After considerable discussion on how to deal with the problem of seaweed on the beaches, the Scituate Board of Selectmen voted to adopt the Scituate Public Swim Beach Seaweed Removal Policy at their July 10 meeting.

The policy was developed by Scituate Department of Public Works (DPW) Director, Al Bangert; Scituate Conservation Agent Jim OConnell; Scituate Health Director, Jennifer Sullivan; and Scituate Recreation Director Jennifer Vitelli.

All were present at the July 10 meeting.

The purpose of this policy is to establish the protocol for removing seaweed and other debris from guarded public beaches during the summer swim season, Bangert explained. The policy must balance the desire of citizens to use the beaches for recreation purposes, with the environmental impact of modifying the natural processes of beach dynamics and foraging habitat for shorebirds and wildlife.

Sullivan said, All departments aired their concerns and limitations in developing this policy.

According to the policy, the recreation director and the director of public health will discuss the status of a beach with the conservation agent and together they will make the decision to activate a beach cleanup.

In terms of the method of seaweed removal, the DPW will obtain an Order of Conditions from the conservation commission for beach cleanup on public land.

The primary means of removal will entail using small machines with finger-like grabbles to minimize sand removal. A secondary means of removal will be using front-end loaders. A determination will be made of the approximate quantity of sand removed, and the beach will be re-nourished with an equal quantity of beach-compatible sand.

The removed material will be disposed of at the Bourne landfill, or other approved sites.

During the discussion on the issue at the July 10 selectmen meeting, Selectmen Chairman Joseph Norton said that the board is cognizant that Scituate is a beach community, so were very aware of the seaweed periodically building up on the beaches often takes care of itself.

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Scituate beaches: Seaweed issue prompts policy