Council to eye Simpson’s Point use

MOTORIZED CRAFT at Simpson’s Point boat launch was banned, in part, to mitigate the loss of eel grass. An assessment conducted between 2008 and 2012 found the decline in eel grass is clearly unrelated to motor vessel traffic, according to Brunswick’s Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission.

BRUNSWICK

The town may ask the state Department of Environmental Protection to allow some motorized boat traffic at certain times of the year at the Simpson’s Point boat launch. The town council will discuss whether to make the request at its meeting tonight, and may possibly take a vote on the issue at a future meeting.

The town’s Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission in July unanimously recommended that boats with submerged propellers would be allowed to use the ramp from October through April.

Motorized craft at the launch was banned, in part, to mitigate the loss of eel grass. An assessment conducted between 2008 and 2012 found the decline in eel grass is clearly unrelated to motor vessel traffic, according to the commission.

The commission was also concerned with the safety of shellfish harvesters, who are at greater risk when traveling longer distances from the Mere Point boat launch during the winter in rough waters, higher winds, and colder temperatures.

Simpson’s Point is more sheltered and closer to shellfish flats than Mere Point.

However, Simpson’s Point has extremely limited parking, and some neighbors have cited concerns about increased traffic and noise pollution.

Town Council Chairman Benet Pols said the council discussion will provide some needed public scrutiny on the topic.

“We’ll put it out there and talk about it, and it may raise some public input. And then we will consider sending it,” Pols said.

The council may hold a vote on it at its Oct. 20 meeting, said Pols.

Also tonight:

— The council is scheduled to receive an update on the Water Street boat launch. The project is expected to begin this fall, although a contractor has not yet been signed to the project. The $165,000 dock — of which the town is paying $70,000 — will allow the simultaneous launching of craft such as canoes, kayaks, rowing shells, and paddle boards alongside motorized craft.

— The council is due to receive an update on an upcoming investigation as to whether any debris from a disposal site at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station had spread the Town Commons.

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