Commission approves revetment and compensatory nourishment plan for Great Island property with conditions

The Yarmouth Conservation Commission voted May 21 to approve a proposed stone revetment plus compensatory sand nourishment for 911 and 921 Great Island Road, an eroding shoreline reach on Great Island.

Bob Perry of Cape Cod Engineering presented the project and cited repeated erosion in the last five to six years, estimating the site is losing roughly 3–5 feet of bank annually. Perry said prior soft solutions had been short‑lived and described a design with tapered ends, a modest cap and targeted nourishment at both ends to augment bank stability. He said the application included an alternatives chart and a report from a coastal geologist supporting the approach, and that Natural Heritage had agreed with the proposed nourishment volume.

Perry told the commission, “we have a combination of efforts that would contribute toward a much higher level of bank stability than what has been afforded by the fiber rolls or the most recent sand fill,” and explained the selection of a relatively low‑crested stone revetment integrated with periodic nourishment.

Commissioners questioned bioengineering alternatives and asked for clarity on sand volume and limits of disturbance. Natural Heritage conditions requiring compensatory nourishment were discussed and staff indicated a planting plan would be required and could be finalized with staff input. The commission approved the notice of intent with special conditions including a revegetation plan, limits on machinery and a requirement that the order covering nourishment and the revetment be coordinated so both are closed together at the preconstruction meeting if both proceed.

The vote included one dissenting vote. Staff and the applicant agreed to finalize planting details with the conservation agent before permitting.