218Site ID:GloucesterTown:0.5Acres:NoRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectLowPriority:Site consists of an old earthen berm across the surface of the salt marsh east of Farm Creek and west of Massachusetts Avenue, on the back side of Coffins barrier beach. This site was not identified in the 2004 Gloucester restoration plan produced by Mass Audubon. The area is known as Whitemore Salt Marsh and is owned by the Essex County Greenbelt Association. GIS analysis suggests that the berm once served as a dike to limit or block tidal exchange with upstream marshes. Two tidal creeks now flow through breaches in the berm at its western corner and southern edge. The original purpose of the berm is unknown. A site visit was not conducted. The berm measures approximately 1,350 feet long by 20 feet wide, covering ~27,000 s.f. of salt marsh. The marsh upstream of the berm does not (remotely) show obvious signs of degradation. Restoration actions would remove fill material down to appropriate marsh grades and restore wetland soils, hydrology, and vegetation. The site should also be further assessed for evidence of degradation caused by extensive impounded water on the marsh surface in the upper reaches. If enhanced tidal flow would improve marsh condition, the historic tidal ditch system could be cleaned out to re-connect upper marsh areas with the tidal creeks. Restoration potential is considered low based on the relatively high per-acre cost. Potential is enhanced by ECGA ownership. Costs would be significantly reduced if the fill material could be re-located to a nearby upland area, avoiding off-site hauling and disposal costs.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
