89Site ID:IpswichTown:2.5Acres:NoRapid Technical Site Assessment:RestrictionFillAgricultureOtherCompleted ProjectMediumPriority:Site consists of ~2.5 acres of marsh east of Jeffreys Neck Road that may be tidally-restricted by an old road bed across the marsh and tidal creek. Historic maps show that the old road bed was the original causeway connecting Jeffreys Neck Road to the island to the east before Island Park Road was constructed. The old road bed consists of gravel and fieldstone fill material and is ~20 feet wide and 6-12 inches above the marsh grade. A ditch through the road fill conveys tidal flow to the upstream marsh but is mostly clogged. A tidal survey is needed to determine whether the upstream marsh is restricted by the crossing. The marsh upstream exhibits several indicators of degraded conditions including large stands of Phragmites and significant encroachment by woody vegetation. Recent low-altitude aerial photos show that the tidal channel downstream of the site is significantly clogged with peat. Restoration actions would include thorough cleaning of the tidal ditch system to restore tidal exchange throughout the marsh system and proper drainage of the site. The old road bed material could also be removed down to wetland grade to restore healthy salt marsh and enhance tidal sheet flow across the marsh surface during spring tide conditions. Restoration potential is considered medium based on the relatively easy and low-cost actions needed to clean out the ditch system. Fill removal would be more costly. The Mosquito Control District may be well-suited to conduct this restoration work. Removal of the road bed fill material may be appropriate as mitigation for off-site wetland impacts.Site Summary:Under DevelopmentImpact Type(s)StatusPotential Project
