HomeMy WebLinkAboutRiverwalk Park Inspection Report 2025-05-09
MEMORANDUM
BETA GROUP, INC.
www.BETA-Inc.com
BACKGROUND
On May 9, 2025, BETA staff visited the Yarmouth Riverwalk Park Site located at 669 Route 28 in Yarmouth,
MA to perform environmental monitoring during the Phase 1 construction period. The purpose of this
inspection was to document conditions of the salt marsh, erosion controls and park during Phase 1 of
construction. The following was observed during the inspection:
BOARDWALK/SALT MARSH
Areas of the salt marsh where wetland matting was placed adjacent to the constructed boardwalk were
observed as having vegetated growth; however, some areas have minimal vegetation. The eastern side of
the boardwalk (Photos 1 and 2) was observed as having more areas of sparse vegetation compared to the
western side. Along the eastern side of the boardwalk, root systems of grass species (Spartina spp.) were
present, indicating some ongoing vegetative establishment. The western side (Photos 3 and 4) of the
boardwalk was observed as becoming revegetated with sea purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum), hightide
bush (Iva frutescens) and grass species. Significant crab burrows were observed throughout the lesser
vegetated areas. The salt marsh will continue to be monitored to ensure that full restoration is achieved.
Additionally, the area of concrete that was previously observed has been removed.
EROSION CONTROLS
Two (2) layers of erosion controls consisting of silt fence and compost filter tubes are present along a
majority of the site. Erosion controls were observed in varying stages of biodegradation. Erosion controls
adjacent to the salt marsh were observed to be in good working order. Erosion controls should be installed
downgradient of the soil stockpile near the kayak launch boardwalk upgradient of the Parker River (Photo
5). Erosion controls adjacent to the Parker River, near both the kayak launch boardwalk (Photo 6) and the
upweller (Photo 7), were observed to be degraded and require installation of additional erosion controls.
Near the location where additional erosion controls should be installed adjacent to the upweller, rill
erosion with sediment outwash was observed (Photo 8). Sediment outwash in this location has not
discharged into Resource Areas and should be stabilized prior to washout occurring.
Date: May 15, 2025 Job No.: 22.10056.00
To: Amanda Lima, PE Town Engineer
Kathy Williams, PE, Town Planner
Brittany DiRienzo, Conservation Administrator
From Arek Galle, RLA< AICP, Senior Associate, BETA Group
Prepared : Anna Haznar, Staff Scientist, BETA Group
Subject: Yarmouth Riverwalk Park and Boardwalk Phase 1
Yarmouth, MA
Site Monitoring
April 14, 2025
Page 2 of 2
RIVERWALK PARK
Currently, the Riverwalk Park is under construction. Throughout the park, areas of exposed soil with rill
erosion were observed (Photo 8 and 9). Generally, areas of exposed soil were observed to have erosion
controls in good condition downgradient of the work area (Photo 10), with the exception of the location
near the upweller. Once construction is completed in locations of exposed soil, stabilization should
commence. Multiple soil stockpiles are present at the site (Photo 11). These soil stockpiles should be
temporarily stabilized if they are unused for 14 days or more.
During this inspection, no significant invasive species pressure was observed; however, the site should
continue to be monitored for success of the invasive species removal plan. Additionally, a population of
cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias), a species considered likely invasive by the Massachusetts Invasive
Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG) was observed (Photo 12) within the boulders adjacent to the walking path.
SUMMARY
Currently, the Yarmouth Riverwalk Park and Boardwalk Project is under construction. Observations made
during the May 9, 2025, inspection include the following:
Some areas adjacent to the boardwalk are revegetating, while other areas have sparse vegetation.
These areas will be monitored this season for reestablishment,
Erosion/sediment controls throughout the site are in varying conditions,
Areas of exposed soil are present throughout the site but generally have erosion controls
downgradient,
Erosion controls adjacent to the upweller and kayak launch boardwalk require replacement, and
Soil stockpiles should be temporarily stabilized if not in use for 14 days or more.
Attachments:
- Photographic Documentation
- Site Aerial Image
PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
Yarmouth Riverwalk
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Photographs Documented May 9, 2025
Photo 2
Another view of the an area of minimal vegetation on the eastern side of the boardwalk – facing southeast.
View of the an area of minimal vegetation on the eastern side of the boardwalk —facing south
Photo 1
PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
Yarmouth Riverwalk
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Photographs Documented May 9, 2025
Photo 4
Another view of vegetated growth sprouting along the western side of the boardwalk —facing north
View of vegetated growth sprouting along the western side of the boardwalk—facing north.
Photo 3
PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
Yarmouth Riverwalk
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Photographs Documented May 9, 2025
Photo 6
View of the location where erosion controls should be replaced near the kayak launch boardwalk – facing
east.
View of the location where erosion controls should be installed upgradient of the Parker River —facing
east.
Photo 5
PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
Yarmouth Riverwalk
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Photographs Documented May 9, 2025
Photo 8
View of rill erosion near the upweller—facing east.
View of erosion controls requiring replacement near the upweller—facing east.
Photo 7
PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
Yarmouth Riverwalk
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Photographs Documented May 9, 2025
Photo 10
View of an area of exposed soil with erosion controls in good working order downgradient – facing east.
View of rill erosion with erosion controls in good working order downgradient —facing west.
Photo 9
PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
Yarmouth Riverwalk
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Photographs Documented May 9, 2025
View of one of the soil stockpiles currently onsite—facing west.
Photo 11
View of the population of cypress spurge—facing west.
Photo 12
Yarmouth Riverwalk Park — June 17, 2025
Yarmouth Riverwalk Park — June 17, 2025
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