Tuesday, May 2, 2000

To:       Belmont Conservation Commission,
            Arlington Conservation Commission,
            Somerville Conservation Commission,
            Cambridge Conservation Commission

Commissioners,

I am writing to request your assistance in the permitting process for the Water-Chestnut eradication I am planning.  A complete proposal is attached.  Adequate disposal after harvesting has been provided courtesy of the Cambridge DPW.  An MDC permit for this activity in the Alewife Reservation requires letters or faxes of approval from each Conservation Commission.

I have prepared a Request for Determination of Applicability for each Commission with my complete proposal.  However, I have not signed them since I lack funds to pay for advertising costs of the public notices required.  In them I detail one section of the wetlands act which I believe could be used to exempt my actions from the provisions of this act.

I am willing to provide any information requested and attend any hearings  required by the Commissions.

Julia Bowdoin, Director of the Cambridge Conservation Commission has expressed a willingness to host a joint hearing of the four Commissions if this is desired.

I ask the four Commissions to each consider taking one of the following actions leading to approval letters for this activity:

• Decide that the aquaculture exemption applies to Water-Chestnut harvesting, as long as non-motorized techniques are used and proper disposal is assured.
• Require the complete RDA process but waive the fees for this public-service project.
• Require the complete RDA process but accept payment-in-kind in harvesting hours expended, supplies purchased, and reports submitted.
• Require the complete RDA process but become a partner to the project and pay the fees from other funds you may have available.
• Reach agreement among the four Commissions on any other common approach.

Mr. Guidoboni's fax # is 617-727-6577.  His phone # is 617-727-2033 x605.  MDC permitting office, sixth floor 20 Somerset Street Boston 02108.

Thank you for your time,

Roger Frymire