128Site ID:EssexTown:4.7Acres:NoRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectMediumPriority:Site consists of a ~5 acres of salt marsh north of the Cape Ann Golf Course and west of a private driveway across the marsh out to Lowe Island. The site is part of the Trustees of Reservations Stravos property. The drive across the marsh does not have a culvert and appears to impound water on the marsh surface to the west. A resident of the island reports that the road is frequently overtopped during spring tides and is a maintenance problem, especially in the winter. A series of ditches northwest of the site have not been maintained for some time and are not draining water from the marsh surface in the delineated area. In the southwest corner of the site is a small disturbed / excavated / filled area that is fringed by what appear to be spoils covering the marsh surface. Dense stands of Phragmites encircle this area. GIS analysis and site observation indicate that the marsh within the site is in a degraded condition due to chronic impoundment of water and saturated soils. Restoration actions would modify the driveway across the marsh to allow for passage of tidal flow beneath or over the road and proper drainage from the marsh surface. This could be accomplished by raising the road bed in the center enough to install a culvert or low span. Another option would be to create several low, hard-bottom swales within the drive to allow for sheet flow across the surface. The ditch network on both sides of the road would also need thorough rennovation. Alternatively, the existing ditch network northwest of the site could be thoroughly cleaned and extended into the site to enhance tidal flow and drainage, but this option likley does not follow the natural drainage pattern (apparently to the east) and would require ongoing maintenance to prevent similar conditions in the future. The small disturbed area in the southwest corner of the site could be restored by removing fill from the marsh surface, treating the Phragmites, and filling in the excavated area to restore healthy salt marsh. Restoration potential is considered medium based on TTOR ownership and the relatively straightforward restoration actions needed to improve marsh conditions. The Mosquito Control District may be well-suited to conduct the ditch rennovation portions of this restoration work.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
