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Hull commission ratifies emergency certificate after residents report heavy seaweed accumulations and health concerns
Summary
The Hull Conservation Commission on June 9 ratified an emergency certification to address large seaweed piles at a north Hull beach after the health department declared a health concern. Commissioners and residents discussed disposal logistics, intermunicipal aid, and next steps for longer-term management.
Chair Paul Puin opened the June 9 meeting of the Hull Conservation Commission and the body discussed a health-driven emergency response to large seaweed accumulations at a north Hull beach.
Commission staff and the town’s health director briefed the commission that recent storms deposited large quantities of seaweed in a cove, creating strong odors and attracting biting insects. Christopher Gardner, identified in the record as the town’s DPW director, told the commission the health department had declared a public-health emergency and that the DPW and health staff had taken immediate removal steps and explored disposal options with private composters and regional transfer sites.
Gardner said contractors and the health department had contacted Black Earth Compost and Bourne, which had capacity in certain circumstances, but that the town’s landfill capacity and routine landfill disposal were not feasible. Ian (staff) summarized the measures in the emergency certificate: remove seaweed “as feasible”; move any remaining seaweed down to the water’s edge to be carried away by the tide; prohibit storage of heavy equipment on the coastal beach; and require removal of equipment from the site after work. The certificate filed with state division D included an end date of June 12 with an asterisk allowing extension if needed.
Residents who spoke called for clearer public communication and broader engagement. Susan (resident) asked the town to inform residents about what had happened and what the town was pursuing. A different resident, David, described repeated seaweed buildups over 25 years and said piles had been “full of maggots” and attracted flies that then affected properties above the beach.
Commissioners raised logistics and permitting limits. Ian and Gardner noted that marine-fisheries and Natural Heritage constraints limit what can be done below mean high water and that large-scale mechanical removal may require special arrangements or mutual-aid agreements for equipment. Commissioners suggested exploring equipment-sharing with neighboring towns and looking for regional composting or hauling options.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to ratify the emergency certification for North Nant beach seaweed management. On roll call the motion carried; the commission accepted the emergency certificate to authorize the described immediate actions. Ian said staff and DPW would continue to pursue disposal and permitting solutions and that additional emergency certificates could be filed if conditions persisted.
The commission treated the vote as ratification of the town’s immediate public-health response rather than adoption of a long-term plan; staff were asked to report back on logistics, any intermunicipal agreements, and how Natural Heritage and Marine Fisheries guidance might shape future operations.
