HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 Monitoring Report2002 MONITORING REPORT
Wetland Restoration Plan
Cape Cod Hospital Cranberry Bogs
p rY 9
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
May 2003
Prepared For:
Cape Cod Hospital
27 Park Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Prepared By:
ENSR
95 State Road
Sagamore Beach, MA 02562
4+ 08726-055
I
• _ ENSR International
95 State Road
Sagamore Beach, MA 02562-2415
(508) 888.3900
FAX 1508) 888-6M9
www.ensr.com
May 28, 2003
Ms. Denise Leonard 08726-055
US EPA Region 1
1 Congress Street
Suite 1100 - Mail Code SEE
Boston, MA 02114-2023
Re: 2002 Monitoring Report
Wetland Restoration Plan
Cape Cod Hospital Cranberry Bogs
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Dear Ms. Leonard:
On behalf of the Cape Cod Hospital, ENSR is pleased to present you with the 2002
Monitoring Report relative to the Wetland Restoration Plan approved by the EPA for the
restoration of the Cape Cod Hospital bogs. This report details the fifth and final year of
monitonng including vegetation, ground water, and surface water results at the various bog
cells on the site, and how the results compare to the previous years of monitoring. As this is
the final monitoring report, we have included Section 5.0 Verification of compliance to
describe all work to date and request closure on this project. We are presently in the
profess of adding more fiashboards to outlet C i. We wHI provide the EPA With follow-up
correspondence indicated that this task hag been completed.
t
0 The five years of monitoring indicate compliance with the Wetland Restoration Plan and
EPA's Restoration Order, therefore, we request that the EPA —issue a Verilikation of
Compliance to -confirm these findings.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.
Very truly yours,
R
ENSR
Kathryn S. Bamicle, PWS
r Senior Wetland Scientist
Ca Terrence Whittemore, Cape Cod Hospital
6) Over 30 Years of Excellence in Environmental Services
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2002 MONITORING REPORT
WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN
CAPE COD HOSPITAL CRANBERRY BOGS
YARMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
Table of Contents
Page
1.0
Introduction............................................................................................................
1
1.1 Protect Objectives........................................................................................
2
1.2 Goals and Measures of Success.................................................................
3
2.0
Methodology...........................................................................................................
5
2.1 Vegetation....................................................................................................
5
2.2 Ground Water Hydrology.............................................................................
6
2.3 Surface Water Hydrology ....
6
3.0
Results....................................................................................................................
7
3.1 Vegetation....................................................................................................
7
"
3.2 Ground Water Hydrology
3.3 Surface Water Hydrology.............................................................................
11
4.0
Conclusions and Recommendations..................................................................
12
5.0
Verification of Compliance....................................................................................
16
LIST
OF TABLES
Table 1 Wetland Site Index Values............................................................................ 7
Table 2 Ground Water Elevations Measured at Piezometers..................................... 9
Table 3 Depth to Ground Water from Bog Surface ..................................................... 9
Table 4 Surface Water Elevations at Staff Gauges .................................................... 11
r
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Locus Map
Figure 2 Plezometer and Staff Gauge Location Map
x LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Vegetation Monitoring Logs
Appendix 2 Vegetation Species Observed - 2002
a Appendix 3 Photographs
Appendix 4 Bog Outlet Assessment Forms
Appendix 5 Daily Climate Data
r
13
2002 MONITORING REPORT
WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN
CAPE COD HOSPITAL CRANBERRY BOGS
YARMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This 2002 Monitoring Report has been prepared in acoordance with the June 17, 1997 final
Wetland Restoration Plan prepared by ENSR. The report is part of the settlement agreement
between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Cape Cod Hospital in r�-ard
to enforcement action taken by the EPA concerning activities conducted by the Hospital on
the site in Yarmouth, Massachusetts (see Figure 1, Locus Map). This report represents the
-results which occurred during the fifth and final year of the five- year monitoring period and a
summary of all years of monitoring.
The site consists of a 94-acre parcel consisting of approximately 50 acres of uplands and 44
acres of wetland. Approximately 18.5 acres comprised of Bogs A. B. C, and D were
previously renovated and planted as active cranberry bogs. Commercial cranberry farming
activities that once existed on the site have been abandoned in order to restore the site as
wetlands. Revegetation is being allowed to occur naturally through the manipulation of
surfa ;a water and ground water hydrology.
A full sized copy of the site plan of the property was developed by Down Cape Engineering,
Inc. and was included in the 1998 Monitoring Report. The locations of the piezometers and
staff gauges installed as part of this monitoring program are shown on a reduced scale
version of this plan included as Figure 2. Due to the conditions of the bog control structures,
a bog assessment form has been prepared for each of the five outlets to describe the
existing conditions and to provide recommendations for remediai actions, if necessary. This
information is provided in Appendix 4.
The five years of monitoring indicate compliance with the Wetland Restoration Plan and
EPA's Restoration Order, therefore, we request that the EPA issue a Verification of
Compliance to confirm these findings.
The following sections (Project Objectives and Goals and Measures of Success) are
repeated from the 1998 Monitoring Report to provide continuity and ease of reading of this
report. There have been no changes to Section 1.1 and 1.2 below.
1.1 Project Objectives
The site's hydrologic regime is controlled by six primary control points (identified on the Site
Plan as Al, 131, C1, etc.), consisting of a variety of types of pipes, dikes, and weir structures.
The appropriate surface water plain and ground water table elevation have been determined
up -gradient of each hydrologic control point. These elevations will be studied during the
monitoring period to insure that the surface water plains and ground water table elevations
can exist in perpetuity to promote natural revegetation of wetlands and to maintain these
areas as wetlands in the future. The monitoring will assist us in determining if the planned
manipulation of the flashboards at the outlet control structures are sufficient to maintain the
abandoned bogs as wetlands. The following is a list of project objectives for this site, which
were included in the Final Wetland Restoration Plan:
1. Commercial cranberry farming activities will be abandoned and wetlands will be restored.
2. Restoration will primarily be accomplished by establishment of suitable hydrology which
induces natural wetland revegetation of the site.
3. Focus will be on restoration of the site's key functionstsocietal values: wildlife habitat,
water quality purlcation, and inland flood control.
4. Hydrology will be created which enhances these three functions/societal values. The site
will be divided into appropriate hydrologic units contmiled by culverts with flashboard
adjustable structures which will establish critical ground water tables and surface water
plains.
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 2
hL.S'
INTERNATIONAL
5. Flashboards constructed of customary wood will be adjustable in the interim phase so
that the surface water/ground water plain elevations may be increased or decreased as
necessary, determined during the five-year monitoring. They will be sealed to minimize
leakage and tampering.
6. At the end of the monitoring period, permanent flashboard elevations will be established.
The flashboards will be made permanent by welding in place in addition to the placement
of backfilled material in as permanent manner practicable.
7. Restoration will be focused on the approximately 18.5 acres of reconstructed commercial
cranberry beds but will nonetheless incorporate much of the " acres of wetlands on the
site.
8. A variety of water regimes will be created to include open water, wet meadow, scrub -
shrub swamp, and forested swamp.
9. Only selective seeding of herbaceous plants will occur in upland areas to be stabilized.
No woody species will be planted.
10. Limited grading of disturbed upland areas (earth mounds) will be conducted where steep
slopes create an attractive nuisance or severe erosion problem.
11. Restoration will be designed to avoid flooding impacts to abutting property from runoff
event storms.
1.2 Goals and Measures of Success
In order to ensure the success of the project, the following measures will be addressed to
determine the success of this project. These goals and measures were previously included
in the Final Wetland Restoration Plan:
1. The vegetation within Bogs A, B, C, D and E is proposed to become predominantly
vegetated wetland. The wetland vegetation will be considered as successful if the
majority of the areal cover of the vegetation within the sample plots is comprised of 50
percent or greater hydrophytes as defined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Reed,
1988) (i.e., FAC, FACW, OBL) at the end of the monitoring period. If this is achieved, it
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 3
7
will indicate that the root zone will be saturated for a sufficient period during the growing
season to support wetland plants.
2. The ground water table elevations will be maintained in perpetuity through fixed outlet
manipulation during the monitoring period to insure that wetland hydrology is maintained
y to the extent that drought conditions are not experienced.
3. As a result of hydrological manipulation during the monitoring period, a variety of wetland
cover types will be maintained including open water, wet meadow, scrub -shrub, and
eventually forested wetland.
4. Certain upland areas will he regraded and stabilized to prevent alteration of the wetland
areas.
5. At least 75 percent of the surface areas within wetlands to be restored (Bogs A through
E) should be reestablished with wetland plant species at the end of the monitoring period.
6. While some invasive species have been observed at the site, (i.e., purple loosestrife,
common reed), no control methods are being proposed at this time. These two species
presently exist in limited areas on the site and are not common over the majority of the
bog area. The seeds, especially the purple loosestrife seeds, once in the soil, can exist
in a dormant stage for years. For that reason, we feel that no control or eradication
program would be effective.
7. No changes are proposed to Bogs F and G.
A discussion of each of these goals and measures of success is provided in Section 4.0,
Conclusion and Recommendations.
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetiand Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 4
2.0 METHODOLOGY
The monitoring program began in 1998. This report represents the results of the fifth and
final year of the five year monitoring program. The monitoring program Includes analysis of
vegetation, determination of ground water table elevations through measurements of
piezometers (observation wells), and measurements of surface water levels through the
observation of staff gauges. The results of the 2002 monitoring which occurred on October
20, 2002 are discussed in Section 3.0.
2.1 Vegetation
Vegetation sampling plots were assessed twice during the first year (1998) of monitoring and
once in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. Two vegetation plots were randomly located in each of
the bog cells (A through E) for a total of ten plots. The center of each plot is marked by a
piezometer (see the description of piezometer installation provided below). Photographs of
each plot were taken during the 2002 monitoring and will be used for comparison with past
photographs. Photographs are included in Appendix 3. Species within each plot were
recorded according to vegetative strata (i.e., trees, shrubs, herbs, saplings, and vines), as
well as cover range or abundance within a 10 foot radius. A comprehensive list of all
vegetation species observed at the monitoring points in the five bogs is provided in Appendix
2 including a summary of the species locations and what years the species have been
observed.
The vegetation data obtained was translated into a Wetland Site Index value using the
Michener Method which provides a numerical figure that weights the predominance of upland
or wetland vegetation. This methods utilizes the abundance (or cover range) of species, the
ranking determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the publication National List of
Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands. Massachusetts, and a weighted value based on the
species' rank. The Wetland Site Index value is calculated for each plot and a number is
generated which ranges from 0.00 to 1.00, with 0.00 designating the driest, upland area, and
i 00—designating the wetted area. This method was chosen in order to assist us in
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 5
assessing whether the plot monitored is to be considered as a jurisdictional wetland based
on vegetation. This data is provided in Appendix 1 and discussed in Section 3.1.
2.2 Ground Water Hydrology
Ten hand augured soil borings were executed on the site on July 1, 1998. Soils observed
during these borings consisted of coarse sands underlain by peats or hardpan mineral
horizons. The peat layers were encountered in six of the ten borings logs at depths ranging
from 19 to 27 inches below the ground surface. Descriptions of the soil borings were
provided in Appendix 2 of the 1998 Monitoring Report. The location and vertical elevation of
the well casing of each piezometer was surveyed by Down Cape Engineering relative to the
National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) as shown on Figure 2. The depths to ground
water were measured from the top of the casing in each of the piezometers were taken on
October 22, 2001. The results of these readings are discussed in Section 3.2.
On October 22, 2002 the piezometer located at the center of plot B1 was replaced. During
the 2001 monitoring, it was discovered that piezometer PZB1 has been removed
(presumably by vandalism). The piezometer was re-established and allowed to settle when
the rest of the monitoring was performed. At the end of the day, the water level in this
piezometer was recorded.
I ` 2.3 Surface Water Hydrology
Staff -gauges were permanently atiachOd to five orthe outlet strictures to manitor surface
water elevations. The top of the gauge was then surveyed by Down Cape Engineering to an
elevation in order to translate the reading on the gauge to an actual elevation datum (NGVD).
Water level readings were taken on October 22, 2002 from the staff gauges. The results of
these readings are discussed in Section 3.3.
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 6
3.0 RESULTS
The results for the fifth and final year of vegetation, ground water, and surface water
monitoring are discussed in this section. Conclusions and recommendations are provided in
Section 4.0.
3.1 Vegetation
Table 1 below provides the monitoring data from the five monitoring periods, including the
2002 monitoring results recorded on October 22, 2002. All plots, with the exception of PZA1,
have site index values that are rated wet, that is, greater than 0.50. According to the
Michener Method used to calculate the Wetland Site Index values, the scale ranges from
0.00 for the driest sites and 1.00 for the wettest sites with the 0.50 threshold to be considered
as a dominant wetland community. We have added an additional column to Table 1 which
includes an average wetland site index value of the six monitoring events. All of these
values are above the 0.50 threshold -indicating wet conditions.
Table 1
Wetland Site Index Values
Plot No.
July 1,
1998
Oct 28,
1998
ober 23,
1999
Oct 16
Nov. 3 2000
November
1.2001
October A
2002
AvonVe
PZA1
0.75
0.84
0.83
0.56
0.49
0.43
0.05
PZA2
0.83
0.T7
0.71
0.80
0.77
0.T7
0.78
PZB1
0.83
0.84
0.84
0.77
0.85
0.83
0.83
PZB2
0.73
0.75
0.84
0.79
0.74
0.74
0.77
PZc1
0.83
0.86
0.83
0.69
0.61
0.63
Or M
PZC2
0.84
0.78
0.81
0.78
0.70
0.57
0.76
PZD1
0.85
0.84
0.81
0.81
0.74
0.82
081
PZD2
0.92
0.89
0.84
0.76
0.64
0.61
a 74
PZE1
0.67
0.64
0.72
0.63
0.58
0.61
Y a 64
PZE2
0.64
0.52
0.57
0.57
0.57
0.54
0.57
-Overall, areal coverage of vegetation was approximated to be between 80 percent and 100
percent in all of tine plots during the 2002 monitoring period. Areal coverage amounts are
provided on the inventory sheets Included in Appendix 1.
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 7
As can be observed in the photographs provided in Appendix 3, and on the vegetative
inventory sheets, all of the bogs are now becoming vegetated more predominately with
woody shrubs. A comparison of photographs over the five year monitoring period clearly
shows an increase in areal coverage of vegetation.
As in the previous monitoring report results and as shown on the table of vegetation species
observed (see Appendix 2), there is a general trend in the reduction in grasses, sedges, and
rushes with a slight increase in woody species. As the woody species continue to become
established, the number of grass, sedge, and rush species are likely to continue to decline.
3.2 Ground Water Hydrology
The depth to ground. water was measured in the piezometers on October 22, 2002.
Piezometer PZB1 was replaced during the field investigation. Piezometer PZB1 has not
been resurveyed therefore, the ground water elevation shown in Table 2 is an estimate
Table 2 below shows the depth to ground water recorded in the field from the top of the well
casing and the adjusted readings of the ground water elevations calculated relative to a
known elevation datum (NGVD). That is, #twAepth to ground water suffffic-ted from the top
0-casing-rersults irrthe groundwater elevation_
The ground water elevations recorded in 2002 ranged from 4.26 to 7 79 feet across the site
The ground and surrace water'flows toward the southeast have remained constant over the
past monitoring periods. While there have been fluctuations In the ground water elevations
compared to the previous year, the 2002 waW levels -are higher than the -water levels
iecorded in 2001 deWe dfought conditions ftoughout the summer of 2002 and low water
conditions in 2001. Please see the discussion (following Table 3) below relative to rainfall
occurrence in this area during 2002.
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 8
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Table 2
Ground Water Elevations Measured at Piezometers
PZ No.
Top of
Casing
Depth to Ground Water (fog)
from Top of Casing
(around water Eievatlone (feat - NGVD)
7126198 j=slgsjlOa5"
10fislool
1111101
IW22102
7128198
101181881OF25199
10MS100
1111101
10122102
PZA1
8.96
1.97 1.40
1.00
1.35
1.56
1.17
6.99
7.56
7.96
7.81
7.40
7.79
PZA2
8.38
1.42 1.54
0.74
1.28
1.24
0.99
6.94
6.82
7.62
7.08
7.12
7.37
PZB1
8.58
1.46 1.54
0.90
1.85
1.00
7.12
7.04
7.68
6.71
7.58
PZB2
8.53
1.38 1.48
0.83
1.85
1.67
1.12
7.15
7.05
7.70
6.68
6.86
7.41
PZCi
7.33
2.47 1.83
0.84
1.29
1.52
1.19
4.86
5.50
6.49
6.04
5.81
6.14
PZC2
7.25
2.03 1.83
1.05
1.35
1.29
1.01
5.22
5.42
6.20
5.90
5.96
6.24
PZD1
6.12
2.07 1.74
0.65
0.75
1.25
0.97
4.05
4.38
5.47
5.37
4.87
5.15
PZD2
5.85
2.31 1.73
0.87
1.22
1.45
1.21
3.54
4.12
4.98
4.63
4.40
4.64
PZE1
6.73
2.26 i 2.07
1.18
1.73
1.98
j 1.65
1 4.47
4.68
1 5.55
1 5.00
4.75
5.08
PZE2
6.54
2.94 2.86
1.57
1.84
2.97
2.28
3.60
3.68
4.97
4.70
3.57
4.26
- well not zouno
Table 3 below provides a summary of the depth to ground water from the surface elevations
of the bogs using the ground water elevation information from Table 2. For the 2002
readings, the ground water depths (below surface elevation) ranged from 0.49 to 1.65 feet in
all five bogs. As a measure of success, the ground water should be located within one foot
of the bog surface during the growing season, in order to insure that the bogs be maintained
as wetlands. The graph associated with Table 3 shows an upward trend in ground water
levels. -Only one -of the walls (PZE2) exhibited ground water -at a grater -depth -than one -foot
below the bog surface according to the 2002 data. This Well is located in the bog whkh had
not been renovated -W-d has always-beon a -drier site.
Table 3
Depth to Ground Water from Bog Surface
PZNo.
�S� D)
Depth to Ground Weter from Surface Elevation •(fees}
7128198
10f2m
10f23199
1o11Bf00
1111101
7012Z102
PZA1
8.58
1.50
1.02
0.62
0.97
1.18
0.79
PZA2
7.86
0.92
1.04
0.24
0.78
0.74
0.49
PZB1
8.00
0.88
0.96
0.32
1.30
0.42
PZB2
PZC1
PZC2
PZD1
pZD2
7.95
7.12
7.00
5.87
5.00
0.80
2.26
1.78
1.82
2.06
0.90
1.62
1 1.58
1.49
1.48
0.25
0.63
0.80
0.40
0.62
1.27
1.08
1.10
0.50
0.97
1.09
1.31
1.04
1.00
1.20
0.54
0.88
0.70
0.72
0.96
PZE1
PZE2
6.06
5.91
1.59
2.31
1.40
2.23
0.51
0.94
1.06 1.31 0.98
1.21 2.34 1.65
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 9
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jEjjjjjNNEMS�
Dale
1998 1599 2000
2001
tl
In order to gain a better understanding of groundwater levels and precipitation on Cape Cod
during the 2002 monitoring period, ENSR reviewed the available climatological data for the
Hyannis area. This information is available on the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) website and is provided in Appendix 5. The Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection Drought Management Task Force declared August
and September of 2002 to be at a `Watch Level" for the southeast and Cape Cod/Islands
regions. The level was reduced to "Advisory Drought Level" in November due to improved
conditions. Specifically, September alone had 5.56 inches of rain, a departure of 2.18 inches
above what is considered normal.
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetiand Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 10
3.3 Surface Water Hydrology
Surface water levels were also obtained during the 2002 monitoring. Table 4 below shows
the results of the field readings (provided in Appendix 4) subtracted from the top of the
monitoring gauge. This data is compared to data from measurements taken in 1998, 1999,
2000, and 2001. Surface water elevations have increased in all of the outlets except C1.
This outlet has water flowing over the flashboards, it is likely that water levels would increate
at this outlet with the addition of another flashboard.
Table 4
Surface Water Elevations at Staff Gauges
Staff Gauge
No.
SG ,42
Top o1
Gaups
9.24
Surf m Watar EWndons
711198
7.18
7MW8
7.13
101261981
7.05
12WOB
1 7.03
4122199
7.16
1012 M
7.63
1011$/00
7.16
1111101
6.99
10122102
7.32
SG S1
8.78
7.26
7.19
7.05
7.03
7.26
7.70
5.78
8.61
7.45
SG C1
7.18
5.26
5.20
5.20
5.20
5.22
5.72
4.56
5.60
5.60
SG D1
5.98
4.42
4.39
4.40
4.42
4.4$
4.93
4.14
4.23
4.31
SG El
1 4.54
L 3.04
2.69
F 2.76
2.81
4.37
4.93
4.12
2.98
4.08
Based on ENSR's 2002 observations, surface wat& was observed -flowing out of OLIUST CI
and D1. As a result, we --recommend that additkmal flashboards be added and locked in
-place at outlibt-Cl. We do not recommend the addition of any mere flashboards at outlet D1
as the low point in the dike road is now the control to the water elevations in Bog D. No flow
was observed out of outlets A2, B1, or E1 as the top of the flashboards is higher than the
typical surface water elevations.
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 11
4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The following is a summary of the goals and measures of success and the project objectives
which have been combined to provide a more comprehensive format for the conclusions and
recommendations.
1. Commercial cranberry farming activities will be abandoned.
As of 1997, the commercial cranberry activities at the site ended. In early 1998, the flumes
were rebuilt in accordance with the Final Wetlafid Restoration Report. Cranberry related
structures such as irrigation materials and the pump house, were removed off -site. In
addition, based on recommendations, excess irrigation material left at the site (such as
piping and large plastic culverts) had been removed from the site in 1999. Remaining
materials have be removed as part of the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP)
which has been prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in
conjunction with the Cape Cod Hospital.
2.a. The site will be divided into appropriate hydrologic units controlled by culverts with
flashboard adjustable structures which will establish critical ground water tables and
surface water plains.
2.b. Faashboards constructed of customary wood will be adjustable in the interim phase so
that the surface water/ground water elevations may be increased or decreased as
necessary, determined during the five-year monitoring. They will be sealed to minimize
leakage and tampering.
Based on ENSR's 2002 site observations and information provided in Section 3.0 of this
report, the ground water elevations have Increased to within one foot of the bog surfaces.
Therefore, the goal of this project has been met. Surface water was observed flowing out of
outlet C1 and 131. As a result, we recommend that additional fiashboards be added and
locked in place at outlet C1 in order to insure that elevated ground and surface water
elevations are maintained. We do not recommend the addition of any more flashboards at
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 12
outlet D1 as the low point in the dike road -is-now the control to the -water elevations in -Bog D.
No flow was observed out of outlets A2, 131, or E1.
3.a. Only selective seeding of herbaceous plants will occur in upland areas to be stabilized.
No woody species will be planted.
3.b. Limited grading of disturbed upland areas (earth mounds) will be conducted where
steep slopes create an attractive nuisance or severe erosion problem.
Removal of material in the piles to the north and south of the site has been completed with
assistance from the WHIP program. This work was compieted in 2000 and greatly enhances
the aesthetics of these areas. No erosion or sedimentation into wetland areas, or any
potential threat of impacts to wetlands was observed during 2002. The upland grasses are
presently becoming established along these graded areas.
4. Restoration will be designed to avoid flooding impacts to abutting property from runoff
event storms.
ENSR and the Hospital did receive phone calls from one neighbor who was having problems
with his septic system this spring. Due to the excessive rainfall received during the spring of
2003, the Hospital also experienced water problems in some of their buildings where they
have never experienced problems before. Based on ENSR's review of this information, the
spring rains caused temporary water problems in areas not associated with the bogs,
i
therefore, it is our opinion that the problems experienced by the neighbor was not associate
with the restoration project. The Hospital will continue to monitor any neighbor concerns.
5. As a result
of tWrvlcg�el ManiA n firing the ►r+onriaringAs+wd. a va+lEty of wetland
cover types will be maint&ed including open water, wet meadow, scrub -shrub, and
eventually forested wetland.
Based on our vegetation analysis and on general observations made throughout the site, the
sample plots indicate that the restoration of the bogs has exceeded the a0 percent or greater
wetland species composition criteria the ptibn of PZAI which had a reading of 0 43
Page 13
2002 Monitoring Report - etland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital
W
on the Wetland Site Index. The Wgs am devetopir-hft wet meadows -with a trend toward
scrub --shrub comm,nutes with the woody species observed on the bogs. In order to insure
the continuation of the wetland hydrology, we recorrimend that- additional #lashboards be
added and lacked in place at outlet C1 to insure that dominant wetland vegetation be
maintained through wetland hydrology. This is presently being performed and a follow-up
letter report will be submitted to the EPA when this task has been competed.
6. At least 75 percent of the surface areas [areal extent] within wetlands to be restored
(Bogs A through E) are vegetated with wetland plant species.
Based on our vegetation analysis and general observations made throughout the site, the
restoration of the bogs exceeded the 75 percent areal cover criteria for wetland species.
Comparison of photographs taken during the entire monitoring period confirms this.
7. While some invasive species have been observed at the site, (i.e., purple loosestrife,
common reed, Chinese silver grass), no control methods are being proposed at this time.
According to Steve Spears of NRCS, common reed (Phragmites australis) observed in Bog B
and along the edge of the southem reservoir was treated with Roundup on September 19,
2001 (see more detailed description in the 2001 Monitoring Report). No treatment occurred
in 2002 (although one was planned) due to weather conditions and schedule of the licensed
applicators. The NRCS is presently looking for another licensed applicator to perform this
work and anticipate an application in late summer of 2003. According Mr. Spears recent
observations, the 2001 treatment was successful in that the treated Phregmites populations
appear to have been reduced. If this year's applications indicate good results, there may
only be a need to do one more year of treatment. There are five years left in the WHIP
program for these bogs, therefore, there will be additional opportunities to review the impact
of invasive species at this site. The purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicarra) observed is
minimal and limited in area. At this time it is not seen as a threat to the restoration areas or
the site. The Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis) is limited to one specimen located
in Bog E and is not anticipated to be a threat to the site.
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 14
a other Recommendations
The spring of 2003 resulted in temporarily high ground water and surface water levels. As a
result one neighbor asked the Cape Cod Hospital about mosquito concerns. In response,
representatives of the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project (the Project) visited the site.
According to the Project, the Hospital's bogs have not been an area of concern. There have
ti not been any mosquito populations found based on monitoring performed by the Project
twice in the summer during past years. There are two areas that the Project has been
monitoring for possible mosquito populations but those areas are located in the southern part
of the site and not within the restoration footprint. Based on our discussion with
representatives from the Project, they indicate that the wetland system in the bogs is healthy
with populations of predator insects, birds, and fish which all feed on mosquitoes. The local
wildlife likely plays a significant role in keeping mosquito populations under control.
There has been some discussions recently between NRCS and the Massachusetts
a Department of Fish and Wildlife regarding the possible introduction of a certain type of fish
species which has been shown to be successful in controlling mosquito populations. It is our
opinion, based on the efforts of these state and federal organizations, that the mosquito
populations will continue to be monitored and proper actions taken as the need arises. In
order to respond to the neighbors concerns, ENSR will be preparing a fact sheet regarding
mosquitoes for the Hospital to hand out to the neighbors.
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 15
• 5.0 VERIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE
y Based on the results of five years of monitoring, it is our opinion (with the exception of outlet
Cl), the elevations of the flashboard outlets are sufficient to maintain wetland hydrology.
Once two additional flashboards have been added to outlet C1, this outlet elevation will be
sufficient to maintain surface and ground water elevations. Once the EPA has accepted
these elevations, the outlets will be made more permanent by sealing the flashboards with
bentonite (clay) and/or trap rock. The locking mechanism will be welded in place to reduce
the potential for vandalism (i.e., cutting of the lock).
' Prior to the cranberry bog renovations, the bogs were trending toward a shrub -scrub
community comprised of woody shrubs. This trend is continuing today due to the restoration
efforts of the Cape Cod Hospital. Initially, once the newly planted cranberry bogs were
abandoned, herbaceous vegetation created more of a wet meadow community. Based on
our monitoring, the trend toward the shrub -scrub community has been reestablished and will
continue to occur in the future without human intervention. It can be expected that this trend
will continue toward more woody species and eventually wooded forested habitat, although
this may take decades to achieve. Based on our monitoring, it is our opinion that
manipulation of the surface and ground water hydrology is no longer needed in order to
insure that restoration has been achieved. That is, the surface and groundwater controls in
place (once made permanent) are sufficient to allow wetland functions to continue without
human intervention. The restoration plan has been developed with the goal that the
wetlands be self-sustaining. We believe this has been achieved. The vegetation will
continue to evolve and change under natural conditions toward a more woody species
dominated community. Through the efforts of the NRCS and the WHIP program, the attempt
to control invasive plant species will continue on a separate track from this restoration plan.
The five years of monitoring indicate compliance with the Wetland Restoration Plan and
EPA's Restoration Order, therefore, we request that the EPA issue a Verification of
ICompliance to confirm these findings.
2002 Monitoring Report - Wetland Restoration Plan, Cape Cod Hospital Page 16
FIGURES
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APPENDIX 1
VEGETATION MONITORING LOGS
APPENDIX 4
BOG OUTLET ASSESSMENT FORMS