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River Continuity
Project Name: Labor in Vain Brook Restoration
Site Location and Description:
Labor in Vain Brook is a small tributary to the Taunton River in Somerset, Massachusetts. Three separate culverts create tidal restrictions to 14 acres of saltmarsh while freshwater inputs have altered the ecology of surrounding wetlands. Undersized culverts and inadequate stormwater control in the upper watershed have created flooding and habitat continuity issues. Wetland alterations and increased development have added to the challenges throughout the Labor in Vain Brook watershed.
| Subwatershed Problems: |
Proposed Solutions: |
| South St. and Dublin St. culverts create a tidal restriction to the salt marsh |
Replace culverts with a bridge or a 15 x 6 foot box culvert |
| A culvert under the Dublin Street parking lot creates a tidal restriction to a small area of marsh and freshwater wetland |
Replace 24 inch pipe with 4 x 2 foot box culvert, restore wetland function through removal of Phragmites |
| Route 138 culvert is undersized |
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| Wetland filling and ditching has taken place in the past, creating a problem with invasive species and hydrological alterations |
Abandon and remove the sewer line through the marsh south of Route 138, restore wetland function where possible |
| Excessive stormwater inputs from the upper watershed have created flooding problems at undersized culverts |
No action |
Community Involvement:
Members of the town Highway Department and conservation commission have been involved in project planning. The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District has also been involved with project planning and assistance to the town of Somerset.
Status:
Hydraulic model for tidal restrictions, and conceptual designs for three rehabilitation alternatives have been completed. Assessment of culvert capacity for selected upstream culverts completed along with a set of preliminary recommendations for the subwatershed.
Project Needs:
- Funding for South Street and Dublin Street culvert replacements.
- Funding for restoration of the skating rink and replacement of parking lot culvert.
- Further investigation of alternatives for removal of the sewer line and restoration of wetland function.
Page last updated June 2005
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