance of three feet from the surface of the water so as to be
visible to passing boats.
C. Stay within 100 feet of the aforementioned flag or move the flag on said float or device with him while
he is submerged and return to the surface within 100 feet of said flag.
D. No diver shall operate in properly marked or customary boat channels unless, for special purposes,
permission is granted in advance by the Harbor Master. The diver shall have the responsibility to
inquire of the Harbor Master about the location of customary boat channels if he is in doubt about the
situation.
E. On approaching a diver's flag, all boats must proceed with caution and shall remain outside a one-
hundred-foot radius from said diver's flag.
F. Divers operating at night shall be equipped with and use appropriate underwater lights, in addition to
displaying the aforementioned diver's flag.
§ 137-10. Town launching ramps.
A. The usage of Town launching ramps shall be controlled from time to time by rules established by the
Board of Selectmen and posted. These rules may include control of temporary parking of boat trailers
and motor vehicles at or near the approach to each ramp.
B. With the exception of charter or commercial fishing boats or a storm/repair emergency, persons using
Town ramps for hauling of larger boats requiring cradles shall do so only with permission, in advance,
in writing, from the Harbor Master. Cradles and/or boats shall not remain on the Town ramps for more
than one hour.
§ 137-11. Pollution. [Amended 5-17-1988 ATM by Art. 103, approved 9-28-1988; 4-10-1989 ATM by
Art. 112, approved 7-24-1989; 5-4-1993 ATM by Art. 52, approved 5-24-1993; 4-12-1999 ATM by Art.
69; approved 8-10-1999; 4-10-2000 ATM by Art. 55, approved 8-2-2000; 4-30-2003 ATM by Art. 63,
approved 8-27-2003]
A. The dumping or discharge of oil, sewage, dead fish, garbage, waste, rubbish or debris of any kind
anywhere so as to pollute the waters, shores or beaches of the Town is prohibited. The use of on-
board laundry or mechanical dishwashing machinery with over-board discharge is also prohibited in
Nantucket waterways as defined in § 137-1. In support of the August 17, 1992, federal designation of
Nantucket waters as a federal no-discharge zone, the discharge from all vessels of any sewage,
whether treated or not, into such waters is prohibited. By May 1, 1990, all commercial piers, private
and public, shall be equipped with working pump-out facilities. Facilities at each pier shall be at least
adequate to fully service the maximum number of maximum-sized vessels able to tie up at that pier. In
addition, the facility at the Town Pier in Nantucket Harbor shall be adequate to fully service all vessels
both moored in the harbor and tied up at that pier.
B. Any violations of this section will incur penalties of $300. Each day or part thereof during which a
discharge or dumping occurs shall constitute a separate violation. Subsequent violations may result in
a denial of use of Town of Nantucket-owned and/or -operated port facilities or moorings. Any such
denial shall be issued by the Harbormaster, after a hearing, subject to the right of the offender to an
appeal to the Board of Selectmen, or, if applicable to the Department of Environmental Protection,
pursuant to MGL c. 91, § 10A.
§ 137-12. Waterskiing.
A. Waterskiing is prohibited on all waterways of the Town, except outside of navigation channels and
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 183
swimming and mooring areas on Nantucket Sound, Polpis Harbor and Madaket Harbor. Waterskiers
and boats towing them shall not operate in or across navigation channels at any time.
B. Waterskiing, as hereinbefore permitted, is subject to the provisions of the General Laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to the further restriction that there shall be no waterskiing
within 400 feet of bathers, divers, piers, wharves, floats, other boats or of any shore. "Waterskiing"
shall include motor-propelled surfboards and water bikes and the towing or manipulation of a
surfboard or other similar device behind a motorboat. Waterskiing in approved areas shall only be
done during daylight hours. [Amended 4-10-1989 ATM by Art. 110, approved 7-24-1989]
C. Said propelled surfboards may navigate along regular channels of navigation to reach and return from
open waters where they are permitted to operate but shall not interfere with the operation of other
vessels.
§ 137-13. Floats.
The placement of outhauls, temporary floats and/or rafts held by anchors or bottom moorings shall be
subject to written approval of the Harbor Master. All such outhauls, floats or rafts will be identified with
registration numbers assigned by the Harbor Master. Numbers assigned shall be permanently affixed to
the land and seaward side of the float or raft in contrasting color and shall be a minimum of three inches
in size.
§ 137-14. Occupancy of vessels. [Amended 5-4-1993 ATM by Art. 52, approved 5-24-1993]
No vessel, while said vessel is used as a residence, may remain overnight or be used as a residence in
Nantucket harbors unless equipped with sewage holding tanks. All mooring permit applicants must
provide the Harbor Master with a local contact who, within six hours' notice from the Harbor Master, will
be available to aid the Harbor Master in the event of an emergency concerning the applicant's boat.
§ 137-15. Fish cars.
All fish cars in navigable waters of the Town shall be subject to the approval of the Harbor Master and
shall be plainly marked according to law so that they shall be visible at all times. Stakes shall not be
driven to be used for mooring any vessel or boat or for tying up any fish car, unless, in the judgment of
the Harbor Master, their use will not be an obstruction. All cars shall be attached to a land point so that
the attaching line does not exceed 10 feet beyond the mean low waterline. The Harbor Master may
terminate any permission previously granted where, in his judgment, such termination is appropriate.
§ 137-16. Speed. [Amended 5-4-1993 ATM by Art. 52, approved 5-24-1993]
Within the outermost end of Jackson's Point inward and through the area defined within a line drawn from
Coatue Point to the West Jetty on a two-hundred-seventy-degree magnetic heading, marked by an
appropriate informational buoy and signs maintained by the Town, with the exception of designated areas
for waterskiing, vessels shall be operated at the speed of which they can maintain steerage way and
create a minimum wake, and in no case shall they be operated at more than posted speed limits. This
rule shall not apply to vessels engaged in emergency operations.
§ 137-17. Compatibility with other regulations.
Nothing contained herein shall be held or construed to supersede or conflict with or interfere with or limit
jurisdiction of the United States government or limit or conflict with the laws and regulations of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, except that in case of concurrent laws or regulations in any case, it
shall be intended that the stricter, more restrictive rule or regulation shall apply.
§ 137-18. Violations and penalties.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 184
Whoever violates any of the provisions of this chapter or refuses or neglects to obey the lawful and
reasonable orders of those empowered to enforce the same, or resists them in the discharge of their
duties, shall be fined not less than $50 for the first violation and not more than $300 for each violation
thereafter within the same calendar year. Where a vessel is or has been operated in violation of any
provision of the chapter and the owner, operator or other responsible person cannot be found within a
twenty-four-hour period or where it appears that the vessel and the person in violation will depart from the
Town in order to avoid the enforcement of the penalties of this chapter, the Harbor Master may seize and
hold said vessel as security and may move it to a safe place of storage, including dry land storage, until
the violation has been disposed of administratively or judicially; and if a violation has been found, the
costs of seizing and holding said vessel shall be assessed against the vessel, and the vessel shall be
sold at public auction to pay such penalties and costs if not otherwise paid. If said auction produces
surplus proceeds after payment of penalties and costs, said surplus shall be held in a separate account
and be paid over to the owner of the vessel upon proof of such ownership.
§ 137-19. Complaints.
All complaints concerning the use of moorings and movements of such vessels on the waterways of the
Town shall be submitted in writing to the Marine Department for its action. All complaints concerning
waterway facilities, wharves, docks, ramps, dredging and related matters shall be submitted in writing to
the Board of Selectmen. Neither the Harbor Master nor the Board of Selectmen shall be required to hold
a hearing or take action on any matter not first submitted in writing.
§ 137-20. Enforcement. [Amended 4-6-1987 ATM by Art 32, approved 7-15-1987; 4-12-1999 ATM by
Art. 69, approved 8-10-1999]
The Marine Superintendent, the Harbor Master and Assistant Harbor Masters are hereby designated
enforcing persons hereunder. The enforcing person may, as an alternative to initiating criminal
proceedings, proceed to a noncriminal disposition of any violation of this chapter pursuant to the
procedures set forth in MGL c. 40, § 21D.
§ 137-21. Personal watercraft. [Added 4-12-1994 ATM by Art. 69, approved 4-29-1994; amended 4-
10-2000 ATM by Art. 54, approved 8-2-2000; 4-10-2002 ATM by Art. 51, approved 7-31-2002]
No person shall engage in the business of renting to the public, for public operation, any personal
watercraft, jet ski, surf jet, wet bike or any motorboat that uses an inboard motor powering a water jet
pump or a propeller as its primary source of motive power and that is designed to be operated by a
person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel rather than the conventional manner of sitting or
standing inside a vessel within the waters of the commonwealth and within all coastal waters and inland
bodies of water as lie within the limits of the Town of Nantucket without first having obtained a license to
do so from the Town of Nantucket Board of Selectmen in compliance with this section and in compliance
with all federal, state or local laws pertaining to their use.
A. As used in this section, the following terms shall include but are not limited to:
JET SKI — A ski propelled by machinery and designed to travel over water.
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT — A small vessel of less than 16 feet in length which uses an inboard
motor powering a waterjet pump or a propeller as its primary source of motive power and that is
designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel rather than the
conventional manner of sitting or standing inside a vessel. This term includes jet skis, wet bikes and
surf jets.
SURF JET — A surfboard propelled by machinery and designed to travel over water.
WET BIKE — A vessel designed to travel over water, supported by skis propelled by machinery.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 185
B. Subject to such approvals of the commonwealth as may be appropriate, the Board of Selectmen shall
adopt rules, regulations and reasonable fees for the issuance of such licenses, renewals thereof and
operation of licensees, including but not limited to:
(1) Adequate insurance for the protection of the public;
(2) An appropriately equipped chase boat required at all times;
(3) Personal safety equipment for the safety of users of rented equipment;
(4) Location of premises so as to be consistent with other water and harbor uses and with the
Town's Harbor Plan;
(5) Loading, unloading and storage of petroleum products intended for use in personal watercraft,
jet skis, surf jets or wet bikes in accordance with recommendations as may be made by the
Chief of the Fire Department of the Town;
(6) Designated area for use consistent with navigation and other public uses;
(7) That if any of the rules and regulations are declared unlawful for any reason, the remaining rules
and regulations shall continue in full force and effect.
C. On land owned by the Town of Nantucket, the use of, the rental of and the operation of personal
watercraft shall be prohibited.
D. No person shall operate any personal watercraft jet ski, surf jet or wet bike within the waters
comprising Nantucket Harbor, as shown on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) navigational chart Number 13241, northerly to the end of the east and west jetties or in the
established navigation lane between said jetties easterly to the Head of the Harbor, in Polpis Harbor
or along any portion of the shoreline of Nantucket Harbor. Said personal watercraft shall be launched
from the Children's Beach boat ramp and shall navigate through Nantucket Harbor along the most
direct route as marked by buoys, to Nantucket Sound.
E. No person shall operate any personal watercraft, jet ski, surf jet or wet bike within the waters bounded
by a line drawn from "The Rock" off the "Fortieth Pole" and marked by a hazard buoy, northwesterly to
the R-2 lighted bell buoy, northwesterly to the westernmost point of Muskeget Island, southeasterly to
the westernmost tip of Smith's Point including the entire shorelines of Muskeget, Tuckernuck and New
Smith's Point (Esther Island). Said personal watercraft shall be launched from the Walter S. Barrett
and Jackson Point public access boat ramps and shall navigate through Hither Creek along the most
direct route as marked by buoys, to the westernmost tip of Eel Point, thence north to Nantucket Sound
or south to the Atlantic Ocean.
F. No person shall operate any personal watercraft, jet ski, surf jet or wet bike within or on the waters of
the great ponds or any interior body of water of less than 300 acres in size on Nantucket or
Tuckernuck Islands or on New Smith's Point (Esther Island).
G. No personal watercraft shall be transported to, or launched from, a public beach or public beach
parking area, a public boat ramp or public boat ramp parking area except those named in Subsections
D and E.
H. Exemptions. In addition to the exemptions in § 137-22, personal watercraft may be operated within
the waters described in Subsections D, E and F if the personal watercraft is needed for emergency
purposes when there is reasonable belief that such use is necessary to protect persons, animals or
property.
Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan
May 2009 186
I. And to authorize and direct the Board of Selectmen to take any other action necessary relating to any
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or take any other action related to the foregoing,
subject to such approvals of the Commonwealth as may be required.
§ 137-22. Exemptions. [Added 4-10-2000 ATM by Art. 56, approved 8-2-2000]
Rescue personnel are exempt from § 137-21 while engaged in training exercises, emergency operations
and ordinary law enforcement activities.
§ 137-23. Water kiteboarding. [Added 4-12-2004 ATM by Art. 47, approved 9-3-2004]
A. No person shall engage in the business of renting to the public kiteboarding equipment to be used by
such renter, within the waters of Nantucket for the activity of kiteboarding, and further no person shall
engage in the business within the waters of Nantucket for the purposes of training, teaching, and/or
coaching the activity of kiteboarding using actual kiteboards for use in the waters of Nantucket,
without first having obtained a permit to do so from the Nantucket Board of Selectmen in compliance
with this section and incompliance with all federal, state or local laws.
B. "Kiteboarding" is the use of a kite utilizing wind and air to lift, provide power or energy to a harnessed
rider/passenger who is equipped with a board for touch down, whether such board is formally a
surfboard, kite board, wake board, or other stabilizing flat object, used for the recreational purposes of
kiteboarding.
C. Subject to such approvals of the Commonwealth as may be appropriate, the Board of Selectmen shall
adopt rules and regulations and reasonable fees for the issuance of such licenses, renewals thereof
and operation of licensees and for the regulation of recreational kiteboarding generally to assure the
safety and convenience of the public, including but not limited to: [Amended 4-4-2006 ATM by Art.
63, approved 8-2-2006]
(1) Adequate insurance for the protection of the public;
(2) An appropriately equipped chase boat required at all times;
(3) Personal safety equipment for the safety of users of rented equipment;
(4) Avoidance of interference with other water and harbor uses;
(5) Loading and unloading of kiteboarding equipment.
D. This section may be enforced by any police officer, the Harbor Master, or any of their designees,
using noncriminal tickets pursuant to §§ 1-2 through 1-6 of the Code of Nantucket.
Prepared by the:
Urban Harbors Institute
of the University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
617-287-5570
www.uhi.umb.edu