Commercial Viability Aquaculture Permit
This option allows you to explore a site under very limited circumstances, after which you will have the option of looking for another site or applying for an aquaculture lease and permit for the site. If you are sure that your chosen site is a good fit for you and you want to begin commercial operations, you can apply for an aquaculture lease and permit.
It is important to know that shellfish growth can be very site specific. One site might support shellfish growth that makes a farm economically feasible while another site near-by does not. How do you determine if a site is a suitable for a farm or not? To allow a prospective grower to determine whether a site will support the growth necessary CRMC has developed a “Commercial Viability Aquaculture Permit.” This allows the prospective farmer to conduct a very limited study of the proposed site to determine if it is suitable for a commercial venture. The application requirements for obtaining a commercial viability site are essentially the same as a full application. However the process is simpler and less time consuming because it is an administrative permit for the first year and a half, then requiring a council approval for the second year and a half. However, notice of the application is given to the town closest to the application and if the town objects a public hearing is required for approval.
There are a number of restrictions on this type of permit:
The permit is only given once for each site.
It is valid for a single three year period. Valid for 1.5 years and renewable for another 1.5 years.
You can only make a one-time sale of any product you grow on the site.
Once the three-year period has expired all gear must be removed and a full application will have to be made if you wish to continue at the site.
There is an area limit of 1,000 square feet.
CRMC COMMERCIAL VIABILITY AQUACULTURE APPLICATION FORM
One Application per site
Sites are limited to maximum of 1000 sq. feet
Maximum time period of 18 months administrative
Plus 18 months extension from full council
All of the following required application documents must be organized into two (2) assembled packets when submitted to be considered a complete application
REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:
APPLICATION FEE - ($25.00 per site, check or money order made payable to “CRMC”)
LOCATION MAP - Use a NOAA nautical chart to accurately delineate the site location. The location map must include a map scale, a north arrow and an accurate latitude-longitude coordinates for the site (please go out 6 decimal places). The map should be no smaller than 8½” by 11”. Google maps are acceptable.
SITE PLANS - Details of the site and proposed gear in plan view with bottom contours showing depth at mean low water. A separate sheet depicting a cross section view with mean high and mean low tide elevations shown on the plans and distance to nearest shoreline features (shoreline, docks, etc.). Be sure to show all proposed gear within the site. Both sheets must be no smaller than 8½” by 11”. Plan scales of 1 inch = 20 feet or larger are preferred.
GEAR DETAILS - Show typical dimensions of the proposed gear (cage, rack, net bag etc.) on a separate 8½” by 11½” sheet. Be sure to show all details!
OPERATIONAL PLAN - Written description to include, at minimum:
1. a description of the design and operation of the aquaculture facility,
2. harvesting and maintenance procedures,
3. source of water
4. water treatment, if any,
5. seed stock origin, consistent with the FDA National Shellfish Sanitation Program guidance documents.
All aquaculture operations in the state require a DEM Aquaculture License from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. This permit allows you to sell your product.
This form can be mailed in or dropped off in person at the Providence DEM licensing office.
Note: You may be required to obtain Army Corps of Engineers permit for any structures places in tidal waters. The CRMC permit is not valid until these other permits are issued to the applicant.