195Site ID:EssexTown:3.2Acres:YesRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectLowPriority:Site consists of ~3 acres of historically-filled salt marsh within Memorial Park, north of Alewife Brook, and south the the Essex town hall. Historic maps show the entire site as salt marsh. Fill material on the site is of unknown origin and is ~2-3 feet above marsh grade. The site is owned by the town of Essex and has been historically used for ballfields. In 2005, a large portion of the site was being used as a staging and soil stockpile area for the town sewer construction project. The town plans to use the area again for playing fields, but has expressed a willingness to consider restoration options for areas of the fill that are not needed for the fields and associated upland areas (e.g., parking). A preliminary conceptual review suggests that between 0.25 and 0.5 acre of salt marsh may be available for restoration. Further assessment and consultation with town officials is needed to determine future land use needs of the site and areas potentiallly available for restoration. Restoration actions would remove the fill down to marsh grade to restore wetland soils, hydrology, and vegetation. Restoration potential is considered low based on the relatively small area available for restoration and high per-acre costs, somewhat enhanced by public ownership and potential to combine the restoration with other construction projects. Restoration of this site may be appropriate as mitigation for off-site wetland impacts. See the Rapid Site Assessment for further details.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
