The Yarmouth Conservation Commission reviewed the 90% design for a transformative $10.6 million ecological restoration of Hamblin’s Brook, a project officials say is vital for the health of the Bass River. Rick Bishop, representing the Friends of Bass River, reminded the board of the area's history, noting that in 1853, the brook hosted the second-largest herring catch in Massachusetts. Last spring, I saw three herring trying to get through that collapsed culvert, Bishop said. We're really excited about reestablishing this fish habitat. The project targets Mill Pond, which Member John Frost described as the most impaired body of water in the entire Bass River system. Frost noted that the pond requires a 73% reduction in nitrogen to meet environmental standards, asserting that when we open this up to a 60-foot wide bridge, we will solve that flow problem.

Nick Nelson of Interfluve detailed the plan to replace the failing Weir Road crossing with a 24-foot arch and remove a dam and fish ladder at Miss Thatcher's Pond. Nelson emphasized a nuanced approach to the restoration, which includes approximately 3,000 yards of excavation that will remain on-site to preserve evolved wetlands. While Member Elly Tierney told the team I commend you for the amazing incredible survey that you have done, other members raised concerns about legacy issues. Member Bradford Bower asked, What happened to the pesticides that was part of the farming? Have you monitored that? Nelson responded that samples showed minimal levels, allowing the material to stay within the project area. To ensure oversight, the Commission requested special conditions for quarterly reports during the construction phase. Motion Made by B. Bower to continue the hearing to February 19th pending DEP and DMF comments. Motion Passed 5-0.

In a shift to neighborhood-scale environmentalism, three members of Girl Scout Troop 70976 presented a plan to install bat houses at the Sandy Pond Recreation Area for their Silver Award. Kayla, Kaylee, and Addison explained that bats act as a natural solution to the community's mosquito problem. The silver award is the highest honor a Girl Scout 6th through 8th grade can earn, Kayla explained, noting the project requires 50 hours of work. The scouts plan to fund the three bat houses through cookie sales and donations. Vice Chair Paul Huggins engaged the scouts on the science, asking, How many mosquitoes do the average bat eat at night? Do you know? The scouts confirmed they eat hundreds, prompting Chair David Bernstein to praise the initiative. We always could use environmental solutions to this rather than using sprays and stuff like that, Bernstein said. Motion Made by B. Bower to accept the project to build bat houses on Sandy Pond. Motion Passed 5-0.

The Commission also signaled a green light for a new 2.7-acre aquaculture farm in Cape Cod Bay, proposed by Christian Hayes. The farm, located off Lone Tree Creek, features a low-profile design that Hayes said sets it apart from other local grants. I'm completely underwater. I don't have any surface floats for oysters to grow, Hayes explained, assuring the board that the design allows for public boating and walking on the flats at high tide. Despite a MEPA filing error regarding endangered species habitat, Hayes confirmed he had worked with Natural Heritage to remedy the oversight. Conservation Administrator Britney recommended special conditions, including a 25-foot buffer for widgeon grass and tension requirements for vertical lines to prevent marine life entanglement. Motion Made by P. Huggins to accept the project. Motion Passed 5-0.

Proposed developments at 26 Grandview Drive faced a much tougher reception. Mark Dib of Cape & Islands Engineering presented a plan for drainage improvements and a planted berm for the Harbor Haven Association to combat flash flooding that washes out their beach. However, Administrator Britney cautioned that the project, as designed, might be impossible to permit. In regards to the coastal beach... placing fill, filter fabric, loam, or riprap would be eliminating the coastal beach resource area, which is what we can't do under the Act, she stated. Member John Frost requested more technical clarity, saying, I need a blow-up of the corners... I need to see what the heck is happening. Motion Made by B. Bower to continue the hearing to March 5th. Motion Passed 5-0.

Environmental scrutiny also stalled a renovation project at 1 Glenwood Street. While Paul and Nancy Cruz proposed tripling their required mitigation plantings to 3,300 square feet, Chair Bernstein expressed serious reservations about the home's location in the velocity zone. My main issue is that the whole property is in the velocity zone. I have trouble with you keeping the fire pit... I would like to see a patio instead of a deck, Bernstein said. Member Bower also raised questions regarding a hot tub he believed was unpermitted. Owner Paul Cruz signaled a willingness to compromise, agreeing to remove a stone fire pit in favor of a portable solution and promising to anchor a proposed shed so it wouldn't disappear in a storm. Motion Made by B. Bower to continue the project to March 5th. Motion Passed 5-0.

A coastal bank stabilization project at 10 and 20 Susan Road also met with skepticism regarding its necessity. Nick Crawford of Crawford Land Management proposed using coir fiber rolls to protect the bank from undermining, but Member Bower questioned the motive, noting the site appeared stable in aerial photos. Administrator Britney suggested that a nearby stone groin might actually be the culprit for the localized erosion and questioned the wisdom of stabilizing a bank on an undeveloped parcel. Motion Made by B. Bower to continue the hearing to March 5th for revised plans. Motion Passed 5-0.

Finally, the Commission weighed a proposal to lift and move a dwelling at 29 Lewis Bay Boulevard to improve flood resilience. While Danny Gonzalez explained the house would be elevated five feet and moved further from the seawall, Member Tierney pushed for a formal mitigation plan. I don't understand why we're not looking at the new location in and of itself for mitigation, Tierney said. Administrator Britney also flagged concerns that the work limit line was encroaching on undisturbed natural vegetation. Motion Made by B. Bower to continue to March 5th. Motion Passed 5-0.