Since the mid-1990s, VAI has been providing consulting services to the Town of Barnstable for the maintenance dredging of the harbor entrance channel at Maraspin Creek. The Project is located in a highly active littoral environment and a State-designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). Frequent dredging of the channel is required to maintain safe navigation access into/from the harbor.
VAI is presently providing Phase 2 engineering, sediment testing and permitting services for the hydraulic dredging of the harbor entrance channel in the Fall 2007-Winter 2008. The Project will consist of the maintenance dredging of up to approximately 15,000 cubic yards of sediments. A dredge placement feasibility study was conducted to identify multiple reuse options for sediments which include beach nourishment at Millway Beach, dune restoration at Sandy Neck, and placement within the existing sediment containment area located at Blish Point. All reuse options are currently being permitted for Phase 2 and for subsequent maintenance dredging of the entrance channel.
A significant part of this project involves the restoration of a severely degraded dune system near the southeastern tip of Sandy Neck. A large area of coastal dune was mechanically excavated more than 20 years ago, creating an artificial depression which experiences flooding during storm events. This restoration project will restore the historic conditions and functions of the dune, including avian and wildlife habitat. The project is located within a Priority Habitat and is in the vicinity of known nesting seabird habitat, including Piping Plovers.
