The Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division (MassDOT) is seeking a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District to conduct work in waters of the United States in conjunction with a bridge replacement in Oak Bluffs and Tisbury, Mass.
MassDOT is proposing to discharge fill material into approximately 0.37 acre of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, associated with the replacement of the bridge conveying Beach Road over Lagoon Pond in Oak Bluffs and Tisbury. The work includes the replacement of a previously existing bascule bridge with a new, seven-span bascule bridge, removal of an existing temporary bridge, installation of a multi-use walkway, installation of two navigation piles, approach work and associated fills, and dredge and fill associated with the installation of bridge piers, retaining walls, and a seawall.
As a result of the bridge replacement, the limits of the Lagoon Pond Federal Navigation Channel would change to match the new bascule pier location. (The U.S. Coast Guard is the permitting authority for the bridge structures and work. The Corps only has permitting authority over the placement of fill material in waters of the U.S. and adjacent wetlands for the bridge-related portion of this project).
The project will impact approximately 0.18 acre of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for various species and life stages. This habitat consists primarily of sand plus areas of salt marsh and eel grass. Loss of this habitat may adversely affect these species. However, the Corps has made a preliminary determination that the sitespecific adverse effect will not be substantial. Further consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding EFH conservation recommendations is being conducted.
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Dredging Today Staff, August 15, 2012