The public has until June 23 to comment on a proposed shoreline substantial development permit for 10 acres of suspended tumble oyster aquaculture, submitted by the Jamestown and Port Gamble S’Klallam tribes for Dabob Bay.

The tribes are proposing to produce shellfish – oysters and Manila clams – for human consumption.

If approved, the project would be on Washington State Department of Natural Resources tidelands along the northeast shoreline of Dabob Bay, adjacent to 55 acres of existing, ongoing bottom oyster and Manila clam aquaculture.

The leased tidelands total 67.76 acres, and have been used previously for aquaculture cultivation, according to a notice from the Jefferson County Department of Community Development (DCD).

Because 55 acres are considered to be existing and ongoing use, they’re not subject to a shoreline substantial development permit, according to a press release from the DCD.

No development has been proposed landward of the ordinary high water mark, and all access is being proposed by boat, using the Quilcene Marina and Point Whitney boat launches.

A no-net-loss biological report to address impacts to the shoreline functions and processes was submitted, along with a visual analysis report of the aesthetic effects of the tumble bags, according to Anna Bausher, DCD associate planner.

Bausher also reported that an archeological survey of the project area has been completed, and predicted that a flood development permit would be issued by the DCD.

“A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nation Wide 48 Permit has been issued,” said Bausher, who noted that a lease with the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is under negotiation, and the proposal is subject to review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

She added that the optional DNR process is being used for SEPA review.

To view the notice of application with SEPA review online: Access co.jefferson.wa.us/commdevelopment/PublicNoticeHome.htm. Click “accept,” and click on the files in folder MLA17-00018.