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Town of Harwich seeks Corps permit to dredge, reconstruct Saquatucket Harbor marina in Harwich

Published May 2, 2017

CONCORD, Mass. – The town of Harwich is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District to conduct work in waters of the U.S. to dredge and to reconstruct and reconfigure the existing Saquatucket Harbor marina in Harwich, Mass. This work is proposed in Saquatucket Harbor at 715 Main Street in Harwich.

 

The town of Harwich proposes to reconstruct the existing Saquatucket Harbor marina, to maintenance dredge the boat basin while all piers and floats are removed, and to reconfigure the marina to add more berthing. The work involves maintenance and improvement dredging of the town anchorage and Federal Navigation Project (FNP) anchorage and the complete reconstruction and reconfiguration of the marina's float system, portions of which are proposed to occupy the 6-foot deep anchorage portion of the FNP. The sandy dredged material is proposed for nourishment of nearby beach while the fine material will be disposed of at Rhode Island Sound Disposal Site (RISDS).

 

The proposed project consists of: demolition and disposal of all existing floating docks except for the existing pump-out dock; construction of an all-new floating dock marina; maintenance dredging to -6 feet MLW; and improvement dredging (deepening within existing footprint) to -8 feet MLW.

 

The total area of dredging is 244,100 square feet (5.5 acres), which includes the FNP and 3:1 side slopes. The total volume of dredging is 17,100 cubic yards. Proposed work includes construction of a new ADA compliant access to the ferry and other passenger vessels; minor maintenance work to existing bulkhead comprising only repair of existing bulkhead support connections; and establishing a reconfiguration zone for a maximum of 200 vessels. The reconfiguration zone will include part of the FNP anchorage.

 

The dredging portion will impact approximately 244,100 square feet of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for various species and life stages. Habitat at this site can be described as a man-made boat basin that is regularly dredged. The proposed dredging may temporarily adversely affect whatever fish species happen to be present at that time. However, the Corps has made a preliminary determination that the site-specific adverse effect will not be substantial. Further consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding EFH conservation recommendations is being conducted and will be concluded prior to the final permit decision.

 

The application for the federal permit was filed with the Corps in compliance with Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, which provides for federal regulation of any work in, or affecting navigable waters of the U.S.; Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which regulates the discharge or fill of material in U.S. waters, including wetlands; Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, which regulates the transportation of dredged material for the purpose of disposal in the ocean; and Sec. 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, which authorizes alteration or occupation or use of the project if the Secretary of the Army determines that the activity will not impair the usefulness of the project and that it will not be injurious to the public interest. 

 

The public notice, with more specifics on the proposed work by the town of Harwich, can be viewed on the Corps website at www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/PublicNotices.aspx.

 

Public comments on this work proposed by the town of Harwich (file # NAE-2016-00019) should be forwarded no later than June 2, 2017 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Regulatory Division (ATTN: Phillip Nimeskern), 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751. Additional information is available from Permit Project Manager Phillip Nimeskern at 978-318-8660 or toll free 800-343-4789 or 800-362-4367 (if calling from within Massachusetts) or by email to: phillip.w.nimeskern@usace.army.mil.


Contact
Tim Dugan
978-318-8264
cenae-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 17-043