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Neighbors win approval to dredge Knob Hill Shores inlet to improve flushing and access
Summary
The Conservation Commission granted an order of conditions for a shallow, mechanically dredged channel at the Knob Hill Shores / Diner Pond entrance, with shellfish protections, time‑of‑year restrictions and requirements for post‑dredge reporting and beneficial reuse.
The Yarmouth Conservation Commission voted on March 19 to issue an order of conditions allowing a neighbors’ association to mechanically dredge the Diner Pond entrance channel at Knob Hill Shores to improve tidal flushing and small‑boat access.
The dredge plan calls for removal of mostly sand in shallow areas (generally less than 1 foot) and pre‑dredge removal or relocation of shellfish from the footprint under the direction of Yarmouth Natural Resources. The applicant’s representative said work is expected to be short in duration (about a week) and that beneficial reuse of dredged sand is the preference, noting a nearby cranberry bog owner has offered to receive material for agricultural reuse.
Commission special conditions require: pre‑dredge shellfish removal coordinated with Natural Resources, a seasonal time window (the commission recorded standard time‑of‑year restrictions and agreed coordination with shellfish staff), limits on per‑event volume reporting (as built and dredged quantity reporting), and post‑dredge as‑built surveys. Staff and commissioners asked the applicant to list preferred beneficial‑use options in the Army Corps license application; the applicant agreed to pursue local reuse where feasible.
The commission’s motion to issue the order passed after staff and commissioners reviewed resource and shellfish survey materials and confirmed standard dredging mitigation and monitoring conditions.
What happens next: The applicant must supply two weeks’ notice to Natural Resources before dredging, complete pre‑dredge shellfish handling per Natural Resources’ direction, and file post‑dredge survey quantities as required by the order.
