Site Review

(1) Applications for open-water aquaculture permits will be reviewed by the Division and cooperating agencies to determine if adverse impacts are likely to occur at the proposed site as a result of the operation of the permit. Topics for evaluation include, but are not limited to the following: (a) Water quality and hydrology; (b) Exposure/suitability of proposed structures; (c) Shellfish habitat and growing area classification; (d) Benthic habitat conditions; (e) Submerged aquatic vegetation; (f) Endangered species / marine mammals; (g) Competing uses of the area; (h) Wild fisheries; (i) Navigation; (j) Access to site. (2) New Operations. Before making application for an aquaculture permit for a new operation or facility, the following steps are required by the applicant: (a) Contact the Aquaculture Program Coordinator in the Department of Agricultural Resources to obtain the following: 1. Aquaculture Operation Description Form; 2. MA Aquaculture Permits Guidance Document. (b) In consultation with the Aquaculture Program Coordinator, determine if a pre- application meeting is necessary with appropriate state and federal agencies. (c) Exception. Applicants for town-issued shellfish aquaculture permits are not required to follow 322 CMR 15.06(2)(a) and (b), and should follow local application procedures.