CONCORD, Mass. – Robert DeSalvio of Wynn MA LLC is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District to impact waters of the U.S. in conjunction with dredging and placing fill material in the Mystic River in Everett, Mass.
The proposed work involves the mechanical dredging of 19,620 cubic yards of material from a 78,045-square-foot area below the high tide line which is at elevation +7.30 NAVD88 datum to a depth of -10 feet below mean low water (MLW) which is at elevation -5.21 NAVD88. Approximately 2,285 cubic yards of this dredged material is between mean high water (MHW) located at elevation +4.35 NAVD88 datum and the high tide line and will be removed by excavation in the dry. The dredged material will be disposed of at an out-of-state facility. In addition, 4,130 cubic yards of fill will be placed and maintained below the high tide line for shoreline stabilization and within an area of ecological restoration as part of a living shoreline.
The proposed work also includes the placement and maintenance of a 525 linear foot vertical steel bulkhead which will replace the existing bulkhead, the construction and maintenance of a 9,240-square-foot floating dock system, a 5,800-square-foot pile supported walkway (20 feet by 290 feet) and two new 42-inch diameter and one relocated 36-inch storm water outfalls.
The application for the federal permit was filed with the Corps in compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which regulates the discharge or fill of material in U.S. waters, including wetlands; and 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. The public notice, with more specifics on the proposed work, can be viewed on the Corps website at: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/PublicNotices.aspx.
This project will impact .5 acre of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for various species and life stages. This habitat consists of mud and sand. Loss of this habitat may adversely affect these species. 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.
Public comments on the work proposed by Wynn MA LLC (file #NAE-2013-1026) should be forwarded no later than Nov. 26, 2015 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Regulatory Division (ATTN: Crystal Gardner), 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751. Additional information is available from Permit Project Manager Crystal Gardner at 978-318-8332 or toll free 800-343-4789 or 800-362-4367 (if calling from within Massachusetts) or by email to: crystal.i.gardner@usace.army.mil.