NLWC Hosts Forum on PFAS at Nantucket Dreamland page 6
NLWC Celebrates Sustainable Landscapes with Grow Native Initiative page 7
NANTUCKET LAND & WATER COUNCIL
Nantucket Land & Water Council
PO Box 502, 6 Ash Lane
Nantucket, MA 02554
508.228.2818
www.nantucketlandwater.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lucy Leske, President
Matt Liddle, Vice President
William Willet, Vice President
Laurel Ried Langworthy, Treasurer
Susan E. Robinson, Clerk
Matt Anderson
Susan Baer
Mary-Randolph Ballinger
William S. Brenizer
Michelle Carvin
Lucy Dillon
Thomas V. Farrell
Robert Friedman
Nancy Gillespie
Matt Haffenreffer
Evan Jones
Charles A. Kilvert III
Bob Lyons
Peter McCausland
Keltie Donelan McDonald
Alan Nathan Annalise Nelson
Charles Platt
Amy Rowland
Carl H. Sjolund
Brooks Smith
Lars Soderberg
David Troast
Helen Weeks Peterson
DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Paul A. Bennett
SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR
James W. Sutherland, Ph.D.
NLWC ASSOCIATES
Jen Garran, Chair
William Johnson
Chad Kilvert
Leah Mojer
Margaret Troast
Helen Weeks Peterson
STAFF
Emily Molden, Executive Director
RJ Turcotte, Nantucket Waterkeeper
Michelle Whelan, Development Director
Anna Day, Communications Manager
Willa Arsenault, Environmental Program Coordinator
Dennis Murphy—General Counsel
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Wetlands Regulations
After several years of delays and revisions, the Nantucket Wetland Regulations were finally updated on June 27th, 2024. NLWC’s Nantucket Waterkeeper, RJ Turcotte, advocated for these critical changes, including more stringent buffer zone requirements (see image, courtesy of Nantucket Natural Resources Department), updated definitions, and inclusion of language from the Coastal Resilience Plan. The previous regulations did not define or mention climate change, sea level rise, or coastal resilience. Considering the Conservation Commission’s role in upholding the regulations and protecting our natural resources from human impacts, not including these terms for a low-lying and vulnerable island community in 2024 was a critical oversight. That is thankfully no longer the case, and these updated regulations will allow the Commission to consider climate change and sea level rise while reviewing projects, especially in the coastal areas of Nantucket.
A major aspect of the Coastal Resilience Plan is to update all of the Town’s regulations to reflect the realities of sea level rise, erosion, and coastal resilience in the face of the global problem that is climate change. Our wetlands regulations now do so, and we hope that other Town Bylaws and regulations will soon follow suit. NLWC actively participated in the regulatory review and update process, and we’re thrilled to have contributed language that was eventually adopted into the new version. These new regulations will come into effect on January 1st, 2025.
Harbor Plan Update
Throughout 2024, Emily Molden, Executive Director, has been serving on the Town’s Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Action Plan Update Committee as a representative of the Clean Water Coalition. This Committee has been working to update the Town’s Harbor Plan which was last published in 2009. The Committee is working with Town representatives and consultant, Urban Harbors Institute to consider important issues including the improvement of equitable public access to the harbors, fostering traditional and new water-dependent uses, while protecting natural resources, improving harbor water quality, the restoration of aquatic and shoreline habitats, and improving fisheries—preserving cultures and traditions for all residents. The Committee meets publicly every other Monday, and more information can be found on the Town’s website. Please be on the lookout and join us for a final public forum to review the draft plan this winter.
NLWC Responds to Vineyard Wind Blade Failure
The Nantucket Land & Water Council released a statement earlier this year following the devastating collapse of a turbine blade at Vineyard Wind’s offshore installation in July.
The NLWC 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 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 of micro-particle pollution 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. The NLWC has been working with the Town to ensure complete environmental remediation and enhanced protections to prevent future incidents.
Despite the failure of 3 GE Vernova Haliade-X turbine blades this year, the Bureau for Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) issued a revised suspension order at the end of July, allowing for continued construction of towers and nacelles. Since then, eight new installations have been constructed in Vineyard Wind, though the turbines remain idle. We remain very concerned about appropriate resolution and remediation prior to power generation or the resumption of any further activity at the Vineyard Wind site.
The NLWC is committed to advocating for, among other items, the following:
1. 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 cannot happen again.
2. The root cause analysis report should be released publicly, including information about compounds released that may pose a threat to the environment and public health or safety.
3. Existing permits, state and federal approvals, as appropriate, should be amended to incorporate best practice contingencies for future marine debris incidents associated with offshore wind development.
4. Existing permits should also be amended to include communication 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 before they risk being repeated here or elsewhere.
PFAS Well Project Update
Nantucket’s drinking water supply is one of the island’s most precious resources, and the ongoing PFAS Well Project is a critical initiative to safeguard it for future generations. Launched in tandem with the PFAS Action Group, this project was started in response to growing concerns about PFAS contamination. By providing participants with screening kits that are being used to pilot the efficacy of new technologies to look for these compounds through the presence of Fluorine, the Nantucket PFAS Well Project hopes to validate accessible screening tools for rural communities everywhere.
PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals found in a wide range of products, from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware. These “forever chemicals” are notoriously difficult to break down and can accumulate in the environment and human body over time, posing potential health risks.
These screening kits are cheaper and simpler than traditional PFAS test methods. If the piloting on Nantucket is successful, they could potentially become an important screening tool for other rural communities.
As the Pilot Project Team continues to analyze the hundreds of samples submitted by community members and verify what the new screening tool is seeing, there are still questions that need to be addressed to ensure sound results. Thus, the release of results to participants has been delayed.
In the meantime, the NLWC has also been working to educate the community about the potential risks of PFAS and what homeowners can do. Residents are encouraged to get their wells tested and, if necessary, consider water filtration systems to reduce exposure. Stay tuned for more!
Stormwater Management
The Nantucket Land & Water Council worked closely this year with the Town of Nantucket Sewer & Stormwater Department along with our Clean Water Coalition partners, the Maria Mitchell Association and the Nantucket Shellfish Association to develop a stormwater monitoring program for several outfall pipes that direct stormwater into Nantucket Harbor. This summer, we were awarded a grant from the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation to implement this monitoring program. Five outfalls will be sampled over a two year period, including the outfalls at Children’s Beach, Easy Street, the Town Pier, Washington Street Ext, and Orange Street. Stormwater from these locations are a point source of contaminants to Nantucket Harbor which have never been formally monitored before. This data will help the Town in its efforts to plan for and prioritize future infrastructure improvements while contributing to our understanding of Nantucket Harbor’s health. The team will begin its monitoring efforts this winter. We are truly grateful for the support of the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation!
NLWC Executive Director Emily Molden with project partners Samantha Denette of the NSA, Charles Johnson of the TON, Joanna Roche of MMA, GHYC Foundation Directors Matthew Dwyer, Karen Ketterer and Orenstein, and one of the automatic stormwater sampling units.
2024 Water Fund Challenge Grant
We Love Nantucket Waters Our Please Help Us Meet Our Water Fund Challenge! Thank You to our 2024 Water Fund Challenge Grant Donors!
In order to encourage contributions to our Water Fund in 2024, members of the NLWC Board of Directors created a generous “Water Fund Challenge Grant” matching gifts to the NLWC’s Water Fund up to $75,000. We are deeply grateful to our 2024 Challengers
Susan and Michael Baer • Mary-Randolph Ballinger • The Cox Family Foundation
• Robert and Barbara Friedman • Peter and Bonnie McCausland
• Alan and Virginia Nathan • Lars and Jane Soderberg.
Double Your Impact with a Gift to Our Water Fund TODAY! Together, we are making a difference!
The NLWC Water Fund is a donor-restricted fund dedicated to supporting collaborative marine and freshwater projects on Nantucket, including:
Ongoing pond water data collection and monitoring • PFAS well testing • Education • Eelgrass restoration in our harbor • Stormwater monitoring • Ongoing advocacy to prevent adverse impacts to our waters from proposed zoning changes and building projects • Events such as 2024’s “Unraveling PFAS” Panel Discussion with renowned scientists and policy-makers and NLWC’s annual State of the Harbor Forum
R E S E A R C H N E W S
Eelgrass Exclusion Zone
With the recreational scalloping season underway and the commercial season about to begin, NLWC would like to remind everyone of our Monomoy eelgrass restoration site, which is closed to dredging and anchoring. It is marked with spar buoys on each corner of the half-acre site.
The NLWC began restoration efforts in this area in 2018 with support from the Town’s Natural Resources Department, and many community volunteers. The restoration efforts have been incredibly successful in this area achieving nearly continuous 90% cover, and it is still expanding. This restored eelgrass meadow is now being monitored and assessed for improvements to its ecological function. Our plans will be to eventually reopen the site as we consider restoration efforts elsewhere. Please help us keep this eelgrass in its current, healthy state and avoid this area with anchors and dredges!
8th Annual State of the Harbor Forum: Another Successful NLWC Event!
The NLWC was delighted with its 8th Annual State of the Harbor Forum turnout. It was held at the Great Harbor Yacht Club on July 18th, and close to 150 community members attended to hear the latest information on issues impacting the health of Nantucket Harbor.
Guests heard from Emily Molden, Executive Director of the Nantucket Land & Water Council; Anne Kitchell, Associate Principal and Senior Watershed Planner at Horsley Witten Group; Charles Johnson, Stormwater Manager at the Town of Nantucket Sewer & Stormwater Department; and Rachael Freeman, Director of Operational Resources at the Nantucket Land Bank.
Featured presenters shared information on the status of Nantucket’s stormwater infrastructure in the downtown area and planning efforts underway to implement improvements. Two projects were highlighted: stormwater entering our harbor and the restoration of ecological integrity at Lily Pond Park.
Following the presentations, we fielded questions from members of the audience. Guests then enjoyed cocktails and fresh oysters, thanks to our in-kind sponsor, Yoho Raw Bar, under a very sunny sky on the GHYC lawn overlooking the harbor.
Thank You Again
to everyone who attended, and big thanks to our 2024 Business and Event Sponsors:
Spindrift
Nantucket Shellfish Association
Yoho Raw Bar
Visco Pumping Inc. September Productions Anderson’s Stillwater Moorings
On August 1st, the NLWC and PFAS Action Group hosted “Unraveling PFAS—A Nantucket Imperative.” The evening featured a distinguished panel of scientists, advocates, and educators who unpacked the complex issue of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination, both on Nantucket and beyond. The event gave attendees crucial insights into the risks posed by these “forever chemicals” and explored actionable solutions to mitigate their effects.
Attendees eagerly participated in a lively Q&A session, asking thoughtful questions and contributing their concerns and ideas to the dialogue. This engagement sparked deeper discussions on how the community can work together to address PFAS contamination, highlighting the importance of collaborative, local efforts.
Nantucket Waterkeeper RJ Turcotte also presented an update on the Nantucket Pilot PFAS Well Project, which has made significant progress thanks to community support. The project’s advancements over the past year were met with enthusiasm, underscoring the collective commitment to protecting Nantucket’s water supply.
Thanks to the expertise of the panelists and the engaged audience, this forum succeeded in fostering both awareness and action, leaving participants better informed and motivated to continue the fight against this pressing environmental issue.
From left to right: Rachael Freeman, Anne Kitchell, Charles Johnson and Emily Molden
NLWC’s 50th Annual Meeting: A Special Celebration
At this year’s Annual Meeting, the Nantucket Land & Water Council celebrated five decades of protecting Nantucket’s land and water resources.
We heard from Executive Director Emily Molden about our current initiatives, amended our Bylaw, and welcomed three new members to NLWC’s Board of Directors: Michelle Carvin, Evan Jones, and Annalise Nelson.
Emily Molden presented an award to this year’s “Advocate of the Year”—Carley Ray. Carley completed the construction of Nantucket’s first Oyster Upweller last year for her Girl Scout Gold Award.
Our guests also enjoyed the premier of our 50th Anniversary Film, produced by September Productions, and heard from special guests: John Roe, Former NLWC Executive Director; Jon Witten, Land Use and Legal Advisor; and Lucy Leske, Incoming NLWC Board President.
Thank you to all who joined us for this special celebration! The Nantucket Land & Water Council is deeply indebted to our current and former Board Members, donors, Directors, staff, volunteers, and supporters, without whose vision, leadership, and dedication the incredible milestones of the last 50 years would not have been possible.
NLWC Celebrates Sustainable Landscapes with Grow Native Initiative
This year, the NLWC was thrilled to launch our latest initiative, “Grow Native for Nantucket”. The “Grow Native for Nantucket” initiative is a community-driven effort aimed at promoting the use of native plant species to protect and enhance the island’s unique environment. Through this initiative, we aim to highlight and encourage islanders to understand the critical role native plants play in preserving biodiversity, protecting our pollinators and pets, bolstering water quality, and strengthening the island’s resilience.
Nantucket’s native plants, which have evolved over time to thrive in the island’s coastal conditions, provide essential food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. In contrast, non-native plants can upset these delicate ecosystems by competing with local species, disrupting soil health, and even attracting pests. The Grow Native campaign encourages residents to rethink their landscaping choices and opt for native alternatives that are better suited to Nantucket’s environment and help sustain local ecosystems.
Education is at the heart of this initiative. Through workshops, partnerships with local organizations, and outreach at schools and community events, Grow Native for Nantucket aims to spread the word about how small changes in gardening and landscaping can have a significant impact. By incorporating native plants, homeowners can reduce water usage, minimize the need for chemical fertilizers, and lessen the need for intensive management.
These practical benefits, combined with the ecological advantages, make native plants a smart and sustainable choice.
The Grow Native for Nantucket initiative is just getting started. As the campaign expands, there will be more opportunities to get involved, whether through attending workshops, joining community events, or learning about specific native species that benefit different parts of the island. With more exciting activities and resources planned, NLWC encourages everyone to stay tuned for upcoming events and announcements.
By embracing native plants, the Nantucket community is not only preserving the island’s natural beauty but also contributing to a healthier, more resilient future. Keep an eye out for what’s next in the Grow Native campaign, and take part in shaping a sustainable Nantucket!
From left to right: John Roe,Lucy Leske, Emily Molden and Jon Witten
2 0 2 4 WATER N E W S
PO Box 502, Nantucket, MA 02554 www.nantucketlandwater.org
508.228.2818
2024 NLWC Summer Staff
With the 2024 Summer season behind us, the Nantucket Land and Water Council (NLWC) would like to celebrate the achievements of our dedicated summer staff, who played an essential role in protecting and preserving the island’s natural resources. From managing restoration sites to assisting with research and outreach programs, these passionate individuals have been the backbone of our efforts throughout the busy summer months.
Prerana Patil (Eelgrass Manager) is a recent graduate from Dickinson College where she earned her B.S in Environmental Science and a Minor in Chemistry. Prerana is originally from Canada, but her family now lives in Austin, TX. Restoring eelgrass is important to Prerana because it acts as a carbon sink and a crucial habitat for many organisms!
Tristan Ene (Eelgrass Manager), grew up on the waterfront in Brooklyn, NY, where he developed a deep connection with the coastal environment through fishing and going on class trips to local salt marshes. He graduated from Stony Brook University with a BS in Marine Sciences. Tristan contributed to the health of the waters around Nantucket by teaching others about the importance of seagrass!
Bella Cichy (Waterkeeper Intern) is completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Vermont studying Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy. This summer, Bella is the NLWC’s Waterkeeper Intern, where she assisted in many projects monitoring the island’s water quality.
Luke MacKay joined the NLWC as our Policy Intern, where he helped to research key areas of interest to the NLWC like PFAS, zoning bylaws, and fishing regulations. A native Nantucketer, Luke, graduated from Skidmore College, with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Spanish.
From left to right: Luke MacKay, Tristen Ene, Bella Cichy and Prerana Patil
