The Town of Oak Bluffs is seeking a permit modification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, to conduct work in waters of the United States in conjunction with mechanically dredging an area of Sengekontacket Pond in Oak Bluffs, Mass.
The Town of Oak Bluffs is seeking modification of Corps permit NAE 2009-01128 dated April 20, 2010 to allow for mechanically dredging an approximately 12,000-square-foot area of the Sengekontacket Pond outlet channel at Little Bridge in Oak Bluffs.
This area previously has been dredged under authorization of NAE-2006-03749. The dredge depth will be to – 5 feet mean low water with a one foot over dredge to – 6 feet mean low water. The dredged material will be disposed of above the high tide line on Sylvia State Beach, Pay Beach, and/or Inkwell Beach as beach nourishment.
The dredging portion of this project will impact approximately 12,000 square feet of Essential Fish Habitat for various species and life stages. This habitat consists of sandy substrate within the outlet channel of Sengekontacket Pond. Loss of this habitat may adversely affect these species through dredging impacts. However, the Corps has made a preliminary determination that the site specific adverse effect will not be substantial. Further consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding Essential Fish Habitat conservation recommendations is being conducted and will be concluded prior to the final permit decision.
The request to modify a federal permit was filed by the Town of Oak Bluffs with the Corps of Engineers in compliance with Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, which provides for federal regulation of any work in, or affecting navigable waters of the United States.
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Press Release, December 18, 2013