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Yarmouth Board of Health delays decision on proposed goat farm near Hallett's Mill Pond
Summary
The Board of Health continued consideration of a stable and goat-license application for 88 & 100 Mill Lane to its July 20 meeting after neighbors raised runoff and density concerns; applicants and their consultants presented manure-management and drainage plans and cited a MassDEP finding on wetlands.
The Town of Yarmouth Board of Health on July 6 delayed action on a permit application for a stable at 88 and 100 Mill Lane after several neighbors raised environmental and runoff concerns relating to nearby Hallett's Mill Pond.
Applicants Natasha and Oliver Brahmst sought a stable permit to keep 30 miniature goats and two donkeys. Barry Lewis, Assistant Health Director, presented the application packet and the current Board of Health Stables Regulation. Attorney John Kenney told the board Good Hope Farm provided certified notice to abutters and that the Conservation Commission approved the farm plan. Engineer Dan Ojala outlined a manure-management and drainage plan and said the proposed irrigation system "will prevent it from watering while it is raining or already wet," an apparatus the applicants said would reduce runoff risks.
Attorney William Henchy told the board that a MassDEP appeal concluded the proposed farm would not alter wetlands on or adjacent to the site, including Hallett's Mill Pond. Neighbors voiced objections: Brian Harty said he opposed the scale of the farm and cited potential noise and stormwater runoff; Paul Fitzgerald raised concerns about animal density and a lack of runoff monitoring; Rachel Rosen recalled prior fecal contamination incidents in the Mill Pond. Ron Gabel, Andrew Baker, Jean Young and Joshua Stein also objected to aspects of the proposal; agricultural advocate Leo Cakounes said the planned manure management was "not bad" but noted Cape Cod—aces rodent issues in general.
Given conflicting views and outstanding questions, Laurance Venezia recommended a site visit and the board agreed to organize visits before taking final action. Mary Craig moved to continue the stable-license discussion to the board's next meeting on July 20 at 5 p.m.; Scott Brewer seconded and the motion carried.
The board will review findings from the planned site visits and any further documentation before revisiting the permit request.
