Section 15.06 - Site Review(1) Applications for open-water aquaculture permits will be reviewed by the Division and cooperating agencies to determine if adverse impacts are likely to occur at the proposed site as a result of the operation of the permit. Topics for evaluation include, but are not limited to the following: (a) Water quality and hydrology;(b) Exposure/suitability of proposed structures;(c) Shellfish habitat and growing area classification;(d) Benthic habitat conditions;(e) Submerged aquatic vegetation;(f) Endangered species/marine mammals;(g) Competing uses of the area;(2) New Operations. Before making application for an aquaculture permit for a new operation or facility, the following steps are required by the applicant:(a) Contact the Aquaculture Program Coordinator in the Department of Agricultural Resources to obtain the following: (1) Aquaculture Operation Description Form(2) MA Aquaculture Permits Guidance Document(b) In consultation with the Aquaculture Program Coordinator, determine if a pre-application meeting is necessary with appropriate state and federal agencies.(c) Exception. Applicants for town-issued shellfish aquaculture permits are not required to follow (a) and (b), and should follow local application procedures.