170Site ID:EssexTown:4.6Acres:NoRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectMediumPriority:Site consists of ~4.5 acres of historically-altered salt marsh north of Lufkin Street. The 1850s Coastal Survey map shows the delineated area as salt marsh with a tidal connection to the north. GIS analysis suggests that the western half of the site has been filled in and is now open mowed field. Hand-augered soil cores would likely help determine whether soils within the site are native material or fill / altered soils on top of former wetland. The eastern half of the site appears to have been diked off from tidal flow and is now an emergent fresh water marsh. A site visit was not conducted. Restoration actions could restore tidal exchange to the restricted marsh by removing fill and/or other obstructions to the north and east of the site. Further assessment is needed to evaluate the ecological condition of the site and potential benefits and detriments of converting the wetland back to a tidally-influenced system. Restoration of the western portion of the site would involve removal of fill material down to appropriate marsh grades to restore wetland soils, hydrology, and vegetation. Restoration potential is considered medium based on the likely ease of restoring tidal flow to the restricted marsh while being tempered by uncertainty about site conditions and the unknown willingness of the landowner to consider various restoration actions.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
