§ 196A-11. Docks and Piers
A. Preamble.
(1) For the most part, docks provide private, not public, access to resources which are, themselves, public, and upon which dock construction and use impacts are adverse. Docks and piers are also subject to Orleans Zoning Bylaws.
(2) These adverse impacts cover a broad range. Turbulence and prop dredging generated by boat traffic to and from docks significantly increase turbidity levels that block sunlight necessary for the photosynthetic processes upon which the productivity of our waters depend. Suspended sediments cover shellfish habitat, smothering existing shellfish and altering the quality of the sand bottom essential for spat (mollusk larvae) settlement. Dock structures alter the circulation patterns that affect shellfish settlement. Prop dredging in near shore areas destroys shellfish habitat. Boat traffic generated from docks adds to this disruption and causes erosion of banks and marshes.
(3) Marshes, which provide the food chain for many species of sport and commercial fish and shellfish as well as other wildlife, are also affected. The shaded conditions docks produce can cause a decrease in plant height, population density and leaf thickness as well as alteration of species composition. Reductions in plant density result in loss of sediment normally trapped by roots and culms. Tidal washouts and localized depressions result which concentrate salt through evaporation of trapped water preventing recolonization by the original vegetation. The marsh’s ability to absorb wave energy as well as the marsh’s contribution toward maintaining ground and surface water quality is also adversely impacted. Displacement of marsh areas by dock pilings and the area immediately surrounding them results in marsh loss. This loss can be substantial when the cumulative impact of increasing numbers of docks is considered.
(4) Docks also impact recreational interests by restricting areas where boating may freely occur.
(5) Cumulative impacts of dock proliferation threaten to decrease the overall productivity of the marsh ecosystem, to reduce its ability to absorb storm wave energy, and to reduce its contribution to groundwater and surface water quality.
