Opinion ID: 2156554
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Reliance on Cumulative Prospective Development was Flawed

Text: [¶ 43] In Hannum, we held that unsupported speculation about future development of piers that could cause the proposed pier to have an unreasonable impact in the future, even if it would not have an unreasonable impact now, cannot properly support an agency's decision. 2003 ME 123, ¶ 17, 832 A.2d at 770. But we also stated that the Department could deny an application if a proposed dock would add an incremental effect so as to create a cumulative impact. Id. ¶ 15, 832 A.2d at 769. [¶ 44] In analyzing the cumulative impact of the pier, the Department referred to the potential for visual clutter on this relatively undeveloped shoreline. This statement presents two problems. First, since the regulations are only concerned with the cumulative impact on the wetland, the Department erroneously considered the impact on the scenery. Second, this kind of speculation is improper under Hannum. [¶ 45] In fact, the evidence supports a finding that there is no cumulative impact. As the Department notes, the shoreline is relatively undeveloped. There are no piers within 2000 feet of Kroeger's property. Since this is the first pier on this particular stretch of wetland, the pier's incremental effect cannot create a cumulative impact. Thus, Kroeger's pier causes no unreasonable impact.