The Harwich Waterways Committee took a firm stand on navigation safety and environmental preservation Wednesday night, unanimously denying support for a controversial dock project at 37 Nons Road while endorsing nearly $200,000 in funding for town-wide pond health and infrastructure upgrades. The meeting highlighted a growing tension between private waterfront development and the town's mandate to protect public navigation channels and municipal shellfish nurseries.

The most contentious debate centered on a revised proposal for the Davidson dock on Nons Road, which included 99 cubic yards of dredging. Mark Burgess of Shorefront Consulting argued that the new design, which moved the dock and shortened it to 20 feet, addressed previous concerns. Burgess told the committee, I was wrong on the last location. We moved it to where it's tucked out of the way. We believe there is zero impact on shellfish if properly designed. However, Harbormaster John Harker voiced sharp opposition, noting that the channel at that location is only 30 to 32 feet wide. I have deep concern. I don't feel this area is tremendously better, Harker said, describing a recent trip through the area in a 27-foot boat that left only inches of clearance on either side. Property ownership on water doesn't automatically mean dockage. I see this as an encroachment.

Natural Resources Officer Stephanie Radnar added that the area serves as a productive shellfish nursery that was recently seeded, warning that the project would be disruptive to the shellfish cycle. These concerns were echoed by resident Mr. Weaver, who described the dredging effort as a futile exercise in the rapidly-filling creek. You're fighting a losing battle on a dredge because it just fills in, Weaver told the committee. The reality is, I don't see how this plan can work. There is no space. Chair Kent Della agreed, noting that even non-motorized craft would create bottlenecks. You're speaking for other people on their boats. If there's a paddleboard in the way, you can't be there, Della said. Motion Made by R. Shery to not support the plan as presented because of encroachment on the bylaws of the 50-foot channel as well as comments made by the Harbormaster and the Natural Resource officer. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

The committee was more receptive to a series of Community Preservation Act (CPC) funding requests totaling $199,000, presented by Radnar. The largest request, $138,000, is slated for a diagnostic assessment of Hinckley’s Pond following unusual mid-winter cyanobacteria blooms. Radnar noted the pond received alum treatment in 2019 but continues to struggle. The department is also seeking $36,000 to replace dissolved oxygen meters dating back to the 1990s and $25,000 for the shellfish lab to replace deteriorating wood tanks with fiberglass models. The Hinckley's Pond project... is requesting $138,000 for a diagnostic assessment to identify source and non-source pollutants, Radnar explained, adding that the new lab equipment would be transferable to a future facility. Motion Made by K. Della to draft a letter to support the three varying asks from the Department of Natural Resources and that we are 100% support their ask for CPC funds. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

In a move to protect the town’s freshwater resources from invasive species, the committee also approved revisions to the Harbor Management Plan. The updated Section 13.8 explicitly prohibits the washing of vehicles or boats and the flushing of motors at town boat ramp facilities. Radnar noted that the draft had received no public opposition. Motion Made by R. Shery to accept the Harbor Management Plan, the change in the revised plan. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

Financial reports for the department remain stable, according to Harbormaster Harker, who reported that revenue is currently on par with or slightly above last year’s figures. These numbers are going to fluctuate if you look at a five-year trend. All in all, everything is on track, Harker noted, highlighting the department's July-to-July fiscal cycle.

The committee also addressed a request for 11 Riverbend Road involving a dock relocation and 70 cubic yards of maintenance dredging. Charlie Agro of BSC Group explained the move 100 feet east would reach deeper water and prevent boats from grounding out at low tide. Harker emphasized the need for strict coordination to avoid high-volume summer months, suggesting a window between November 15 and January 15. Motion Made by K. Della to accept the plan pursuant to the guidelines that the Harbormaster put in about a pre-construction meeting and time-of-year restrictions to the dredging. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

Finally, the committee reviewed a preliminary plan for a seasonal removable dock at 19 Walker Woods Road on Walker’s Pond. Stephanie Sequin of Ryder & Wilcox noted the owners intend to use the dock only for kayaks and paddleboards. While member Daniel Hall and others reviewed the 64-foot span, the committee took no formal action on the preliminary discussion, though Harker advised that mooring permits would not be transferable if the house, currently on the market, is sold. The committee also briefly reviewed minutes from the previous session. Motion Made by K. Della to accept the minutes as presented. Motion Passed (6-0-0).