HomeMy WebLinkAboutNARRATIVE - Bass River Golf Course v4 (2)NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
NOTICE OF INTENT NARRATIVE
INTRODUCTION
In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act (MA WPA) (M.G.L., c. 131, s 40)
and its implementing Regulations (310 CMR 10.00 et seq.) and the Town of Yarmouth Wetland
Protection Regulations, Coneco Engineers and Scientists Inc. (Coneco), on behalf of the Town of
Yarmouth is submitting this Notice of Intent for the proposed replacement bridge at the Bass River
Golf Course 18th golf hole, located at 62 Highbank Rd, (Map 80, Lot 117), South Yarmouth,
Massachusetts. (Attachment A: Figure 1 & 2). The project consists of installing a replacement
bridge that will be located within the Riverfront Area of an unnamed tributary to the Bass River
and Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage. Additional work includes the renovation of the
existing pathway to the proposed replacement cart and pedestrian bridge.
EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS
Project Area Setting
The project consists of a pre-existing golf cart and pedestrian bridge that crossed over a perennial
stream and an area of salt marsh. The tidal channel which starts at Laban’s Pond on the golf
course empties into the Bass River to the south of the crossing. There is a pathway on either
side of the crossing that is tied into the previously existing structure. The existing structure was
removed in the Spring of 2017 due to damage by a piece of equipment, and the proposed new
structure will be installed in the same location. The proposed bridge will be 8 feet in width and
span 26.5 feet over the stream and adjacent salt marsh. The bottom of the existing bridge is
approximately 6 feet above the bottom of the perennial stream channel, the width of the stream
is approximately 14 feet wide at the crossing location.
HYDROLOGY
The site is located within the Cape Cod watershed. There is a small perennial stream that flows
south out of Laban’s Pond (aka Turtle Pond) into the Bass River. General site runoff flows into
Laban’s Pond or the Bass River before heading south. The watershed for the stream where the
crossing is to take place (starting at the proposed bridge location) is approximately 0.38 square
miles.
SOILS
According to the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey, soils mapped
within the project area are listed as Carver coarse sand, with 3 to 8 percent slopes, (Attachment
C: Figure 4). These are excessively drained soils composed of coarse sands throughout the
entire profile.
CONECO ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Resource Areas
In August of 2023, a Coneco wetland scientist conducted a virtual review of the site to identify
resource areas within the project area.
Riverfront Area
According to 310 CMR 10.58 (a) “a Riverfront Area is the area of land between a river's mean
annual highwater line and a parallel line measured horizontally. The riverfront area may include
or overlap other resource areas or their buffer zones. The riverfront area does not have a buffer
zone.”
A river is defined as “any natural flowing body of water that empties to any ocean, lake, pond, or
other river and which flows throughout the year. Rivers include streams (see 310 CMR 10.04:
Stream) that are perennial because surface water flows within them throughout the year.
Intermittent streams are not rivers as defined herein because surface water does not flow within
them throughout the year.”
Bass River and the tributary connecting Laban’s Pond (aka Turtle Pond) to the Bass River are
both perennial streams as shown on the most recent USGS Quadrangle and therefore, according
to 310 CMR 10.58 (2.)(a.)1.a., meets the regulatory definition of a “river” with Riverfront Area. The
Riverfront Area extends from the Inland Bank, horizontally 200 feet. The project area is
approximately 160 feet from Bass River, and crosses the unnamed perennial tributary, therefore,
the project falls within the limits of the Riverfront Area.
Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage
Is defined as land subject to any inundation caused by coastal storms up to and including that
caused by the 100-year storm, surge of record or storm of record, whichever is greater. The
project area is located within the 100-year floodplain or regulatory floodway according to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FEMA FIRM),
Community Panel Number 25001C0591J, Effective Date: July 16, 2014 (Attachment C: Figure 5).
The Base Flood Elevation upstream of the crossing is 11 feet (NAVD 1988) and downstream of
the crossing is (due to wave action). Therefore the crossing area is inclusive of Land Subject to
Coastal Storm Flowage.
Salt Marsh
According to 310 CMR 10.32 (2) “Salt Marsh means a coastal wetland that extends landward up
to the highest high tide line, that is, the highest spring tide of the year, and is characterized by
plants that are well adapted to or prefer living in, saline soils. Dominant plants within salt marshes
typically include salt meadow cord grass (Spartina patens) and/or salt marsh cord grass (Spartina
alterniflora), but may also include, without limitation, spike grass (Distichlis spicata), high-tide
bush (Iva frutescens), black grass (Juncus gerardii), and common reedgrass (Phragmites). A salt
marsh may contain tidal creeks, ditches, and pools.”
In August 2023 a Coneco PWS delineated the upslope edge of the salt marsh in the vicinity of
the crossing. Each side was delineated, Flags 1-SM-1 to 1-SM-13 on the west (green) side and
Flags 2-SM-1 to 2-SM-13 on the east (tee) side. These are shown on the existing conditions plan
included in this filing. Salt marsh vegetation along the channel includes Spartina patens
CONECO ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
saltmeadow cordgrass), Iva frutescens (high tide bush), Juncus gerardii (saltmarsh rush), and
Baccharis halimifolia (salt bush). Some of the salt marsh was underlain by the pavement on the
tee side of the crossing and the shell cart path on the green side but based on hydrology and
vegetation these areas were still identified as salt marsh.
Coastal Bank
According to 310 CMR 10.30(2) “Coastal Bank means the seaward face or side of any elevated
landform, other than a coastal dune, which lies at the landward edge of a coastal beach, land
subject to tidal action, or other wetland.”
The uplands adjacent to the Bass River are shown by MassGIS as the Coastal Bank in this area
but by definition the banks for the unnamed tributary could also be considered as Coastal Bank
because the tributary is both tidal and has adjacent salt marsh.
Rare Species Habitat and Vernal Pools
Rare Species Habitat and Vernal Pools
A review of the current MassGIS data layer for the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species
Program’s (NHESP) Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas (15th Edition, August 1, 2021)
indicates that the site is not located within a Priority Habitat of Rare Species or an Estimated
Habitat of Rare Wildlife and there are no vernal pools located on or within 300 feet of the property
(Attachment C: Figure 6).
Other Sensitive Resources
The project is not located within a Wellhead Protection Area or an area of surface water protection
(Attachment C: Figure 8). This project will not involve the installation of any stormwater
improvements. The project involves replacing a pre-existing bridge and improvements to
pathways associated with the new structure. According to 310 CMR 10.05(6)(m)6, the Stormwater
Management Standards shall apply to footpaths bike paths and other paths to the maximum
extent practicable. A Stormwater Checklist stamped by a Massachusetts PE has been included
in this filing.
The project is not located within an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) or other
Critical Areas such including Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), Special Resource Waters,
Zone A Surface Waters, a Zone I of Zone II of a Groundwater resource, Bathing Beaches, or a
Coldwater Fishery (Attachment C: Figure 7).
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Project Description and Design
The project involves the installation of one (1) replacement bridge. During this work, the
CONECO ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
contractors will be replacing the previously existing structure with a new bridge built on helical
piles in the same location. No side-casting of materials will be deposited within any resource
areas or buffer zones. Once all work is completed the area will be restored to pre-construction
conditions to the extent practicable and all vegetated areas within the limit of work will be planted
with native vegetation.
The replacement bridge is not exempt from filing a Notice of Intent under the Wetlands Protection
Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40) or the Town of Yarmouth Wetland Regulations as the work will take
place in resource areas. The proposed new bridge will be longer than the existing structure and
will require new foundations (helical piles) to be installed. There will be no adverse effects as a
result of this project.
In summary, the project involves the:
• Replacement of the original bridge with a new bridge.
• Re-grading of existing trail extensions from the existing paths to the new bridge.
The proposed new bridge will be 26.5-feet-long, 8-feet-wide, and constructed out of polymer
reinforced fiberglass. The bridge will have no railing, but there will be a 4-inch-high HDPE curb.
The proposed low chord elevation of the bridge will be set at an approximate elevation of 3 to 4
feet, approximately 6 feet above the bottom of the channel. The bankfull width for the new bridge
crossing of the perennial stream will be approximately 14 to 16 feet at both the upstream and
downstream side of the bridge.
The new bridge structure deck will be founded on top of helical pile foundations and secured in
place. The path on either end of the bridge will be graded, leveled, and brought to the height of
the new bridge using gravel. The proposed bridge and paths will be wide enough to accommodate
ADA compliance.
The replacement bridge sections will be trucked to the location from the west, using the existing
pathways. The bridge will be installed utilizing a long-reach excavator. The construction staging
area will be located outside of the resource areas and buffer zones.
Existing Conditions Proposed Conditions
Bridge Length 24 feet 26.5 feet
Bridge Width 7 feet 8 feet
Low Chord Elevation of the
Bridge 4 feet 4 feet
Bank to Bank Width at Crossing 14 feet (average) 14 feet (average)
Compacted gravel transitions will be constructed to the east and west of the bridge structure to
connect the new bridge with the existing paths. The existing pathways appear to be in adequate
CONECO ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
condition and will not require maintenance for continued use. Grading of the approaches will need
to be completed after the structure has been assembled.
Construction Schedule and Procedure
Work is proposed to occur in the fall of 2023 or spring of 2024.
In general, the construction of the project will procedure as follows:
1. Install siltation and erosion controls.
2. Clear vegetation (if any) along the path extensions to the new bridge piles foundation
locations.
3. Construct path extensions from the existing path up to the new bridge helical piles
foundation locations.
4. Install the new bridge foundation.
5. Install new bridge stringers and deck.
6. Final grade and stabilize new path extensions.
7. Revegetate all other areas within the limit of work.
8. Remove siltation and erosion controls after site is stabilized and final approval has been
obtained by the Conservation Commission.
Best Management Practices
Both Construction and Design Best Management Practices have been incorporated into the
project to avoid and minimize impacts to resource areas.
Design Best Management Practices
The proposed new bridge design and location were selected to avoid and minimize impacts to
resource areas. The proposed bridge will be located in the same area as the previous structure
and pathway. The new bridge deck will span the perennial stream and the foundation will be
installed upslope from Bank. The new bridge has been designed with the Massachusetts Stream
Crossing Standards in mind.
Adverse impacts have been minimized by using footings (helical piles foundation) that have a
minor impact to the resource areas. The proposed footings require no excavation and disturbance
to the embankment’s footprint. Furthermore, much of the work can be completed from the existing
pathway which avoids additional resource area impacts.
Construction equipment and materials will access the work area from the west, along the existing
path.
Construction Best Management Practices
Construction best management practices will be used to avoid and minimize impacts to resource
CONECO ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
areas and buffer zones. The contractor will be required to adhere to the Order of Conditions issued
by the Yarmouth Conservation Commission.
Construction BMPs will include:
• Prior to the start of construction, sedimentation and erosion controls including but not
limited to compost filter socks will be installed along the work limits to avoid impacting
resource areas.
• The contractor and/or owner will actively maintain erosion and sedimentation controls until
disturbed areas are stabilized.
• All exposed areas will be stabilized and vegetated with native species. Seed mixes will
consist of all Native species to Barnstable County. The use of Introduced species will be
minimized.
• The fueling or washing of construction vehicles will not be allowed on site.
• All fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides will be stored at least 100 feet away from resource
areas. If stored on site, these materials will be kept in a wrapped or sealed container and
kept under cover out of the rain and snow.
• Solid waste will be disposed of offsite in a legal manner, at a state licensed recycling
center or landfill.
• Spill controls will be located on site in a visible easily accessible area.
• Fueling of equipment will not occur within any resource areas.
• Oils, greases, gas, and other hazardous materials will be stored in a secondary container
more than 100 feet from any resource areas. All containers will be labeled.
• Haul trucks leaving the site will be covered.
• Soil piles will be covered at the end of the day.
• The contractor will be responsible for ensuring that all excavated material and soil is
handled, transported, and disposed of in accordance with all applicable regulations. In the
unlikely event that contaminated soils (or other material) are encountered during
excavation or any construction activity, the contractor will be required to have an LSP
characterize the soil (and/or other material) to determine appropriate handling and
treatment/disposal. Any hazardous waste produced would be managed by MassDEP-
permitted haulers and disposal sites.
• Contractors should minimize work in close proximity to trees (within the drip line if possible)
to avoid root damage and should provide tree protection where required.
PROJECT IMPACTS
Salt Marsh
A total of approximately 805 square feet of salt marsh will be affected by the project. This salt
marsh is all in the area where the old structure and paths were located. The upper edge of the
salt marsh vegetation has migrated into the former pathways since the old bridge was removed
in 2017. This new “salt marsh” is still underlain by bituminous concrete to the southeast and
compacted seashells and gravel to the northwest of the proposed bridge location. The proposed
work will be within the previous footprint and will include the installation of helical piles for
installation of the stringers and new bridge deck.
CONECO ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Coastal Bank
The proposed new structure will clear span the Banks of the perennial stream and will be in the
location of the preexisting structure, so impacts will be completely avoided.
Riverfront Area
Approximately 2695 square feet of previously disturbed riparian zone will be affected by the
project. Following construction this area will be restored to its previous state (either golf course
turf, native plantings, or pathway).
Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (LSCSF)
There will be no impacts to LSCSF.
100 ft Buffer Zone
There are no impacts to buffer zones of any resource areas.
PROPOSED MITIGATION/RESTORATION
The project consists of replacing the former bridge with a new bridge in the same location. The
area in which the bridge is to be built has previously been impacted and is disturbed.
Mitigation/restoration will be conducted on site where the footprint of the proposed bridge differs
from the existing structure. Side slopes of the paths are proposed to be planted with native salt
marsh vegetation, any turf areas impacted by the project will be reseeded or sodded, and the golf
pathways will be restored.
COMPLIANCE WITH STREAM CROSSING STANDARDS
The new golf course bridge conforms to the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards to the
maximum extent possible. The stream crossing standards and an explanation as to how the
project improves compliance with the standards follows:
1. Type of Crossing - General: Spans (bridges, 3-sided box culverts, open-bottom culverts, or arches)
are strongly preferred. Optimum: Use a bridge.
The original bridge will be replaced by a 26.5-feet-long by 8-feet-wide fiberglass reinforced
polymer bridge. The natural banks and bottom of the perennial stream will not be
impacted. The new structure will span the full width of the stream.
2. Embedment - All culverts should be embedded (sunk into the stream) at least 2 feet; round pipe
CONECO ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
culverts at least 25%. If pipe culverts cannot be embedded this deep, then they should not be used.
When embedment material includes elements >15 inches in diameter, embedment depths must be
deeper.
A bridge that spans the stream is proposed for this project; therefore, culvert embedment
criteria do not apply.
3. Crossing Span - General: Spans channel width (at least 1.2 times the bankfull width of the stream).
Optimum: Spans the streambed and banks (at least 1.2 times the bankfull width) with sufficient
headroom to provide dry passage for wildlife.
The 26.5-feet span will accommodate the stream bed, banks, and overbanks under the
structure. The average bank full width at the crossing location is approximately 14 feet.
The optimum span is therefore exceeded at 16.8 feet (at a ratio of 1.2). The proposed
bridge span will be approximately 20 feet, resulting in a bankfull width ratio of 1.4.
Clearance under the bridge is approximately 6 feet as measured from the stream bed to
the bridge low chord elevation.
4. Openness - General: Openness ratio (cross-sectional area/crossing length) of at least 0.82 feet. The
crossing should be wide and high relative to its length. Optimum: Openness ratio of at least 1.64 feet
and minimum height of 6 feet. If nearby conditions significantly reduce wildlife passage near a
crossing, a higher openness ratio and minimum height are necessary.
The proposed openness ratio is 10.5 feet. The maximum height under the bridge is 6 feet.
The proposed structure therefore meets the General Openness Ratio Standard.
Cross-sectional Area Measured along centerline of bridge (Height is Low chord elevation to Average
Stream Bed x Bankfull Width) = 6 FT x 14 FT = 84 SF
Crossing Length (Measured from upstream to downstream side of the bridge structure) = 8 FT
Openness Ratio = 84/8 = 10.5 FT
5. Substrate - Natural bottom substrate should be used within the crossing and should match upriver
and downriver substrates. The substrate and design should resist displacement during floods and
maintain an appropriate bottom during normal flows.
Not applicable. There will be no impacts to the stream bottom during the installation of the
new bridge. All work will be completed from above the MHWM of the stream.
6. Water Depth and Velocity - Water depths and velocities are comparable to those found in the natural
channel at a variety of flows.
Not applicable. There will be no impacts to the stream bottom during the installation of the
new bridge. The new bridge will span the river.
CONECO ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
LIMITED PROJECT STATUS
Under 310 CMR 10.53 (3.) (j) of the WPA Regulations, the path bridge qualifies as a “Limited
Project.”
(j) The construction and maintenance of catwalks, footbridges, wharves, docks, piers, boathouses, boat
shelters, duck blinds, skeet and trap shooting decks and observation decks; provided, however, that such
structures are constructed on pilings or posts so as to permit the reasonably unobstructed flowage of water
and adequate light to maintain vegetation.
Regardless of the provisions of 310 CMR 10.54 through 10.58 and 10.60, the
Conservation Commission may issue an Order of Conditions for the construction of the
new golf course bridge. The new bridge will span the existing stream. No piles or posts
will be constructed in the water. The new bridge improves upon the Stream Crossing
Standards. The new bridge is oriented east to west. The stream bottom is currently
unvegetated but consists of natural sands.
CONFORMANCE WITH WPA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The Resource Areas, along with the WPA performance standards and the project’s compliance
with the standards, follows:
Riverfront Area
(a) Protection of Other Resource Areas. The work shall meet the performance standards for all
other resource areas within the riverfront area, as identified in 310 CMR 10.30 (Coastal Bank),
10.32 (Salt Marsh), 10.55 (Bordering Vegetated Wetland), and 10.57 (Land Subject to Flooding).
When work in the riverfront area is also within the buffer zone to another resource area, the
performance standards for the riverfront area shall contribute to the protection of the interests of
M.G.L. c. 131, § 40 in lieu of any additional requirements that might otherwise be imposed on
work in the buffer zone within the riverfront area.
The other performance standards are listed below with a response to how the
standards were met.
(b) Protection of Rare Species. No project may be permitted within the riverfront area which will
have any adverse effect on specified habitat sites of rare wetland or upland, vertebrate or
invertebrate species, as identified by the procedures established under 310 CMR 10.59 or 10.37,
or which will have any adverse effect on vernal pool habitat certified prior to the filing of the Notice
of Intent.
The area is not shown by NHESP as rare species habitat.
(c) Practicable and Substantially Equivalent Economic Alternatives. There must be no practicable
and substantially equivalent economic alternative to the proposed project with less adverse
effects on the interests identified in M.G.L. c. 131 § 40.
The area has been previously impacted and there was a pre-existing structure at
the crossing location. This project area is the most practicable as it generates the
CONECO ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
least amount of impacts and degradation to the resource areas. It also introduces a
higher level of safety on the course as the crossing creates a continued line of sight
from the tee to the hole.
(d) No Significant Adverse Impact. The work, including proposed mitigation measures, must have
no significant adverse impact on the riverfront area to protect the interests identified in M.G.L. c.
131, § 40.
As previously stated, the proposed project is for a replacement bridge of a pre-
existing structure. The bridge will be installed in the same location and will utilize
the existing pathways. There is no other crossing location or different configuration
that would have fewer impacts.
Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage
There are currently no performance standards listed for Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage
in the Wetland Protection Regulations.
Salt Marsh
WHEN A SALT MARSH IS DETERMINED TO BE SIGNIFICANT TO THE PROTECTION OF
MARINE FISHERIES, THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION, STORM DAMAGE PREVENTION
OR GROUND WATER SUPPLY, 310 CMR 10.32(3) THROUGH (6) SHALL APPLY:
(3) A proposed project in a salt marsh, on lands within 100 feet of a salt marsh, or in a body of
water adjacent to a salt marsh shall not destroy any portion of the salt marsh and shall not have
an adverse effect on the productivity of the salt marsh. Alterations in growth, distribution and
composition of salt marsh vegetation shall be considered in evaluating adverse effects on
productivity. 310 CMR 10.32(3) shall not be construed to prohibit the harvesting of salt hay.
The proposed bridge will not be altering any area that has not been previously
impacted. During the lapse in time between the pre-existing structure to now, some
salt marsh vegetation has grown in the previous pathway. This “salt marsh” is
underlain by bituminous concrete and compacted shell/gravel pathways. The
pathway has otherwise been maintained, but this small previously disturbed area
will be impacted for the construction of the new bridge and continued pathway
maintenance.
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of 310 CMR 10.32(3), a small project within a salt marsh,
such as an elevated walkway or other structure which has no adverse effects other than blocking
sunlight from the underlying vegetation for a portion of each day, may be permitted if such a
project complies with all other applicable requirements of 310 CMR 10.21 through 10.37.
Other than maintenance of the existing pathway and partially blocking sunlight from
underlying vegetation, there will be no impacts to the salt marsh.
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of 310 CMR 10.32(3), a project which will restore or
rehabilitate a salt marsh, or create a salt marsh, may be permitted in accordance with 310 CMR
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Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
10.11 through 10.14, 10.24(8), and/or 10.53(4).
The project will not restore or rehabilitate the salt marsh, but plantings will be
installed to enhance and ensure there is no further degradation to the resource
area.
(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of 310 CMR 10.32(3) through (5), no project may be
permitted which will have any adverse effect on specified habitat sites of Rare Species, as
identified by procedures established under 310 CMR 10.37.
The area is not shown by NHESP as rare species habitat.
Coastal Bank
WHEN A COASTAL BANK IS DETERMINED TO BE SIGNIFICANT TO STORM DAMAGE
PREVENTION OR FLOOD CONTROL BECAUSE IT SUPPLIES SEDIMENT TO COASTAL
BEACHES, COASTAL DUNES OR BARRIER BEACHES, 310 CMR 10.30(3) THROUGH (5)
SHALL APPLY:
(3) No new bulkhead, revetment, seawall, groin or other coastal engineering structure shall be
permitted on such a coastal bank except that such a coastal engineering structure shall be
permitted when required to prevent storm damage to buildings constructed prior to the effective
date of 310 CMR 10.21 through 10.37 or constructed pursuant to a Notice of Intent filed prior to
the effective date of 310 CMR 10.21 through 10.37 (August 10, 1978), including reconstructions
of such buildings subsequent to the effective date of 310 CMR 10.21 through 10.37, provided that
the following requirements are met:
(a) a coastal engineering structure or a modification thereto shall be designed and constructed so
as to minimize, using best available measures, adverse effects on adjacent or nearby coastal
beaches due to changes in wave action, and
(b) the applicant demonstrates that no method of protecting the building other than the proposed
coastal engineering structure is feasible.
(c) protective planting designed to reduce erosion may be permitted.
There will be no construction of a coastal engineering structure. The proposed
project is for the construction of a replacement bridge that will span the perennial
stream.
(4) Any project on a coastal bank or within 100 feet landward of the top of a coastal bank, other
than a structure permitted by 310 CMR 10.30(3), shall not have an adverse effect due to wave
action on the movement of sediment from the coastal bank to coastal beaches or land subject to
tidal action.
The proposed project will have no adverse effect on the movement of sediments
within the site.
(5) The Order of Conditions and the Certificate of Compliance for any new building within 100 feet
landward of the top of a coastal bank permitted by the issuing authority under M.G.L. c. 131, § 40
shall contain the specific condition: 310 CMR 10.30(3), promulgated under M.G.L. c. 131, § 40,
requires that no coastal engineering structure, such as a bulkhead, revetment, or seawall shall be
permitted on an eroding bank at any time in the future to protect the project allowed by this Order
of Conditions.
CONECO ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
There will be no construction of a coastal engineering structure. The proposed
project is for the construction of a replacement bridge that will span the perennial
stream.
WHEN A COASTAL BANK IS DETERMINED TO BE SIGNIFICANT TO STORM DAMAGE
PREVENTION OR FLOOD CONTROL BECAUSE IT IS A VERTICAL BUFFER TO STORM
WATERS, 310 CMR 10.30(6) THROUGH (8) SHALL APPLY:
(6) Any project on such a coastal bank or within 100 feet landward of the top of such coastal bank
shall have no adverse effects on the stability of the coastal bank.
The proposed project will have no adverse effects on the stability of the coastal
bank.
(7) Bulkheads, revetments, seawalls, groins or other coastal engineering structures may be
permitted on such a coastal bank except when such bank is significant to storm damage
prevention or flood control because it supplies sediment to coastal beaches, coastal dunes, and
barrier beaches.
There will be no construction of a coastal engineering structure. The proposed
project is for the construction of a replacement bridge that will span the perennial
stream.
(8) Notwithstanding the provisions of 310 CMR 10.30(3) through (7), no project may be permitted
which will have any adverse effect on specified habitat sites of rare vertebrate or invertebrate
species, as identified by procedures established under 310 CMR 10.37.
The area is not shown by NHESP as rare species habitat.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and its associated regulations
(310 CMR 10.00), Coneco Engineers & Scientists, Inc. (Coneco) on behalf of the Town of
Yarmouth is requesting an Order of Conditions for the golf course bridge replacement at the 18th
golf hole of the Bass River Golf Course. The project involves the replacement of the original
bridge which was removed due to damage in 2017 with a new bridge in the original location.
Additional work includes the construction of new path extensions from the existing path up to the
new bridge.
• Under 310 CMR 10.53 (3.) (j) of the WPA Regulations, the path bridge qualifies as a
“Limited Project.” Regardless of the provisions of 310 CMR 10.54 through 10.58 and
10.60, the Conservation Commission may issue an Order of Conditions for the
construction of the new path bridge.
• This project meets the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards to the maximum extent
practicable. It improves on the conditions set by the existing structure. The access for
wildlife and the hydrology of the site will not be further hindered by the proposed structure.
CONECO ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF INTENT Bass River Golf Course Replacement Bridge
Revised October 17, 2023 Yarmouth, Massachusetts
REFERENCES
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). 1995. Delineating Bordering
Vegetated Wetlands Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, A Handbook. March
1995.
Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (MassDFG). 2018. Massachusetts River Crossings
Handbook. 2nd Edition, June 2012. Reprinted May 2018.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.
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