Fewer piles generally cause fewer impacts. Dock and pier permit conditions need to have adequate flexibility to take into account safety and site practicality. Identified Very little work has been done on the cumulative impact of docks and piers. A buildout analysis for a sample town would be a good tool to demonstrate the extent of dock development allowable under current regulations. The state s Chapter 91 licensing program should encourage raising the height of docks and piers to allow access under structures, rather than encouraging stairway access.
Stairs create additional shading impacts and concentrate foot traffic.
It needs to be expanded to take into account turbidity, current and depth as well as other combinations of height, width and orientation. A similar model needs to be developed for predicted shading to salt marsh vegetation. Need to evaluate optimal height, width, orientation and length of docks to minimize ecological impacts. Massachusetts Regulatory Programs that Relate to Dock and Pier Construction DEP regulates navigation and public access through the issuance of Chapter 91 licenses, pursuant to the Waterways Regulations at 310 CMR 9.00. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 91, the Public Waterfront Act, requires state authorization for the construction of docks and piers extending below mean high water.