88Site ID:IpswichTown:1.1Acres:NoRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectMediumPriority:Site consists of ~1 acre of marsh south of the Ipswich municipal sewage treatment plant discharge pipeline and trail, west of Jeffreys Neck Road. GIS analysis and site observation indicate that the delineated site was historically salt marsh contiguous with the marsh to the north. The sewer line was likely constructed across the marsh and feeder ditch some time in the mid-1900s. A small, failing culvert conveys some tidal exchange across the pipeline and trail. The site exhibits several indicators of degradation, including dense stands of Phragmites and other invasive species in the area just south of the crossing. Upstream (south) of this first degraded area is an old earthen dike across the marsh with an impounded fresh water pond just upstream. This area is also shown on historic maps and aerial photos as salt marsh. It is reported that the town of Ipswich may be considering an alternative final discharge location for the sewage effluent within the Egypt River watershed instead of the Greenwood Creek system where it currently discharges. Restoration actions would replace the failing culvert beneath the sewer line with larger and/or multiple small culverts to provide full tidal exchange with the upstream wetlands. The upstream impoundment needs further assessment to evaluate the ecological condition of the site and potential benefits and detriments of converting the site back to a tidally-influenced system. Restoration actions here could include removal of the dike to restore tidal influence to the upstream wetlands. Restoration potential of the site is considered medium for repairing / replacing the existing culvert. Overall potential has significant uncertainty regarding conflicts with sewer infrastructure. If the sewer line is moved, restoration actions would likely be easier and less expensive.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
