226Site ID:EssexTown:3.4Acres:NoRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectLowPriority:Site consists of ~3.5 acres of salt marsh upstream (north) of an abandoned railroad bed and south of the Main Street / Route 133 causeway. The railroad bed likely restricts tidal flow to the upstream marsh, but is also appears to be overtopped by spring tides at a low point near the center of the site's southern edge. A failing culvert is located in the western corner of the site beneath the bed and provides some level of drainage from the site but does not appear to convey tidal flow upstream. The railroad bed appears to have been partially excavated in the center-south portion of the site. A small, narrow ditch exists across the bed connecting the marsh on either side. It is unclear how much tidal exchange occurs across the railroad bed. A tidal survey is needed to determine whether the bed restricts tidal exchange with the upstream marsh. An area within the eastern end of the site is reported as a Tier 1D hazardous waste site on record with the MA DEP (RTN #3-0003021). The area appears to be filled marsh with various old vehicles and other debris. Restoration actions could breach the railroad bed in one or more locations to enhance tidal exchange to the upstream marsh. Restoration of the tidal ditch system is also needed. The waste site could also be cleaned up with material removed from the marsh surface. Restoration potential is considered low based on the presence of a documented waste site within the marsh and likely complications that would cause for a proposal to change the hydrology of the surrounding area.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
