429Site ID:NewburyTown:1Acres:NoRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectMediumPriority:Site is owned by the town of Newbury and is adjacent to (east of) the town landing / public boat ramp. The site consists of a ~1-acre impounded pond north of Riverfront Road and the Merrimack River. It is assumed that this site was historically salt marsh before it was diked off, possibly for agricultural purposes or for an ice pond. The 1850s Coastal Survey map shows the dike in its present location. Site reconnaissance did not reveal a hydrologic connection between the pond and the river to the south. Tidal marsh exists directly downstream of the crossing, while upstream wetlands are fresh water. It is assumed that some type of culvert exists beneath the road to allow for drainage of the pond during high water conditions. Further assessment is needed to evaluate the ecological condition of the impoundment and potential benefits and detriments of converting the site back to a tidally-influenced system. If a return to tidal conditions was deemed appropriate, restoration actions would consist of installing a culvert beneath the road crossing to allow tidal exchange between the river and the marsh. Restoration potential is considered medium (qualified by need for further assessment) based on ownership by the town and likely relative ease of installing a culvert beneath the unpaved Riverfront Road.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
