NLWC Blog - Nantucket Land & Water Council

Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation Awards Generous Grant to Nantucket Land & Water Council to Advance Eelgrass-Friendly Moorings Pilot Project

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:52:27 GMT

New partnership will transition conventional moorings in Monomoy to protect and restore Nantucket Harbor habitat

The Nantucket Land & Water Council (NLWC) has received a generous grant from the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation to support the installation of eelgrass-friendly moorings in Nantucket Harbor, a major step forward in protecting one of the island’s most important marine habitats.

Healthy eelgrass is essential to the vitality of Nantucket Harbor. Eelgrass meadows provide critical habitat for wild bay scallops and juvenile fish, improve water quality by filtering polluted runoff, absorb excess nutrients, store carbon, and stabilize shorelines against erosion and storm surge. Yet eelgrass in Nantucket Harbor has declined significantly in recent decades due to nutrient pollution, warming waters, and physical disturbance — including abrasion from traditional boat moorings. Since 2018, NLWC has worked with Harbormaster Sheila Lucey and her team, the Town of Nantucket and island partners on eelgrass restoration initiatives aimed at reversing this decline. One of the most practical and immediate solutions is transitioning conventional chain moorings to eelgrass-friendly systems — a key recommendation of the newly adopted Nantucket Eelgrass Management Plan.

In 2022, NLWC partnered with Nantucket Harbormaster Sheila Lucey and Anderson Stillwater Moorings to design and implement an environmentally-sensitive mooring system adapted for Nantucket’s unique needs. The design uses a 300-pound pyramid anchor and an eco-rode that keeps gear suspended above the seabed, preventing the heavy chain “scouring” that destroys eelgrass beds around traditional moorings.

The NLWC Waterkeeper vessel has been successfully secured using this mooring system for three consecutive seasons. Thanks to generous funding from the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation, NLWC and the Harbormaster’s Office will now launch a pilot program this spring, in partnership with local mooring companies, to transition up to 25 conventional moorings to eelgrass-friendly systems. Ed Orenstein, GHYC Foundation President, states: “The Foundation prioritizes projects that deliver both immediate and long-term benefits to Nantucket Harbor’s ecosystem and our community at large. These new eelgrass-friendly moorings accomplish both. We couldn’t be happier to team with NLWC on this impactful initiative and applaud Emily Molden’s leadership."

NLWC will monitor the pilot sites to measure eelgrass recovery and seabed stability, with the goal of informing future harbor management decisions and expanding the program if successful.

“Eelgrass is the foundation of our harbor ecosystem — without it, we lose scallops, water quality, and coastal resilience. The beauty of eelgrass-friendly moorings is that they solve a problem without restricting boating. This project shows conservation and harbor use can work together for the betterment of our environment and to the benefit of our community, and we hope it becomes a model for broader adoption.” – RJ Turcotte, Nantucket Waterkeeper

The Nantucket Land & Water Council extends its sincere appreciation to the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation for their foresight, vision, and generous support for innovative solutions that protect the island’s land and water through science, advocacy, and community engagement.

Advocate for the Environment – Join the NLWC's Community Advocates!

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:47:13 GMT

If you feel aligned with our mission and would like to support our work through advocacy, there are many meaningful ways to get involved. You can attend local regulatory meetings, participate in and speak at Annual Town Meetings, serve as an informed environmental ambassador among friends and neighbors, rally support for articles that protect Nantucket’s natural resources, and oppose those that pose risks to their long-term health. You can also lend your voice by drafting or signing Letters to the Editor.

If you’re interested in participating in our advocacy efforts as a Community Advocate, please click H ERE.

The NLWC’s Lane – Reflections on STM

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:09:56 GMT

As the end of the Fall season approaches, we would like to take some time to reflect on Nantucket’s recent Special Town Meeting, held on November 4th.

The Nantucket Land & Water Council has been engaged in Nantucket’s discussion about short-term rental (STR) policy and regulation for many years. As an organization, we have, at times, faced questions from residents about the relevance of STRs to the NLWC’s mission .

The NLWC’s mission is to help preserve the long-term health of Nantucket’s environment and community through the protection of our land and water resources.

Development impacts the environment. This simple fact should come as no surprise.

Our actions on the land have a direct impact on the health of our waters. Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from septic systems and fertilizers, along with other contaminants such as those found in stormwater runoff, don’t just disappear. They travel through the soil and into our ponds, harbors, and drinking water.

The accelerated development, repurposing of properties, and intensity of use associated with short-term rentals (STRs) as a business put increasing pressure on the island’s infrastructure, reduce habitat and biodiversity, and endanger our water quality.

Of course, a community needs to change and develop and grow, but the health of our environment and the ability of a place to naturally support the people who live there are directly related to the intensity and type of development and growth that we, as a community, choose to allow and encourage.

The NLWC has always made it clear that we are not opposed to all short-term rentals. We support the ability of island residents to short-term rent with reasonable restrictions.

We have, first and foremost, sought to reduce the impact from investor-owned STRs, and reduce the intensity of use and development from properties that are maximized solely for the use of short-term rentals because of the cumulative environmental impacts that this type of use and development creates.

We were very disappointed by the November STM vote, which resulted in the full codification of short-term rentals across all residential zoning districts of the island. It is clear that much of the community was incredibly alarmed by the simple messaging provided by Article 1 proponents that asserted this was a matter of maintaining an important property right or losing that right.

Alternatively, we, as proponents of Article 2, attempted to communicate a more nuanced message that memorializing this right with reasonable restrictions would actually allow most residents to continue short-term renting in a meaningful way while helping to protect the future of our environment and community.

As the dust settles, and our media expresses the reality of the inadequacy of our existing regulations ( https://nantucketcurrent.com/news/nantucket-banned-corporate-owned-short-term-rentals-a-loophole-is-allowing-them-to-continue ) , there is clearly more that needs to be done.

All of our policies and practices relative to growth, development, and land and resource management , including STR regulations, must be scrutinized for their impact on our shared natural resources and adjusted where needed to protect the health of our environment and community.

It is easy to make the claim that STRs as an issue is not “in our lane” and to suggest that how we use and develop our properties are somehow separate from: PFAS issues, contamination of our public water supply, nutrient pollution, and water conservation , but these are the exact concerns that compel the NLWC to engage in community conversations about growth, development, land use, and STRs. We are the voice for Nantucket’s environment, working to safeguard the present health and future sustainability of the island. This is our lane.

We thank all of our members and friends for your support , regardless of your position or vote at STM. We know that, despite differences in opinion, we all share a deep care for this special place and a desire to protect what makes it unique. Together, we can shape policies that reflect both the needs of our community and the limits of our fragile island environment. Your willingness to stay engaged—ask questions, share concerns, and offer ideas—continues to strengthen our efforts. There is more work to do, and we look forward to doing that work with you.

Vote Environment First at Special Town Meeting on November 4th!

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:18:11 GMT

At the upcoming Special Town Meeting on November 4th, Nantucket voters will once again consider how best to regulate short-term rentals (STRs). After years of debate, two competing proposals, Articles 1 and 2, offer very different paths forward. The Nantucket Land & Water Council (NLWC) supports Article 2 , which encourages sustainable use of island resources and provides a balanced, long-term solution.

Click Here to read the NLWC’s recommendations on the warrant articles. Click Here to read our Letter to the Editor.

Join Us and Vote Environment First! Tuesday, November 4 at 5:00 pm in the Mary P. Walker Auditorium of the Nantucket High School.

Surfside Crossing Appeal Hearing Completed - NLWC Defending Clean Water for Nantucket!!

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 18:58:10 GMT

Last week, the appeal hearing for the Surfside Crossing 40B development was conducted remotely by the state’s Housing Appeals Committee (HAC). The NLWC participated as an intervening party to defend clean drinking water for Nantucket. The proposed 156 condo unit development on 13.6 acres known as Surfside Crossing (SSX) off of South Shore Rd is of inappropriate density (13 x the local zoning) and would compromise our drinking water supply. Following the comprehensive permit review by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) that took place throughout last fall and winter, the application for SSX was unanimously denied by the ZBA. This denial was subsequently appealed to the state by the developers, Jamie Feeley and Josh Posner, in April of this year.

During the comprehensive permit review last year by the ZBA, the NLWC hired an engineering expert and water quality specialist to review the project’s stormwater management plans. The review and testimony of these experts revealed that the stormwater infrastructure proposed for the Surfside Crossing development does not meet the specific state and local standards for projects within the Nantucket Wellhead Protection District (the area where groundwater contributes to the public water supply wells), or for projects that meet the state’s criteria as a Land Use of Higher Potential Pollutant Load (LUHPPL). Given recent public well contamination by elevated PFAS levels, it has become abundantly clear that these standards are incredibly important to uphold, especially for a project of this scale within our public water supply recharge area.

The local ZBA agreed with the importance of protecting clean water , and asked the developers to address the stormwater management design to ensure that it meets state and local standards and protects not only the residents and direct abutters of the development, but the public water supply that we all share. Unfortunately, the developers refused to make any changes to their proposed design, in part because it would require a reduction in the number of units to make the necessary changes, and in part because they have already installed their stormwater infrastructure, “at risk”, without the benefit of a permit, and without a water quality certificate issued by the Water Commission as required in Nantucket’s Zoning Bylaw. They simply do not want to have to take it back out of the ground.

Based on concerns for the health of the community’s drinking water, as well as other concerns relative to public safety and traffic, and considering the developers’ refusal to consider any changes whatsoever to their proposal, the ZBA unanimously denied the project.

As an intervening party in the developers’ appeal of the ZBA’s decision, he NLWC has been working closely with the counsel for the Town of Nantucket’s ZBA, and the residents group, Tipping Point, to file written testimony from the NLWC’s engineer, the ZBA’s engineer, and several water quality and PFAS subject matter experts. During the HAC hearing last week, the developers’ counsel chose not to cross-examine any of these witnesses, and so their written testimony stands unchallenged, leaving the hearing office no basis to question their expert opinions.

This hearing on the Surfside Crossing matter follows a similar appeal by developers in the Town of Walpole for a Chapter 40B development that was also denied by the Town’s ZBA due to similar concerns over improperly designed stormwater infrastructure, and the degradation of the Town of Walpole’s public water supply.

As we await a decision from the HAC, we are grateful to Nantucket’s ZBA for their due diligence during the public hearing process, and for the opportunity to prepare for the appeal hearing in partnership with Town Counsel for the ZBA, as well as the residents’ group Tipping Point.

Stay Tuned for Updates!

MA DEP Visits Geotube Expansion Site in Sconset

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:16:23 GMT

In April 2025, the Nantucket Land & Water Council (NLWC) joined over a dozen Nantucket residents —including members of the Nantucket Coastal Conservancy, property owners in Quidnet, and the Greenhill family—in filing a Request for a Superseding Order of Conditions (SOC) with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). This action was taken in response to the positive Order of Conditions issued by the Nantucket Conservation Commission on March 20, 2025, which approved a three fold expansion of the ’Sconset Bluff Geotube project.

On Monday, June 23, Whitney McClees, Environmental Analyst with MassDEP, conducted a site visit to inspect the area in ’Sconset where the proposed geotube expansion would take place. This site visit is part of the state’s permitting process under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, which was triggered by two separate SOC filings: one from the owners of two Baxter Road properties and the other joint request from the NLWC and the resident coalition a.k.a. “The Residents Group.”

The NLWC has long opposed the geotube project and any proposed expansion, based on several key concerns. Chief among them is that the project— even with the current conditions—fails to meet the performance standards outlined in the state’s Wetlands Protection regulations. Analyses conducted by NLWC’s coastal consultant, as well as the Greenhill family’s engineering consultant, used SBPF’s own monitoring data to show that:

The existing geotubes have caused significant damage to adjacent public beaches, at times eliminating a walkable beach in front of the structure.
The geotubes have accelerated erosion of the coastal banks to the north.

Additionally, the geotube structure remains out of compliance with its original permit due to SBPF’s failure to provide the required mitigation sand since 2016. This ongoing violation led the Conservation Commission to issue a removal order, which was upheld by Superior Court and remains outstanding.

To help brief Ms. McClees ahead of the visit, The Residents Group prepared a detailed Pre-Briefing Slide Deck, which outlines the major issues of concern and includes hyperlinks to supporting documentation.

Click HERE for our Geotube Project Pre-Briefing Slide Deck

The SOC filing has also triggered a requirement for the project proponents to submit documentation to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office. MassDEP will not advance its review of the SOC until MEPA review is complete.

If you’re interested in learning more about this project, please review the Geotube Project Pre-Briefing Slide Deck and stay tuned for further updates!

Protecting Your Tap: Choosing the Right PFAS Water Filter for Your Home

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 20:48:36 GMT

If you're concerned about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in your drinking water, filtering your water is an easy step you can take to reduce exposure. There are effective filtration options that can significantly reduce PFAS levels in your tap water.

Below, we've outlined a few types of filters that are known to reduce PFAS, along with the certification to look out for, to help you choose the right one for your needs and budget.

What to Look for: NSF Certification

When selecting a filter, the Nantucket Land & Water Council recommends using water treatment devices that are NSF certified. NSF International certification provides independent, third-party verification that a filter’s reduction claims have been validated.

Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 when searching for all drinking water filters and NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for reverse osmosis systems. These standards ensure that certified filters effectively reduce PFAS to below 20 parts per trillion.

NSF-certified filters are available in many formats, including pitchers, under-sink units, and reverse osmosis systems. You can find a searchable list of certified products on the NSF International website .

Pitcher and Countertop Filters

Best for : Renters or those looking for a low-cost, easy-to-use solution.

Pitcher-style and countertop filters are convenient first lines of defense. Many use activated carbon or ion exchange technology to reduce PFAS and other common contaminants like chlorine and lead. While these options may not be as thorough as more complex systems, several models have been tested and certified to reduce PFAS to safe levels.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has reviewed and recommended a number of effective pitcher and countertop options. You can explore their top picks here .

Undersink and Reverse Osmosis Systems

Best for : Households looking for a more comprehensive, long-term solution.

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are among the most effective tools for removing PFAS from drinking water. These systems often include several stages of filtration, starting with sediment and activated carbon filters to remove chlorine, VOCs, and other impurities. Then, water passes through a semipermeable membrane that screens out tiny particles, including PFAS, heavy metals like arsenic, and other hard-to-remove contaminants.

When it comes to RO systems to reduce PFAS, the NLWC recommends at least a 5-stage NSF-certified filtration system . Many different systems can be found online and easily installed. It is important to remember to regularly change the filters of whichever RO system you choose regularly and to dispose of used filters properly per manufacturer guidelines.

Bottom Line

By investing in a certified filter that fits your home and budget, you can take meaningful steps to protect your household from these persistent chemicals. As always, if you have any immediate concerns about your water quality, we recommend obtaining a testing kit from the Health Department at 131 Pleasant Street.

NLWC’s Annual Meeting to feature Guest Speaker Edwina von Gal

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:56:27 GMT

We Invite You to Join Us!

Tuesday, August 5 at 5:00pm

Nantucket Hotel Ballroom

Reception to follow

Join Us August 5th for NLWC’s Annual Meeting Featuring Guest Speaker Edwina von Gal. We are proud to welcome Edwina von Gal, a nationally recognized leader in ecological design and toxin-free land care. Her presentation is part of our Grow Native for Nantucket initiative, supported in part by Remain, which encourages the use of native plants and sustainable landscaping practices to protect Nantucket’s unique ecosystems, safeguard our water resources, and support local biodiversity.

Edwina brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and passion to the conversation around sustainable land stewardship. Whether you’re a gardener, landowner, landscaper, or someone who appreciates the beauty of our island, this is a special opportunity to hear from one of the most respected voices in the field. Her work challenges us to rethink what beautiful landscapes can be—and how they can support the health of people, wildlife, and the planet. We are honored to welcome her to Nantucket. Don’t miss what promises to be an inspiring and informative evening. Click HERE for more information about this event!

"A leading voice in sustainable gardening and landscape design, Edwina von Gal founded the Perfect Earth Project in 2013 to promote ecological, toxic-free land care for the health of people, their pets, and the planet.

As principal of her eponymous landscape design firm, Edwina created landscapes with a focus on simplicity, sustainability, and beauty for private and public clients around the world. Her work has been published widely, including in The New York Times, Vogue, and Architectural Digest, and her award- winning book Fresh Cuts.

In 2024, she was named one of the top 50 Creatives in America by Wallpaper magazine. She has served on boards and committees for a number of horticultural organizations and currently serves on the board of What Is Missing, Maya Lin’s multifaceted media artwork about the loss of biodiversity, Longue Vue’s National Council, and is a member of the Native Plant Trust’s Council. Her awards include the Long House Visionary Award from Long House Reserve, the New York School of Interior Design’s Green Design Award, the Isamu Noguchi Award, and Guild Hall's Academy of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Award for the Visual Arts."

Photo credit: Inez and Vinoodh

Nantucket Land & Water Council's 2025 ATM Recommendations

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:37:45 GMT

The NLWC has once again reviewed the Warrant for the May 3, 2025 Annual Town Meeting and offers recommendations and comments on articles which could affect the island’s unique and valuable natural resources.

Please CLICK THE LINK for our 2025 ATM Recommendation Sheet . This will be published in the 4/24 edition of the Inquirer & Mirror and will also be available at the entrance to Town Meeting.

Join Us and Vote the Environment First! Saturday, May 3rd at 8:30am in the Mary P. Walker Auditorium of the Nantucket High School.

VOTE PRIMERO POR EL MEDIOAMBIENTE! El NLWC ha revisado la Ordenpara la Reunión Municipal Anual del 3 de mayo de 2025, y presenta los siguientes comentarios sobre los artículos que podrían influir en los valiosos recursos naturales exclusivos de la isla.

NLWC Formally Opposes Geotube Expansion

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 14:47:19 GMT

The Nantucket Land & Water Council (NLWC) has joined over a dozen Nantucket residents including members of the Nantucket Coastal Conservancy, property owners in Quidnet, and the Greenhill Family, in filing a Request for a Superseding Order of Conditions (SOC) with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

The Nantucket Conservation Commission voted on March 20, 2025 to issue a positive Order of Conditions (OOC) for the geotube expansion project as jointly proposed by SBPF and the Town of Nantucket (TON). As is the case with all wetland permits, this equates to the issuance of two independent OOCs, one under the MA Wetlands Protection Act, and one under the Nantucket Wetlands Bylaw.

The Request by the NLWC and the Resident’s Group for an SOC is a formal process seeking the Department of Environmental Protection to issue an SOC denying or curtailing the proposed projec t in order to defend those coastal wetland resources that are protected under the MA Wetlands Protection Act.

The NLWC’s opposition to the geotube expansion project is based on a number of factors. F irst and foremost, the NLWC does not believe the project as conditioned satisfies the performance standards in the MA Wetland regulations. NLWC’s consultant along with the Greenhill family’s coastal engineering consultant, utilized SBPF’s own monitoring data to demonstrate that the existing geotubes have clearly damaged the surrounding public beaches (at times eliminating a walkable beach in front of the structure) and accelerated erosion of the coastal banks to the North. The existing stretch of geotubes remain out of compliance with their prior permit as issued by the Conservation Commission due to SBPF’s failure to provide the required mitigation sand since 2016. This violation of SBPF’s permit resulted in a removal order which was upheld by Superior Court and is still outstanding.

“We are honored to join with our partners, the NLWC, to take action to protect and preserve Nantucket’s beaches, especially our public ones,” said Burton Spruce Balkind, President of the Nantucket Coastal Conservancy. “The evidence submitted to the Conservation Commission during the public hearing was undeniable: the existing geotubes are degrading, and will eventually destroy the fronting beach. The same will happen with the expanded geotubes.”

Over the course of the 15-month public hearing process, the NLWC submitted 7 written comment letters in conjunction with their coastal engineering consultant, Trey Ruthven of Sustainable Coastal Solutions, and collectively made many public comments in opposition to this project.

While the NLWC recognizes and appreciates the permit condition requiring SBPF to contribute 105,465 cubic yards of sand to make up for the existing deficit, they have been given up to ten years in which to do so, while the permit itself will be valid for just five years. The NLWC also attests that the mitigation requirements conditioned in this permit for the new geotubes will not be adequate to mitigate the project's long-term impacts.

“Respectfully, the Town’s partner, SBPF, who will be responsible for this massive volume of mitigation has a very poor track record of providing it, and as the record shows, once these geotubes are installed, they are very difficult to remove despite conditions in permits, escrow accounts, court orders, and agreements with the Town. We have been here before,” said Emily Molden, Executive Director of the Nantucket Land & Water Council.

Additionally, there is a logical alternative for the Town to address its liability and protect the public’s interest along Baxter Road that the NLWC supports. The NLWC advocates that the Town should proceed with the Baxter Road Alternative Access Plan (which has been completed and can be constructed within 3 years), and in the meantime, temporarily maintain and mitigate the existing geotubes with the addition of softer coir installations in adjacent areas as needed. This plan will allow for the ongoing protection of residents' access and utilities, as well as access to, and parking for the Lighthouse.

“It does not make sense to simultaneously retreat, through construction of the Alternative Access Plan, and armor the bank, through expansion of the geotubes,” said Molden.

NLWC’s Board Chair Lucy Leske added, "As Nantucket's environmental protection and advocacy organization, NLWC believes that this project is allowing selective private interests to supercede the best interest of all Nantucket citizens and our environmental resources, while at the same time turning nearly a mile of beach into a giant construction project for the next decade, distracting us from the true need to move the road."

The NLWC and co-appellants in the Resident’s Group also raise a number of critical procedural issues with the issuance of the OOC including the lack of sufficient site plans. The Conservation Commission accepted the submission of plans dated October 26, 2022 which do not accurately reflect existing conditions in such a dynamic area. These plans also lack the stamp of a Professional Engineer registered to conduct business in the Commonwealth. They also contend that s everal additional state permits were required before an OOC should have been issued, i ncluding a Notice of Project Change with Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and a Chapter 91 License, which is required because the NOI plans show work that would have to occur below the Mean High Water (MHW) mark.

The community will have its own opportunity to weigh in on the Town’s commitment to this project at Annual Town Meeting (ATM) in May. Town Meeting’s vote will be necessary to allow the issuance of a license to SBPF to construct this project on the Town-owned beach below the bluff because of a citizen’s article originally submitted by Catherine Flanagan Stover at ATM in 2012. The project cannot proceed without a positive vote (permission) from Town Meeting. The Select Board is seeking that permission through the adoption of Article #81 at ATM on Saturday, May 3. The NLWC and NCC are urging citizens to vote NO on this article.

Resources:
Throughout the public hearing process the Conservation Commission was provided with a multitude of submissions from the NLWC's Coastal Engineer Trey Ruthven of Sustainable Coastal Solutions, and the Greenhill's Coastal Engineer Dr. David Kriebel as well as members of the public. All of the submissions from the hearing can be found through the Town's website.

We would like to highlight several submissions clearly demonstrating the negative impacts that geotubes have had on the adjacent beach as well as the downdrift coastal bank.

1. Slideshow: Impact of the Geotube on the Beaches of Nantucket's Eastern Shore, submitted by Dr. David Kriebel on August 2, 2024

2. Report: Impact of the Geotubes on the Beaches of Nantucket's Eastern Shore, submitted by Dr. David Kriebel on August 2, 2024

3. Visualization: Quantifying the Sand Deficit & Mitigating Sand vs Downdrift Loss, submitted by Nantucket resident Doug Rose on September 19, 2024

4. Visualization: Sconset Beach after a Decade of Geotubes, submitted by Nantucket resident Doug Rose on January 10, 2025

Conservation Commission Permits Geotube Expansion

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 18:34:23 GMT

Nantucket Community Can Vote NO at Upcoming Annual Town Meeting

After nearly 15 months, the Conservation Commission closed the public hearing on the joint SBPF - Town of Nantucket Notice of Intent (NOI) application to extend the existing installation of geotubes on the public beach four times its length to approximately 4,000 linear feet along the base of the Sconset Bluff. The Commission formally voted (4-1) to issue an Order of Conditions (OOC) permitting the proposed project with conditions.

As data collected by project consultants indicates, the geotubes are detrimental to the environment, increasing the erosion on surrounding beaches. The NLWC takes the strong position that there are much more appropriate and less harmful alternatives, especially given that the Town’s engineers have determined the relocation of Baxter Road can be completed by 2027.

The NLWC participated throughout the hearing process submitting seven written comment letters in addition to a multitude of public comments made with our professional consulting coastal engineer Trey Ruthven of Sustainable Coastal Solutions.

The NLWC does not agree with the Commission's final determination that the project meets the necessary waiver criteria to receive a permit, and that the mitigation sand required by the permit will be sufficient to prevent long term negative impacts to our beaches and eastern shoreline. The Commission Chair cast the lone dissenting vote under the local wetlands bylaw.

One of the most critical issues addressed by the Commission in the OOC is the ever-growing deficit of mitigation sand that was required by the previous permit for the existing geotubes , which SBPF has steadfastly refused to provide. The mitigation conditioned in the previous permit was determined with SBPF’s own data, supported by MA DEP, and agreed to by SBPF. It has been demonstrated by two independent coastal engineering experts that the failure to contribute the required mitigation has already resulted in significant damage to the Town-owned coastal beach as well as privately owned properties to the north. This includes existing and increased future risk to the Lighthouseproperty. This violation of SBPF’s existing permit resulted in a removal order which was upheld by Superior Court, and is still outstanding.

The Commission did include a condition in the OOC requiring SBPF to provide the deficit, at least 105,465 cubic yards of sand, to the system. However, they are allowing SBPF a period of 10 years to deliver the mitigation that was a requirement of their prior permit, and the plan for how this is to be accomplished has yet to be determined. The applicants are required to provide such a plan for Commission approval.

The project’s path forward is not entirely clear. The Select Board must negotiate a new Memorandum of Understanding with SBPF and ultimately draft and vote on a new license agreement. Before they can do so, the Town of Nantucket must secure a positive vote on Article 81 from Town Meeting for permission to lease/license our Town owned beach to SBPF for the construction. The NLWC strongly opposes Article 81 and the authorization of a lease/license of the public beach for this project. We opposed the geotube expansion and we are opposed to the Article as drafted because not only would it allow the expansion but it is also too broad. Article 81 would undermine Annual Town Meeting’s ability to exert influence on alternative erosion control projects at this location in the future.

Nantucket Needs Your Presence & Support at Annual Town Meeting (ATM), which begins on Saturday, May 3rd to Vote this Article Down! Please Mark Your Calendars for ATM and Stay tuned for further updates and more information on our opposition to Article 81!

Summer Development Internship at Nantucket Land & Water Council

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:53:02 GMT

Location: Nantucket Island
Hours: 25-35 hours per week
Compensation: $22 per hour

Are you passionate about environmental conservation? Join the Nantucket Land & Water Council (NLWC) this summer and be a part of protecting and preserving the natural beauty of Nantucket Island!

As a summer development intern at NLWC, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in nonprofit development and event coordination while supporting critical initiatives for the island’s land and water preservation efforts.

Internship Highlights

Flexible Timeframe : Start and end dates are flexible within late May to early September.
Hands-On Learning : Assist in a wide range of development tasks, including:
Prospect Research : Help identify and engage potential supporters and partners.
Mailings & Data Entry : Contribute to the administrative efforts that keep our programs running smoothly.
Event Support : Play a role in the planning and execution of fundraising, cultivation, and educational events.
Fundraising Assistance : Support the team in raising essential funds to further the Council’s mission.

Why NLWC

Gain invaluable experience in environmental nonprofit work.
Work on projects that directly impact the preservation of Nantucket’s natural resources.
Be part of a supportive, passionate team dedicated to making a difference.

Requirements

Strong interest in nonprofit work, environmental conservation, and community engagement.
Detail-oriented, organized, and willing to take initiative.
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and/or Google Docs and Sheets

Desired (but not required) Skills

Experience in graphic design, Canva or Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)
Familiar with database entry, ideally Raiser’s Edge

Please Note

This position does not provide housing, but NLWC will use its contacts to assist with the housing search on Nantucket Island.

How to Apply

Send your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to search@nantucketlandwater.org . The deadline for applying is March 31, 2024. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early!

Join us this summer in our mission to protect Nantucket’s precious land and water resources. We look forward to hearing from you!

NLWC Raises Critical Water Quality Issues with Surfside Crossing’s 40B Proposal

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 21:34:56 GMT

The remand hearing for Surfside Crossing’s 156 unit 40B development is ongoing before Nantucket’s ZBA, and the deadline for the public hearing has been extended to February 21st . Last fall when the remand hearing began, the NLWC hired two professionals to assist us with reviewing the current plans for the 18 condo buildings and onsite development . One of our consultants, Sean Reardon, is a professional engineer who has worked with a number of ZBAs across the state assisting as their peer review engineer on 40B projects. The second, Scott Horsley, is a renowned water quality specialist who has helped us take a closer look at the implications of the proposed development on the island’s groundwater and public drinking water supply. They discovered some critical issues with the project’s design that have raised major concerns with the ZBA .

What Reardon and Horsley’s reviews have brought to light about the proposal is a lack of compliance with the state’s Stormwater Management Standards as well as the MA Drinking Water Regulations and an important provision in Nantucket’s Zoning Bylaw governing development within our Wellhead Protection District. Almost the entire 13.5 acre Surfside site lies within this environmentally sensitive area . The Wellhead Protection District was established to protect the region of our aquifer that contributes to the public water supply wells (this region is also called a Zone II region).

The bylaw provision sets a standard that only up to 15% of a property within the Zone II can be developed as impervious surfaces unless it can be demonstrated that at least 95% of the stormwater is properly recharged into the aquifer AND there will be no degradation to groundwater quality. I mpervious surfaces typically include things like parking lots, roadways, and buildings, where precipitation is impeded from naturally infiltrating into the ground . Instead it runs off the surface carrying pollutants or contaminants with it. The aggregate amount of impervious surfaces proposed by project developers is three-and-a-half times (3.5x) the limit imposed by the Drinking Water regulations and the Nantucket bylaw. Modern stormwater infrastructure can do a great job of managing flooding by infiltrating run off into the ground, but without proper pre-treatment many of these contaminants are carried directly into our groundwater as the natural filtration provided by vegetation and organic soils have been eliminated.

To date, the developers have made no attempt to address these critical issues and have only responded with attempts to justify their lack of compliance with this standard based on a lack of proper enforcement at other sites within our Zone II on the island. The scale of this project and magnitude of disturbance, clearing 13 acres of natural vegetation and converting 6.48 acres (52% of the site) to impervious surfaces, warrants more effort than simply relying on what others have gotten away with elsewhere. As Nantucket continues to develop throughout the mid-island area, much of which is within our Zone II, it is critical that we take better care to ensure that these developments do not cumulatively degrade our public drinking water supply, and implement the state and local standards for managing impervious surfaces and stormwater properly.

We will continue to advocate against the proposed project, which fails to meet state standards for stormwater management and does not adequately prevent the pollution of our public water supply.

We encourage all community members to participate in the public hearing and raise any concerns you have about the project with the Zoning Board of Appeals. The ZBA is scheduled to hear this matter on Feb 3, from 1pm - 4 pm, on Feb 4, from 11 am - 2 pm, and on February 19, from 1 pm - 4 pm.

Our submission to the ZBA on these issues can be found here.

The ZBA’s entire Surfside Crossing packet as of 01/24/25 can be found here:

https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01242025-14728?html=true .

The NLWC Advocates for Appropriate Mitigation of Existing Geotubes

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 21:35:02 GMT

The Conservation Commission recently signaled their likely approval of a positive permit for the geotube expansion project proposed jointly by SBPF and the Town of Nantucket. As data collected by project consultants indicates, the geotubes are detrimental to the environment, increasing the erosion on surrounding beaches. The NLWC takes the strong position that there are much more appropriate and less harmful alternatives, especially given that the Town’s engineers have determined the relocation of Baxter Road can be completed by 2027.

The fact is that the existing stretch of geotubes remain out of compliance with the current permit issued by the Conservation Commission due to SBPF’s failure to provide the required mitigation sand. It has been demonstrated by two independent coastal engineering experts that the failure to contribute the required mitigation (a sand deficit now well over 100,000 cubic yards) has already resulted in significant damage to the Town-owned coastal beach as well as privately owned properties to the north. This includes existing and increased future risk to the Lighthouse property. This violation of SBPF’s permit resulted in a removal order which was upheld by Superior Court, and is still outstanding.

The Draft Order Of Conditions, which the Commission is currently deliberating, includes a finding (#17) that states this new permit will replace the removal order. However, the Draft OOC does not contain any specific information on how SBPF and the Town, as co-applicants, will be required to account for the immense and growing deficit of sand. We have asked the Commission to specifically discuss this matter at their next public hearing (scheduled for January 15th).

If a positive OOC is issued, and a requirement to contribute the missing volume of sand is not clarified, SBPF will be rewarded with an expansion of the geotubes that they have failed to maintain in compliance with their current permit. Environmental permitting that considers negative impacts to natural resources always follows the premise of first avoiding adverse impacts, if those impacts cannot be avoided they must be minimized, and if adverse impacts cannot be avoided or minimized they must be mitigated. The entire permitting process is broken if an applicant is allowed to negatively impact multiple resource areas in such a significant way without mitigating those impacts. The mitigation conditioned in the previous permit was determined with SBPF’s own data, supported by MA DEP, and agreed to by SBPF. In the meantime SBPF and the Town are proposing to quadruple the size of this project.

If the Conservation Commission does not condition this permit to require the addition of adequate mitigation sand to account for the full deficit, it will be the most egregious violation of a wetlands permit I have ever seen in my two decades of reviewing hundreds of projects. The Commission should not be complicit in its lack of enforcement. This would set a precedent that is simply unconscionable for a regulatory entity. We are looking to the Conservation Commission to ensure that this does not happen.

As a co-applicant, the Town will ultimately also be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this permit. As owners of the coastal beach and bank that has already been damaged by the existing installation, they should also be insisting that the full deficit of sand be provided by SBPF prior to new construction. The Town should also ensure that they are not ultimately left with the liability for providing this sand which was the prior responsibility of SBPF.

Town Administration and the Select Board (as co-applicants), and the Conservation Commission as our regulatory authority must set the right example and precedent and follow through on appropriate enforcement of the geotubes that already exist before allowing any more to be constructed. Should they fail to do so, the damage to our coastal environment and resources will be irreparable.

Emily Molden

Executive Director, Nantucket Land & Water Council

The next Conservation Commission Public Hearing on the proposed geotube expansion is Wednesday, January 15th 10:00am-12:00pm in the Trailer at 131 Pleasant Street.

2024 Special Town Meeting Recap

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:37:11 GMT

At this September’s Special Town Meeting, the Nantucket Land and Water Council once more encouraged Nantucket residents to vote for the environment by following its recommendations on many of the articles. This year’s Special Town Meeting saw debates continue over matters including short-term rentals (STRs) and zoning changes. The NLWC is pleased to report that nearly all of its recommendations were seen to fruition by Nantucket voters.

In the STR world, voters faced multiple competing proposals to regulate short-term rentals. Article 1, supported by the Select Board, aimed to legalize short-term rentals in all residential districts with limited restrictions. However, concerns about workarounds for the restrictions it did propose and ongoing investor incentives led to its defeat, with 472 votes against and 416 in favor. While the article proposed to impose a limit of one STR per person, an individual would still have the ability to set up any number of other legal entities (in the form of LLCs, trusts, etc) on their own or in partnership with others with each as the owner of separate STRs. As a result, this important provision would not have held water.

Article 2, proposed by Charity Benz and Nantucket Neighborhoods First (NNF), took a more restrictive approach, allowing short-term rentals only as an Accessory Use, requiring property owners to live in their homes more than they rent them. Nantucket Waterkeeper RJ Turcotte read a statement by NLWC president Lucy Leske in support of this article. While Article 2 didn’t pass, it gained significant support, receiving 478 votes in favor and 394 opposed, exceeding 55% approval but falling short of the two-thirds majority needed.

The strong backing for Article 2 reflects growing concern over the impact of short-term rentals on Nantucket’s environment and community.

Article 5, which the Nantucket Land and Water Council (NLWC) supported, was successfully passed. This amendment clarified and strengthened restrictions against corporate ownership of STRs.

Zoning changes which would have resulted in significant subdivision potential, as well as proposals for Town Sewer were also proposed in Articles 11,12,13 and 14 which affected 44 Skyline Drive, and 13/13A Woodland Ave. These changes were not supported by the NLWC because of the significant change in density they would have facilitated in addition to concerns around surrounding infrastructure impacts. The proponents of the articles presented all of them at Town Meeting as key elements in larger plans for affordable housing developments. However, the proponents of the articles did not clearly present their plans for the properties in advance of Town Meeting leaving many questions. This uncertainty and the degree of density proposed for these locations resulted in strong defeat across the board.

Town Meeting also voted strongly in favor of Article 16 which once again proposed to implement specific changes to the constitution of the Nantucket Planning & Economic Development Commission with the intention of creating a more dynamic and diverse planning commission to help the island navigate many of the bigger picture challenges we are facing.

Many thanks to all of our residents who came out to the Special Town Meeting to engage in these discussions and to vote!

NLWC Recommends Vote YES on Article 2 at Special Town Meeting

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 15:46:21 GMT

Dear Members and Friends,

As you likely know, Nantucket’s 2024 Special Town Meeting is being held this coming Tuesday, September 17th at 5:00pm in the Nantucket High School Auditorium .

If you are a Nantucket registered voter, we are writing to ask that you join us on Tuesday and help us vote for the future health of Nantucket’s environment and community . The Nantucket Land & Water Council’s 2024 STM Recommendations can be found on our website (HERE) and will be available in paper form at the entrance to Town Meeting.

The Nantucket Land and Water Council (NLWC) has been working to preserve the health of Nantucket’s environment and community through the protection of our land and water resources since 1974. We accomplish this through research, education and advocacy. We are and have been the island’s trusted environmental advocate for over 50 years. Today we are writing to provide you with our position and recommendations for Tuesday’s Special Town Meeting in regard to the Short-Term Rental articles.

The NLWC has observed that the rise of the commercial short-term rental (STR) industry contributes to and incentivizes an intense (re)development of properties on Nantucket designed to deliver the highest rate of return. This is often accomplished by maximizing properties with buildings, bedrooms and amenities intended to meet the expectations of prospective occupants. This decreases open space and habitat in neighborhoods, escalates the intensity of use, and puts increasing pressure on the island’s resources jeopardizing the health of our drinking water, ponds and harbors, and our shared infrastructure such as solid waste and storm-water management, water and sewer.

While this type of development and the intensity of use that it facilitates will certainly maximize the return on an investment, it comes at a severe cost to our island. The Nantucket Land & Water Council is not opposed to all STRs. We support regulation that is consistent with Nantucket’s local tradition of residents renting their homes. NLWC opposes STRs for purely commercial or investment purposes. Our priority is to eliminate or reduce the pressure and incentive to turn our limited resource of homes into businesses that profit individuals and/or corporate entities while at the same time cumulatively harming the long-term health of our environment and community.

This year’s Special Town Meeting Warrant contains several articles relevant to Short-Term Rental regulations. NLWC recommends a YES Vote on Article 2 as it upholds Nantucket year round and seasonal residents’ ability to short term rent their homes while limiting existing and disincentivizing new investor ownership of STRs. The other articles will not accomplish this priority.

The NLWC has worked with the proponent of Article 2 on a Positive Motion (as Article 2 was not supported by the Planning Board or Finance Committee), to be presented on the floor of Town Meeting. The NLWC supports this Article 2 Positive Motion as presented HERE which makes several amendments to the original article simplifying its provisions and accomplishing the following goals:

Allow short term rentals as an Accessory Use to the Principal Use of a property as a residence. It also clarifies Accessory Use of STRs as simply renting a property for at least one day less than it is used as a residence.
Require owners or their immediate family members to utilize the property for at least 30 days (need not be consecutive) in a calendar year.
Allow for the short term rental of only one property per owner at a time and only one dwelling on the property at a time.

This article has been reviewed by the Town Moderator and approved as “within the scope” of the original article.

As drafted these provisions will support and clarify the language that currently exists in our Zoning Bylaw, and will allow the use of short term rentals year round while reducing investor incentives and intensity of use.

The NLWC does not support Articles 1, 3 or 4 (see comments in NLWC Recommendations below).

While Article 1 appears to limit the number of STRs that a person can have, it establishes a clear loophole for a person to set up multiple different legal entities to own and utilize multiple properties as STRs. It does not require the property to ever be used as a residence by the owner, and the limits on STRs for new owners are not enough to disincentivize investor ownership. The NLWC recommends a NO Vote on Article 1.

Nantucket has come to measure economic success in terms of each year being bigger and better than the last. This type of growth is not sustainable and it is critical that we implement measures to manage our growth in a way that ensures a viable future for the island we all love.

If maintaining a healthy environment, community and quality of life on Nantucket is important to you, please join us and attend the Special Town Meeting on September 17th and Vote YES for the Positive Motion on Article 2.

Your vote is extremely important and your vote matters. Many articles have been decided on fewer than 10 votes and some by a single vote. Please encourage your family and friends to attend and vote too!

– Emily Molden and All of Us at NLWC

2024 Special Town Meeting – NLWC Recommendations

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 15:58:35 GMT

2024 Special Town Meeting – Tuesday, September 17th at 5:00 PM
Nantucket High School Auditorium

Nantucket’s community depends on the vitality of its sustainable natural resources.

Vote Environment First >

The Nantucket Land & Water Council’s (NLWC) mission is to preserve the health of Nantucket’s environment and community through the protection of our land and water resources. The NLWC has reviewed the Warrant for the September 17th, 2024 Special Town Meeting and offers the following comments on articles which could affect the island’s unique and valuable natural resources.

ARTICLE 1: NO Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Regulating Nantucket Vacation Rentals

The Short-Term Rental industry (in particular investor-owned commercial STRs) contributes to more intensive use and (re)development of properties on Nantucket. This places increasing and measurable pressure on the island’s natural resources and infrastructure, from the health of our aquifer, ponds, and harbors to solid waste management, water and sewer. We support the promulgation of restrictions and regulations that address the Short-Term Rental industry in a balanced way that is consistent with Nantucket’s local traditions while protecting against unfavorable depletion of our Island’s natural resources that we all want to prevent.

The NLWC does not support Article 1 as drafted. We do support the proposed limit of one STR per person and the new owner restrictions and agree with the changes made by the Planning Board in their motion. However, Article 1 still does not go far enough to limit existing and disincentivize new investor owned STRs. This use of STRs as an investment leads to the continued unsustainable type of development and use that will negatively impact the long-term health of Nantucket’s environment.

ARTICLE 2: YES Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Regulating Short Term Rental Use

The NLWC supports Article 2 as drafted. This is the only article that upholds STR use to a traditional Accessory Use as currently defined in the Zoning Bylaw. This article allows for all Nantucket residents to rent their homes but requires that use of a dwelling as a STR be less than the dwelling’s principal use as a residence. As such it limits existing and disincentivizes new investors from purchasing property to be rented out purely as a business.

Article 3: NO Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Regulating Short Term Rental Use The NLWC does not support this article. It does not meaningfully limit STRs for new or existing owners and does not acknowledge the community’s clear desire for increased regulation that protects our environment. It does not limit existing and disincentivize new investor-owned STRs.

Article 4 : NO Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Regulating Short Term Rental Use

The NLWC does not support this article as drafted. We support the requirement for residing on Nantucket, the limit of one STR per person, and the new owner restrictions. However, Article 4 does not go far enough to limit existing and disincentivize new investor owned STRs which lead to the continued unsustainable type of development and use that will negatively impact the longterm health of Nantucket’s environment.

Article 5: YES General Bylaw Amendment – Short Term Rentals The NLWC supports this article to clarify restrictions against corporate ownership of Short Term Rentals. This will help to further limit existing and disincentivize new corporate ownership of STRs.

Article 8: YES Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Issuance of Building and Use Permits – Demolition Delay The NLWC supports this article to extend the period of time allocated for owners to implement repurposing and reuse of buildings on Nantucket. The recycling and reuse of materials will not only help to preserve our historic structures but will help reduce construction and demolition waste which fills our landfill and poses challenge for Nantucket’s solid waste management.

Article 9: NO Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Apartment Community The NLWC supports the Planning Board’s motion to take no action on this article. This proposed amendment would greatly increase the potential ground cover, density and number of dwelling units allowed in all residential districts across the island. There has been no evaluation of the implications of this article on island buildout or infrastructure.

Article 11: NO Zoning Map Change – LUG 2 to R5 – 44 Skyline Drive The NLWC supports the Planning Board’s motion not to adopt this Article. This proposal to change minimum lot size from 80,000 sf to 5,000 sf would allow for an increase in density 16 times what is allowed under current zoning.

Article 12 : NO Zoning Map Change – LUG 2 to R5 and R20 to R5 – 13 and 13A Woodland Ave The NLWC supports the Planning Board’s motion not to adopt this article. This proposal to change minimum lot size on these lots from 80,000 sf and 20,000 sf respectively to 5,000 sf would allow for an increase in density close to 16 times what is allowed under current zoning.

Article 13 : NO Bylaw Amendment – Sewer District Map Change – 44 Skyline Drive The NLWC supports the Finance Committee’s motion not to adopt this article. The Sewer Commissioners also voted not to add this parcel to the Town Sewer District.

Article 14 : NO Bylaw Amendment – Sewer District Map Change – 13 and 13A Woodland Ave The NLWC supports the Finance Committee’s motion not to adopt this article. The Sewer Commissioners also voted not to add these parcels to the Town Sewer District.

Article 15 : NO Bylaw Amendment – Sewer District Map Change – 42 Monohansett Road The NLWC supports the Finance Committee’s motion not to adopt this article. The Sewer Commissioners also voted not to add this parcel to the Town Sewer District. The NLWC does not support this article as drafted. We support the requirement for residing on Nantucket, the limit of one STR per person, and the new owner restrictions. However, Article 4 does not go far enough to limit existing and disincentivize new investor owned STRs which lead to the continued unsustainable type of development and use that will negatively impact the longterm health of Nantucket’s environment.

Vineyard Wind – NLWC Position

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:39:00 GMT

The Nantucket Land & Water Council supports alternative energy and recognizes the potential benefits of offshore wind projects to mitigate our carbon footprint as well as the effects of climate change. However, it is our role as an environmental advocate and member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, to ensure that this industry is held accountable, specifically as it relates to the health of the environment. While this industry brings many opportunities, it still has impacts, like any industry, that must be avoided, minimized, or mitigated.

It is clear that none of the patchwork of local, state, and federal Vineyard Wind permits, which govern a great variety of environmental interests, contemplated the potential for the catastrophic collapse of a turbine blade on July 13th and the massive debris field that resulted in the surrounding waters and along our coastline. Our community was unprepared to deal with an event of this magnitude, and the delayed communications of Vineyard Wind and GE Vernova made matters much worse. The Town and community have been advocating for an appropriate response ever since.

Following the Bureau for Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)’s revised suspension order allowing for continued construction of towers and nacelles, and confirmation last week of a 3rd GE Vernova Haliade-X turbine blade failure (including the one that washed up on our shores and two from the Dogger Bank installation off of the United Kingdom) in about 3 months’ time, we are very concerned about appropriate resolution and remediation prior to power generation or the resumption of any further activity at the Vineyard Wind 1 site.

The NLWC will continue advocating for, among other items, the following:

The turbines in the Vineyard Wind leased area should remain inactive until all existing blades have been fully tested to ensure the manufacturing defect that caused the blade failure on AW- 38 last month cannot happen again.
Future blade installations should be required to be tested at a facility on land, not over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as occurred in this case.
Debris that has been collected should be tested for toxic and hazardous substances and a water quality sampling and monitoring program should be implemented, to ensure Nantucket’s waters remain clean, fishable and swimmable.
The Arcadis CSM mapping of the debris field should be used to develop a protocol for future debris incidents involving Vineyard Wind’s offshore wind projects. This protocol must be scalable in the event of multiple or large-scale failures.
The Initial Environmental Analysis report prepared by Arcadis must be validated by a third party to ensure concurrence with its conclusions.
Existing permits and state and federal approvals, as appropriate, should be amended to incorporate best practice contingencies for future marine debris incidents associated with offshore wind development.
Existing permits should also be amended to include communications plans requiring immediate public notification of future incidents to allow coastal communities to prepare for the various environmental impacts of such an event.

We will continue to speak with our congressional leaders and state representatives and petition the appropriate agencies to ensure the above matters are addressed. It is essential that project partners and the industry are held accountable for these missteps and major problems immediately before they risk being repeated here or elsewhere.

Eelgrass Restoration Volunteer Opportunity

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:27:00 GMT

We are currently looking for volunteers to help us at the Brant Point Hatchery to process eelgrass reproductive shoots for the summer. No skill or experience is required – we’ll teach you on the job! The goal is to take the reproductive shoots that we already collected and clip excess vegetation until we are just left with the seed-bearing pods. This will prevent oxygen from being depleted in our storage tanks. This work is crucial as it ensures our eelgrass seeds survive until we plant around Nantucket in the fall. Restoring eelgrass beds is a critical step to keeping the waters around Nantucket healthy, and we appreciate any help you can provide!, Click HERE to join the volunteer list.

Please note: it can be sunny/hot or windy on the dock, so check the weather! Sunscreen, a hat, snacks, water, and layers are always recommended.

At the Brant Point Hatchery, located on Brant Point Beach next to the lighthouse.
Monday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Vote NO on Article 59

Mon, 20 May 2024 19:09:54 GMT

Article 59 is identical to the previously-defeated Article 42 at the 2022 ATM and Article 2 at the 2023 STM. This article MUST BE DEFEATED because it would legalize unlimited commercial STRs as a primary use for houses in all our residential districts across the island. If this right is granted under zoning it cannot be taken away and could open up the floodgates for STR investment. Allowing commercial STRs in residential districts would have long-term adverse, and potentially irreversible impacts on our environment and the health of our community. Moreover, recent court rulings have confirmed that STRs are a commercial use that is not legal in residential districts.

NLWC supports allowing STRs as an accessory use in residential districts protecting residents’ ability to rent their homes so long as they are using it primarily as a residence. NLWC would support balanced By-Law proposals that reasonably limit STRs to Nantucket residents, ensure effective regulation by our Town government, and are consistent with our local traditions. NLWC opposes STRs for commercial or investment purposes.

The commercial short-term rental industry, if unchecked, threatens to irreparably harm our Island’s environment and therefore our community’s vitality, health and quality of life. Obviously, this is an outcome that we all want to prevent.

If maintaining a healthy environment, community and quality of life on Nantucketis important to you, please attend Town Meeting and vote a resounding NO on Article 59.

NLWC 2024 Annual Town Meeting Recommendations

Mon, 20 May 2024 19:09:53 GMT

Nantucket’s community depends on the vitality of its sustainable natural resources.

2024 Annual Town Meeting
Tuesday, May 7th at 5:00 PM
Nantucket High School Auditorium

VOTE ENVIRONMENT FIRST

The Nantucket Land & Water Council has reviewed the Warrant for the May 7th 2024, Annual Town Meeting and offers the following recommendations on articles which could affect the island’s unique and valuable natural resources and quality of life.

For more information on the Annual Town Meeting and for a copy of the Warrant and relevant maps, please visit the Town website HERE .

Article 42 NO Zoning Bylaw Amendment: Flex Development – Open Space Protection
This proposed amendment is unclear as drafted and could be interpreted to allow the Planning Board to waive the permanent restriction to protect open space that is intended in the Bylaw.

Read more information on Article 42 by clicking here

Watch NLWC Executive Director speak about Article 42 at the Nantucket Civic League’s Meet the Articles on April 6, 2024. Time Stamp: 46:07 through 51:27

Article 43 NO Zoning Bylaw Amendment: Rear Lot Subdivision
This amendment would enable the Planning Board to grant a Special Permit for a Rear Lot Subdivision without having to formally endorse an Approval Not Required subdivision plan. It unreasonably eliminates an important regulatory check which has always been a prerequisite for this type of subdivision.

Article 45 YES Zoning Bylaw Amendment: Moorlands Management District (MMD) Pool Prohibition
This article would prohibit pools and outdoor residential recreational water features from the MMD, which are currently allowed by Special Permit. This district was created in the 1980’s to protect and preserve the scenic and ecological integrity of the moorlands in the Smooth Hummocks and Head of the Plains areas. Pools are inconsistent with the underlying purpose of the fragile MMD.

Read more information on Article 45 by clicking here.

Article 50 YES Zoning Map Change: Open Space Parcels – Various
This article appropriately changes the zoning of several open space properties, increasing the minimum lot size to the greatest extent possible within the respective Town or Country Overlay District.

Article 53 NO Zoning Map Change: LUG-2 to R-20 – 25 Rugged Road
This unusual zoning change for only a portion of a single lot, would create a new market rate lot where zoning does not currently permit one, by decreasing minimum lot size from 80,000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft. This change would also require an isolated conversion of Country District into Town District, contrary to the Master Plan designation. Alternatively, this lot is currently eligible for the creation of secondary and tertiary residential lots through the covenant program, which would be disincentivized if this article is passed.

Article 59 NO Zoning Bylaw Amendment: Definitions and Word Usage/Residential Rental Use
This article is identical to the previously-defeated Article 42 at the 2022 ATM and Article 2 at the 2023 STM. This Article should be defeated again because it would legalize unlimited commercial STRs as a primary use for houses in all of our residential districts across the island. Once this right is granted under zoning it cannot be taken away. The proliferation of commercial STRs in residential districts threatens the island’s natural resources and infrastructure. Moreover, recent court rulings have confirmed that STRs are a commercial use that is not legal in residential districts. NLWC supports allowing STRs as an accessory use in residential districts. This would ensure all Nantucket residents have the ability to short-term rent their homes so long as they are using their home primarily as a residence. This would prevent commercial/investor-owned STRs in residential neighborhoods.
Please vote NO on Article 59.

Read more information on Article 59 by clicking here.

Article 60 NO General Bylaw Amendment: Definitions and Word Usage/Residential Rental Use
The Fin Com recommendation for this article is purported to be a compromise. But it does not advance balanced limitations on STRs that will protect our Island from increased intensity of use and measurable impact on our natural resources and infrastructure. Nor does it limit STRs to Nantucket residents, but instead contains large loopholes (referring to “other legal entities”) for STRs for commercial purposes owned by corporations and outside investors. It even tries to acknowledge all existing commercial STRs as lawful even though recent court rulings have held they are not (see Section K and “Continue to permit the operation of STRs…”). Finally, it attempts to regulate use and ownership of properties through a General Bylaw provision when such limitations can lawfully be addressed only through a Zoning Bylaw provision. This Article should be defeated.

Article 61 & 62 NO General Bylaw Amendment: Short-Term Rentals
Articles 61 & 62 contain the same loopholes permitting new commercial STRs owned by corporations and outside investors. They suggest incorrectly that the operation of STRs as a primary use in all our residential districts is currently legal under zoning (including the stated purpose and intent to “Continue to permit the operation of STRs…”). It is not. These articles also attempt to regulate the use and ownership of properties through a General Bylaw provision when such limitations can lawfully be addressed only through a Zoning Bylaw provision. Article 61 would enable any structure that has received a Certificate of Occupancy to operate as an STR in the future, which has the potential to dramatically increase the number of full time commercial STRs across residential districts on Nantucket. Article 62 attempts to limit ownership of STRs to 2 units per natural person, which will not impose enough of a limitation on the creation of new STRs as an investment. These Articles should both be defeated.

Article 67 & 69 YES Home Rule Petition and Bylaw: Coastal Resilience District
These articles would enable the Town to create Coastal Resilience Districts to support ongoing efforts towards coastal resiliency. This important tool will significantly increase the Town’s capacity to implement and accomplish the goals and objectives of our Coastal Resilience Plan.

Article 68 NO Real Estate: Lease/License of Baxter Road Property for Erosion Control
This article as drafted is unnecessarily vague and open-ended. It would issue a blank check for the beach to be utilized for construction of any coastal engineering structures on Sconset Beach forever into the future. It has no time frame, no limits on the type of structures, or their location, undermining the intent of Chapter 67-1E, which requires a Town Meeting vote to authorize the duration, location, and type of structures on Town owned land.

Read more information on Article 68 by clicking here.
Watch NLWC Executive Director speak about Article 68 at the Nantucket Civic League’s Meet the Articles on April 6, 2024. Time Stamp: 29:58 through 35:00

Article 72 NO Bylaw Amendment: Repeal Chapter 141: Stretch Energy Code
This article would eliminate important local legislation that requires building with higher energy efficiency and savings than our Building Code. Nantucket should be improving energy efficiency, not reducing it.

Article 74 YES No Town Funds: Surfside Crossing
We support this article based on the significance and history of this project. If there is an opportunity for the Town to participate in a meaningful way that benefits the public, it can be brought to Town Meeting in the future.

Article 79 YES Home Rule Petition: Community Housing Bank Real Estate Transfer Fee
This article will create a funding source for affordable housing similar to the Land Bank fee structure.

Article 83 YES Home Rule Petition: An Act Regulating the Application of Fertilizer
NLWC supports the intent of this article allowing Nantucket to amend and improve existing fertilizer regulations. We continue to advocate for and support education, implementation and enforcement of the existing regulations.

WATCH: A Conversation On PFAS

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Mon, 20 May 2024 19:09:53 GMT

Watch: A Conversation on PFAS by clicking here .

On February 13, 2024 we heard from, Analytical Chemist Kristen Mello, Dr. Courtney Carignan of Michigan State University, and Dr. Timothy Lepore of Nantucket, to better understand the background and effects of PFAS.

Presentations were given on the studies centered on PFAS currently being conducted on Nantucket as well as the impacts PFAS can have on human health. Following these presentations, there was a brief question and answer portion where community members voiced questions and concerns about this complicated and developing issue.

You can watch the presentation by clicking here .

NLWC Blog - Nantucket Land & Water Council

Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation Awards Generous Grant to Nantucket Land & Water Council to Advance Eelgrass-Friendly Moorings Pilot Project

New partnership will transition conventional moorings in Monomoy to protect and restore Nantucket Harbor habitat

Advocate for the Environment – Join the NLWC's Community Advocates!

The NLWC’s Lane – Reflections on STM

Vote Environment First at Special Town Meeting on November 4th!

Surfside Crossing Appeal Hearing Completed - NLWC Defending Clean Water for Nantucket!!

MA DEP Visits Geotube Expansion Site in Sconset

Click HERE for our Geotube Project Pre-Briefing Slide Deck

Protecting Your Tap: Choosing the Right PFAS Water Filter for Your Home

What to Look for: NSF Certification

Pitcher and Countertop Filters

Undersink and Reverse Osmosis Systems

Bottom Line

NLWC’s Annual Meeting to feature Guest Speaker Edwina von Gal

We Invite You to Join Us!

Tuesday, August 5 at 5:00pm

Nantucket Land & Water Council's 2025 ATM Recommendations

NLWC Formally Opposes Geotube Expansion

Conservation Commission Permits Geotube Expansion

Nantucket Community Can Vote NO at Upcoming Annual Town Meeting

Summer Development Internship at Nantucket Land & Water Council

Location: Nantucket Island Hours: 25-35 hours per week Compensation: $22 per hour

Internship Highlights

Why NLWC

Requirements

Desired (but not required) Skills

Please Note

How to Apply

NLWC Raises Critical Water Quality Issues with Surfside Crossing’s 40B Proposal

The NLWC Advocates for Appropriate Mitigation of Existing Geotubes

2024 Special Town Meeting Recap

NLWC Recommends Vote YES on Article 2 at Special Town Meeting

2024 Special Town Meeting – NLWC Recommendations

2024 Special Town Meeting – Tuesday, September 17th at 5:00 PM Nantucket High School Auditorium

Nantucket’s community depends on the vitality of its sustainable natural resources.

Vote Environment First >

Vineyard Wind – NLWC Position

Eelgrass Restoration Volunteer Opportunity

Vote NO on Article 59

NLWC 2024 Annual Town Meeting Recommendations

Nantucket’s community depends on the vitality of its sustainable natural resources.

VOTE ENVIRONMENT FIRST

WATCH: A Conversation On PFAS

The NLWC’s Lane – Reflections on STM

Location: Nantucket Island
Hours: 25-35 hours per week
Compensation: $22 per hour

2024 Special Town Meeting – Tuesday, September 17th at 5:00 PM
Nantucket High School Auditorium