198Site ID:EssexTown:0.9Acres:NoRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectHighPriority:Site consists of ~1 acre of salt marsh upstream of the abandoned railroad bed, south of Route 22, and east of the Essex town hall. A portion of the site may be part of the town-owned Memorial Park. A granite block culvert conveys tidal flow beneath the railroad bed to the marsh. The culvert is partially blocked by pieces of granite that have fallen into the opening, as well as by other debris backed up behind the fallen granite. The marsh upstream of the culvert exhibits indicators of degradation, including stands of Phragmites and Typha growing in the upper marsh fringe. It is unclear whether the culvert, in an un-obstructed condition, would restrict tidal flows. A tidal survey is needed to determine whether the existing culvert restricts tidal exchange with the upstream marsh. Restoration actions would remove the fallen granite blocks and other debris to restore full tidal flow through the existing culvert. After cleaning, the site should be further assessed for restricted tidal flow and restoration options. Restoration potential for cleaning out the culvert is considered high based on the ease of this activity. This is one of four potential restoration sites for which baseline data will be collected and restoration options will be assessed as a result of funding CZM-WRP received through a 2008 Gulf of Maine Council / NOAA Partnership grant.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
