173Site ID:EssexTown:1.2Acres:YesRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectLowPriority:Site consists of ~1 acre of salt marsh upstream (west) of the access driveway across salt marsh to the Essex County Greenbelt Cox Reservation, north of Route 133. The driveway has an old granite block culvert that connects the site hydrologically to Ebben Creek to the east. Upstream of the driveway is a stone wall that also crosses the marsh. A 2005 tidal survey documented a restriction to the site of 0.3 feet during spring tide conditions. The stone wall within the marsh also likely restricts tidal flow to a small area of marsh to the west. Vegetation upstream of the driveway and stone wall is distinctly different from downstream areas, indicating evidence of tidally-restricted conditions. Restoration actions would install a larger culvert beneath the driveway to provide full tidal exchange with upstream marshes. Restoration potential is considered low based on high per-acre restoration costs and uncertainty regarding the severity of effects caused by the restriction. Potential is increased due to ECGA ownership. Further assessment is needed to determine the costs and expected benefits of a restoration project to remove the restriction. Removal of all or a portion of the stone wall upstream of the driveway should be considered in the near-term to to restore full tidal flushing upstream. See the Rapid Site Assessment for further details.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
