The Edgecomb Planning Board ruled a Bremen businesswoman’s application complete on Sept. 4 pending several state and federal reports. The board voted unanimously to schedule a Sept. 18 public hearing to consider Tonie Simmons’ application to build an oyster house on Old Ring Point Road.

Simmons wants to move her current oyster harvesting operation from Damariscotta into Edgecomb. She currently operates the Muscongus Bay Aquaculture in Bremen. Simmons is negotiating to purchase property in Edgecomb.

She wants to purchase the 10.86 acre property owned by Margaret Schuler. The purchase is contingent upon Simmons being able to construct an oyster house. Simmons plans on constructing a commercial pier along with a barn to house and repair equipment. Simmons has a 45-day window to complete the purchase, but time is running out.

“We’re happy with tonight’s decision,” said Simmons’ attorney Peter Drum. “The project is moving along, but we still might need to request an extension from the owner.”

If the planning board approves the project, Simmons expects to operate 2-3 days per week in Edgecomb. She has three employees, but if she moves to Edgecomb the operation may require hiring two additional workers. The new venture would be called Ring Point, LLC.

Simmons would grow oyster seed stock in Bremen. She’ll plant the stock into the Damariscotta River in Edgecomb. Once the stock reaches market size, it will be harvested and cleaned in the water. The product will be placed in cold storage overnight then shipped out the next day.

The only structure on the property is a residential-style pier, which is not expected to be involved in the operation. However, Simmons may live in the structure at some point, according to Drum.

Prior to the hearing, the applicant must provide reports from the state Department of Environmental Protection and Army Corps of Engineers along with other state and federal reports, according to Drum. The public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18 in the municipal building.