305Site ID:NewburyTown:1.2Acres:NoRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectLowPriority:This site is located within the Plumbush Downs residential neighborhood and consists of historically-filled and remnant salt marsh bounded by driveways to the west, north, and east, and the Plum Island Turnpike to the south. The 1850s Coastal Survey map shows the entire site as salt marsh, while the 1912 map shows the driveways and houses, suggesting the area was developed between those time frames. GIS analysis and site observations indicate that the marsh in this area used to be connected to Plumbush Creek to the east by a small tidal creek. A small pocket of salt marsh remains inside the driveways, but a tidal connection was not found -- it is unclear how tidal water enters or drains. Two overflow pipes are located along the northern site boundary and are set at a grade so as to drain flood waters from the site but not to allow tides to enter. Restoration actions could remove some of the historic fill and interior driveway which is not needed to access the houses. New tidal ditches and a culvert would also be needed beneath the exterior driveway to maintain proper tidal hydrology. Restoration potential is considered low based on the small are of potential restoration, private ownership, and relatively high costs that would likely be associated with a fill removal project at this location. Restoration of this site may be appropriate as mitigation for off-site wetland impacts.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
