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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230523 NOI_Part 6A_SD MA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (G.L. c.131A) CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PERMIT DATE February 1, 2017 CONSERVATION PERMIT NO.: 017-295.DFW NHESP FILE NO. 12-31722 PERMIT HOLDERS Three Bays Preservation, Inc 864 Main Street, PO Box 215 Osterville, MA 02655 Mass Audubon 208 Great South Road Lincoln, MA 01773 PROJECT Dead Neck /Sampson’s Island Restoration and Management Project Pursuant to the authority granted in the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (“MESA”) (G.L. c. 131A) and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.23), the Director of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (the “Division”) hereby issues a Conservation and Management Permit (the “Permit”) to Three Bays Preservation, Inc and Mass Audubon (the “Permit Holders”). This permit authorizes the Taking of the State-listed Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus), which is listed as “Threatened,” pursuant to the MESA, arising out of the relocation of ±133,600 cubic yards of sand from the western end of Dead Neck/Sampson’s Island (“DNSI”) for placement and use as habitat enhancement on other areas of Dead Neck/Sampson’s Island (the “Project”), on a ±117 acre Barrier Island located along the southern shore of Cape Cod and bordered by Nantucket Sound in the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts (Land Court Certificate 173003 (Dead Neck) and Book 869, Page 600 (Sampson’s Island), Barnstable County Registry of Deeds; the “Property”). The Division has determined that the Project would result in a Take of Piping Plover through the removal and relocation of nesting and foraging habitat for State-listed species as a result of the Project. Material that provides suitable nesting and foraging habitat will be removed from the western end of DNSI and the majority of the material will be redistributed along the eastern end of DNSI to reestablish suitable nesting and foraging habitat in that area. Under the authority granted by and in accordance with MGL c. 131A 3 and 321 CMR 10.23, the Director may permit the taking of a State-listed species for conservation and management purposes provided that there is a long-term Net Benefit to the conservation of the impacted species. If the Director determines that the applicant for a permit has avoided, minimized and mitigated impacts to the State-listed species consistent with the following Performance Standards, then the Director may issue a conservation and management permit, provided: Conservation & Management Permit 017-295.DFW, Page 2 of 9 (a) the applicant has adequately assessed alternatives to both temporary and permanent impacts to State-listed species; (b) an insignificant portion of the local population would be impacted by the Project or Activity, and; (c) the applicant agrees to carry out a conservation and management plan that provides a long -term Net Benefit to the conservation of the State-listed species that has been approved by the Director, as provided in 321 CMR 10.23(5), and shall be carried out by the applicant. The Director has determined that the applicant for this permit has met the above noted Performance Standards and that the conservation and management plan described herein provides a long -term Net Benefit to the conservation of the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus). Pursuant to this Permit, (a) a predator management plan; (b) a landscape management plan; (c) a beach management plan; and (d) a state-listed species monitoring plan, will all be implemented on DNSI. The Permit Holders have a long history of state-listed species compatible management and monitoring. Therefore, the Project can be permitted pursuant to the MESA. This Permit is issued to condition the Project and to provide a long -term Net Benefit to Piping Plover. In accordance with the documents submitted to the Division entitled:  Conservation and Management Permit Application” (dated July 2016, prepared by Sullivan Engineering, Inc.; the “Permit Application”);  “Dead Neck Sampson’s Island Dredging and Nourishment Plan” (2 sheets, dated October 14, 2014, prepared by Sullivan Engineering, Inc.; the “Project Plan”); Attachment 1  “Sketch Plan Proposed Land Management Areas on Dead Neck/Sampson’s Island” (revised through 09/15/2014, prepared by Sullivan Engineering, Inc.; the “Land Management Plan”; Attachment 2); and any other plans and documents referenced herein, this Permit is issued with the following conditions: General Conditions: 1. The Project authorized by this Permit shall be completed within five (5) years from the date of issuance. If needed, the Permit Holders shall submit a written request to the Division for an extension of time to complete said Project and the Division will review the Project pursuant to MESA for any continuing impacts as described herein and for any new impacts to any State-listed species found subsequent to the issuance date of this Permit. 2. This Permit shall not preclude the review of future projects on the Property that are subject to the Wetlands Protection Act regulations (310 CMR 10.37, 10.58(4)(b), 10.59), as applicable, by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (“NHESP”) of the Division. 3. The work authorized by this Permit involves the removal and redistribution of ±133,600 CY of sand, as shown on the Project Plan (Attachment 1) and land management activities (Attachment 2) hereinafter the “Work”. The Work also includes any other on-site activity required by the Division as a condition of this Permit. 4. Division representatives shall have the right to enter and inspect the Property subject to this Permit at reasonable hours to evaluate permit compliance and require the submittal of any reasonable information not otherwise required by this Permit but deemed necessary by the Division to complete its evaluati on. Conservation & Management Permit 017-295.DFW, Page 3 of 9 5. Any proposed change to any plan identified in this Permit, or to the State -listed species conservation plan required by way of this Permit, shall require the Permit Holder to inquire of the Division, in writing, whether the change is significant enough to require the filing of a new Conservation and Management Permit Application, and/or require additional long-term Net Benefit for affected State-listed species. The Division retains the right to require the submittal of additional, reasonable informa tion to evaluate the plan change. 6. This Permit shall apply to, and inure to the benefit of, the Permit Holder and any successor -in-interest of the Permit Holder, or to a subsequent successor-in-control of the Property or portion thereof subject to this Permit should the Permit Holders convey its record ownership of the Property to said successor-in- control, as well as to any contractor or other person performing Work conditioned by this Permit. Within three (3) days of the transfer of an interest in the Property or a portion thereof, any su ccessor-in-interest or subsequent successor-in-control [i.e., subsequent owners or operators] of the Property or a portion thereof shall provide the Division with a letter indicating (1) that the successor is the successor-in-interest of the Permit Holders or the successor-in-control [i.e., current owner or operator] of the Property or a portion thereof, and (2) that said successor will perform the obligations of the Permit Holders as set forth in this Permit. 7. Prior to the start of Work, the Permit Holders shall notify the Division in writing of the name, address, email, business and home telephone numbers of the project supervisor(s) and/or contractor(s) responsible for compliance with this Permit. The Permit Holders shall provide updated information in writing to the Division should new or additional project supervisors and/or contractors be hired after Work has commenced. Within three (3) days of the start of Work, the Permit Holders shall send a letter to the Division stating the date upon which Work commenced. 8. Prior to the start of Work, the text of this Permit shall be recorded by the Permit Holders in the Registry of Deeds or the Land Court for the district in which the Property is located so as to become a record part of the chain of title of the Property. In the case of recorded land, the Permit shall be noted in the Registry’s Grantor Index under the name of the owner of the Property upon which the proposed Work is to be done. In the case of registered land, the Permit shall be noted on the Land Court Certificate of Title of the owner of the Property upon which the proposed Work is done. The Permit Holders shall submit to the Division a date-stamped and signed copy of said recorded Permit showing the date and book and page of recording of said Permit within five (5) days after recording and/or filing, as applicable. No Work shall begin on the Property until the Permit is recorded and said recorded copy is submitted to the Division, except as otherwise approved by the Division in writing. 9. At the completion of Work the Permit Holders shall submit to the Division a written request for a Certificate of Permit Compliance, including as-built plans and other supporting materials demonstrating the completion of Work and compliance with all conditions herein. 10. Any land protected to achieve a long-term Net Benefit associated with this Permit, shall remain undeveloped and protected as habitat for State-listed species in perpetuity. 11. The Permit Holders shall comply with all Conditions and Special Conditions contained within this Permit and complete the Project consistent with all Division-approved plans and supporting documents except as otherwise approved by the Division in writing. 12. The Permit Holders shall submit in writing any documents, plans, reports, or other items required for submission in accordance with this Permit, for review and written approval by the Division, unless otherwise stipulated in this Permit or by the Division in writing. Conservation & Management Permit 017-295.DFW, Page 4 of 9 13. A violation of any condition of this Permit will result in an unauthorized Take pursuant to M.G.L. c. 131A and may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties pursuant to M.G.L. c. 131A. Special Conditions: 14. Authorized Construction and Uses: This Permit authorizes construction and uses on the Property as described above. All Work shall be confined to the area of the Property within the limits of Work as shown on the Project Plan (Attachment 1) and Land Management Plan (Attachment 2), and all activities shall be carried out as described in the Permit Application, unless otherwise approved by the Division. 15. Construction Timing Restriction: The Permit Holders shall complete all Work during the period of September 1 – March 31, to avoid impacts to breeding Piping Plover. Should the need arise for any Work during the breeding period (April 1 – August 31), the Permit Holders shall hire a qualified shorebird monitor, pre-approved by the Division in writing, to develop a State-listed Species Protection Plan. The Plan must be approved in writing by the Division prior to work commencing during April 1 – August 31 and be properly implemented. 16. Predator Control Program: In order to provide a Net Benefit to the conservation of the State-listed species impacted by this Project, the Permit Holders have proposed, by way of the Permit Application, a program to control predators of Piping Plover on DNSI. The plan includes monitoring, trapping, lethal control, and reporting requirements. As outlined in the Permit Application, the predator management actions shall be evaluated and reported to the Division on a yearly basis, by November 1. The Permit Holders shall submit information regarding the arrangements for predator management for the upcoming season by January 1. The Division reserves the right to modify and amend the Predator Control Program as necessary to improve Piping Plover breeding at DNSI. 17. Beach Management Plan: The Permit Holders have committed to manage DNSI to reduce disturbance to Piping Plovers from both permitted and unauthorized island access. The beach management efforts include: fencing and signage of nesting areas and to restrict or redirect pedestrian access, patrols of qualified rangers/educators, prohibition of recreational activities within suitable Piping Plover habitat during April 1 – August 31, and prohibition of dogs, kites, fires & fireworks from DNSI. Documentation of infractions and annual reporting must be submitted to the Division by November 1. Arrangements for disturbance management must be submitted to the Division by January 1 . The Division reserves the right to modify and amend the Beach Management Plan as necessary to reduce impacts to Piping Plover. 18. Landform & Vegetation Management Plan: The Permit Holders have proposed, by way of the Permit Application measures to enhance habitat, to maintain slopes along the nourishment area, control vegetation, remove trees/predator perches and control phragmites. Prior to the start of any dredge activity, the Permit Holders shall submit the proposed landform and vegetation management implementation schedule to the Division for written approval. 19. State-listed Species Monitoring: The Permit Holders have proposed to continue biological monitoring of terns and Piping Plover at DNSI. The monitoring will be conducted as outlined within the Permit Application. Any reduction in monitoring effort sh all be reported to the Division. A report shall be submitted to the Division each year, on or before September 30, in accordance with standard reporting requirements that summarizes the results of the state-listed species monitoring and site protection activities. Conservation & Management Permit 017-295.DFW, Page 5 of 9 20. Post-construction Surveys & Reports: Within 30 days of dredge and nourishment, a summary report of the activities, including: photographs, documentation of the location(s), volume, and slope of the beneficial reuse material must be submitted to the Division. Post-construction dredge plans must be submitted to the Division within 60 days of any dredge acti vity and clearly outline any deviations or discrepancies with the approved plans. Transect surveys occur during the fall; the Permit Holders are required to submit the details of these surveys for the year of/prior to dredge and the year following any dredge and nourishment activity. 21. Post-construction Beach Management: In order to ensure long-term management of DNSI in accordance with requirements of MESA, upon completion of the five-year enhanced shorebird management program required pursuant to the Permit, the Permit Holders shall continue to implement long -term management generally consistent with the Permit Application. In cooperation with the Division, the long-term management procedures shall be reviewed prior to March 2022, and not less than once every five years thereafter, and more frequently if necessary, and revised, as needed to ensure adequate management of state-listed species and their habitats. All revisions shall be subject to advance review and approval by the Division. 22. Channel Maintenance: Any future dredge of the channel requires review with the Division pursuant to the MESA and may require a separate MESA filing. 23. Construction Staff Education: If any work has received written approval from the Division to occur during April 1 – August 31, then all construction, landscaping, and other sub -contractors associated with the Project shall be informed in writing of the likely presence of State-listed species on the Property and what measures should be implemented to minimize direct harm to State-listed species. Further, no wildlife shall be removed from the Property without approval of a qualified wildlife biologist or the Division except as necessary to receive veterinary treatment in the case of harm during construction. 24. This permit shall not be construed to authorize non -compliance with any applicable, federal, state, or municipal law, statute, or regulation, including but not limited to the Endangered Species Act. The Permit Holders shall not carry out the Project until such time as all applicable permits and authorizations have been received, including an authorization or permit from the United States Fish & Wildlife Service for the Project. 25. The Division shall be notified, in the form of an NHESP Rare Animal or Plant Observation Form, within ten (10) days of the observation of any State-listed species within or outside the limits of Work. Preferably notification will be through the Division’s data submittal tool, the Vernal Pool & Rare Species (VPRS) Information System. VPRS and our paper observations forms can be found at: http://www.mass.gov/dfw/nhesp/vprs. 26. Notice of Appeal Rights: This Determination is a final decision of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife pursuant to 321 CMR 10.23. Any person aggrieved by this decision shall have the right to an adjudicatory hearing at the Division pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s.11 in accordance with the procedures for informal hearings set forth in 801 CMR 1.02 and 1.03. Any notice of claim for an adjudicatory hearing shall be made in writing and be accompanied by a filing fee in the amount of $500.00. The notice of claim shall be sent to the Division by certified mail, hand delivered or postmarked within twenty-one (21) days of the date of the Division’s Determination to: Jack Buckley Director Conservation & Management Permit 017-295.DFW, Page 6 of 9 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Field Headquarters One Rabbit Hill Road Westborough, MA 01581 Any notice of claim for an adjudicatory hearing shall include the following information: 1. The file number for the project; 2. The complete name, address and telephone number of the person filing the request, and the name, address and telephone number of any authorized representative; 3. The specific facts that demonstrate that a party filing a notice of claim satisfies the requirements of an “aggrieved person,” including but not limited to (a) how they have a definite interest in the matters in contention within the scope of interests or area of concern of M.G.L. c. 131A or the regulations at 321 CMR 10.00 and (b) have suffered an actual injury which is special and different from that of the public and which has resulted from violation of a duty owed to them by the Division; 4. A clear statement that an adjudicatory hearing is being requested; 5. A clear and concise statement of facts which are grounds for the proceeding, the specific objections to the actions of the Division and the basis for those objections; and the relie f sought through the adjudicatory hearing; and a statement that a copy of the request has been sent by certified mail or hand delivered to the applicant and the record owner, if different from the applicant. Conservation & Management Permit 017-295. DFIN, Page 7 of 9 uckley, Director M sachusetts Division of Fish On this 151 day of February 2017, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared Jack Buckley, Director, proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification, which was personal knowledge, to be the person whose name is signed on the preceding or attached document, and who swore or affirmed to me that the contents of the document are truthful and accurate to the best of his/her knowledge and belief. Conservation Permit 017-295.DFW Issued this 1st day of February, 2017 Work must be completed by: February 1, 2022 miiy Melissa Holt, Notary Public rriission expires: July 28, 2017 MASSWILDLIFE Conservation & Management Permit 017-295.DFW, Page 8 of 9 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF ALL TERMS OF THIS CONSERVATION PERMIT The undersigned below agrees that commencement of any work authorized by and described in this Conservation and Management Permit constitutes acknowledgement and acceptance of all terms of this Permit. Signatory 1 Organization COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS On this ________day of ________, 20___, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared ______________________________, proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification which was ________________________ to be the person whose name is signed on the preceding or attached document, and who swore or affirmed to me that the contents of the document are truthful and accurate to the best of his/her knowledge and belief. Notary Public ____________________________________ SEAL My commission expires: _______________ Conservation & Management Permit 017-295.DFW, Page 9 of 9 Distribution List John O’Dea, Sullivan Engineering Barnstable Board of Selectmen Barnstable Conservation Commission Barnstable Planning Board DEP Southeast Regional Office, Wetlands Program Holly Johnson, MA Environmental Policy Act Office Susi von Oettingen, US Fish & Wildlife Service 1 of 9 CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT PERMIT APPLICATION FOR THE DEAD NECK SAMPSON’S ISLAND BARRIER BEACH MANAGEMENT PROJECT JULY 26, 2016 A. Dredging and Nourishment 1. Project Scope The Dead Neck Sampson’s Island Barrier Beach Management Project involves the dredging of approximately 133,600 cubic yards over three years, nourishment of 102,200 cubic yards placed as beach nourishment at the east end of DNSI, 20,000 cubic yards for dune restoration, and 11,400 cubic yards to enhance and restore specific habitat features at various locations on DNSI. a. Dredging Proposal for 133,600 cubic yards. Three Bays and Mass Audubon have evaluated alternatives for obtaining the volume of 133,600 cubic yards by limiting the dredging to a baseline other than the post-1934 dredge channel footprint, and taking into account the 1980 Wetland Restriction. Based upon these factors, it has been determined that the 1967 dredge channel footprint provides the necessary volume of material during a three year project cycle. i. Year 1 - dredge ~44,200 cubic yards from west tip of Sampson’s Island ii. Year 2 - dredge ~44,200 cubic yards from west tip of Sampson’s Island iii. Year 3 - dredge ~45,200 cubic yards from west tip of Sampson’s Island The sequence of this revised project proposal is depicted below. 2 of 9 The resource areas affected by the dredging proposal are: Sampson’s Island Spit Dredging / Excavation to the 1967 channel limit: i. Land Under the Ocean –76,000 square feet ii. Beach – 98,400 square feet iii. Dune – 93,000 square feet b. Nourishment Proposal for 133,600 cubic yards. The Project includes the following distribution of the 133,600 cubic yards of sand obtained from the Sampson’s Island spit: i. 72,200 cubic yards to reestablish the “baseline” at the eastern end of DNSI (measured from on-going monitoring surveys), where this volume was calculated based upon the most recent 5-year observed erosion rate of 14,440 cubic yards per year. By the time beach nourishment commences in 2017, the existing nourishment template will be 6 years beyond its design life and this initial volume 3 of 9 to reestablish the “baseline” conditions represents the amount of material needed to return the beach to conditions at the end of the beach template design life; ii. 30,000 cubic yards to supply beach nourishment at the eastern end of DNSI; iii. 20,000 cubic yards for dune restoration; and iv. 11,400 cubic yards to enhance and restore specific habitat features at various locations on DNSI. The resource areas affected by the revised nourishment are as follows: Dead Neck/Sampson’s Island Nourishment i. Land Under the Ocean –310,000 square feet ii. Beach –150,000 square feet iii. Dune –30,000 square feet At the completion of the current proposed dredging and nourishment schedule, the goal for DNSI is to maintain the beach and dune system through regular (more frequent) dredging and nourishment with smaller quantities every 2 to 3 years. Approximately 12,000 cubic yards of material (annualized erosion rate along Dead Neck from 1999 to 2013) would be required on an annual basis to maintain the beach in its restored form. B. Avoidance 1. Dredging Proposal a. The reduced footprints associated with the Project represent a reduction of approximately 5.5 acres of potential State listed nesting shorebird habitat impacted. 2. Time of Year Restriction a. Time of Year restrictions for both the in water maintenance dredging and the beach nourishment will be adhered to. All work will occur during the period of September 15 – March 15. Dredging will occur between October 16 and January 15. C. Minimization i. Nourishment Proposal a. As proposed the shoreline slope of the deposited material from the reduced scope of 4 of 9 work will be no steeper than 15:1, and in no case will the slope of material placed on top from any other project exceed the original approved template not steeper than 10:1. b. The surface of the deposited material shall be left unvegetated and no sand fencing shall be installed. D. Mitigation 1. Project Scope This Management Project commits Three Bays/Mass Audubon to explicitly managing DNSI to provide a Net Benefit in addition to avoiding and minimizing impacts to nesting Piping Plovers and Least Terns in conjunction with other management goals for those locations, and to mitigate unavoidable impacts. The key elements of the Management Project are listed below, followed by a more complete description. Adherence to these plan components will ensure compliance with both MESA and ESA. Under this plan, Three Bays/Mass Audubon will be responsible for the actions listed below Aerial photograph of DNSI system illustrating the various areas of long-term management. 5 of 9 a. Predator Control At DNSI a proactive predator control program that addresses recent issues with predators of the Piping Plover and Least Tern nests has been implemented. The program consists of a monitoring program, and predator management practices including non-lethal and lethal methods and a public outreach program to educate residents regarding the damage done by dogs on the beach during the nesting season. The comprehensive control program is considered to provide a Net Benefit and will be flexible to ensure that predator threats are proactively addressed, as necessary. Mass Audubon and Three Bays Preservation have finalized a comprehensive predator management plan for Dead Neck/Sampson’s Island. The plan includes actions to control observed predators of coastal nesting birds including but not limited to American and Fish Crow, Eastern Coyote, Raccoon, Virginia Opossum, Great Horned Owl, Red Fox, Red-tailed Hawk, Common Grackle and predatory ants. The plan utilizes both lethal and non-lethal actions as deemed appropriate and is based on observed predator activity. It is important to note that non-lethal controls will be preferentially implemented to the extent they are effective and adequate, lethal controls will be used only when non-lethal controls are not adequate. The program currently includes the following tasks: i. Predator monitoring bi-weekly from January to September. Use of best practices to determine presence, abundance and spatial distribution of coastal bird predators. Predator indicators will be recorded on a daily basis during all regular monitoring from March 15th to September 1st. ii. All trapping and lethal control will be undertaken only with state and federal permits and in consultation with state and federal wildlife agencies (MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and US Fish and Wildlife Service). Removal of predator perches including dune vegetation will be undertaken with applicable state and town permits pursuant under the Wetlands Protection Act. iii. All lethal management is being carried out on a professional contract basis in consultation with USDA APHIS Wildlife Services personnel or other professional consultants. iv. Evaluation of the effectiveness of predator management actions and report findings to NHESP each year by November 1st. v. The applicants shall notify the MNHESP on or before January 1st of each year as to what arrangements have been made for predator management. b. Biological Monitoring Biological monitoring will include measuring the abundance, distribution, reproductive success, limiting factors and responses to habitat changes and management of nesting Piping Plovers, Common Terns and Least Terns at DNSI. These activities currently 6 of 9 take place and do not represent a Net Benefit. The Management Plan commits the landowners to continue monitoring. The goal of biological monitoring is to determine the level of nesting effort and success on-site, and consists of pre-nesting season observations, to confirm the arrival of nesting birds and nest initiation, and subsequent monitoring of nests and chicks to record nest success and productivity. The methods to achieve these goals are listed briefly below. They provide a standardized approach to measuring nest success and fledgling productivity, and will provide the data required for filling out the Massachusetts Piping Plover Census Form and the Tern Census Form, available from MNHESP’s coastal water bird conservation webpage. i. Piping Plovers: Piping Plovers are territorial, nest singly, and produce precocial young that follow their parents from protected areas where they rest to tidal areas where they feed. Piping Plover chicks feed themselves, but rely on their parents to guide them to and from their feeding and resting areas, and to warn them about predators. Plover chicks are cryptic, but due to their activity and association with their active parents, they are relatively easy to observe and count. To achieve biological monitoring goals for Plovers, breeding surveys will follow these general protocols: 1.1. Surveys will begin the first week of April and continue until all clutches have failed or fledged. 1.2. Surveys will be conducted up to 6-7 days per week, depending upon the weather, but not less than 3 days per week. 1.3. Initial surveys to identify territorial pairs and nest location will preferentially be conducted when winds are relatively calm, light conditions are good, and recreational beach use is relatively low. 1.4. Surveys will identify the total number of resident pairs present on the beach for a season; unpaired and non-resident birds will also be recorded, as observed. 1.5. The location of all nests, total number of eggs laid in each nest and, the number of eggs hatched will be recorded. 1.6. Reason(s) for nest abandonment or failure will be determined, if possible. 1.7. The number of chicks to successfully fledge will be recorded. 1.8. Reason(s) for egg and chick mortality will be determined, if possible. 1.9. Instances of adult injury or mortality will be reported along with causes, if determined. 7 of 9 ii. Least and Common Terns: Least Terns and Common Terns nest colonially, often in large groups, defending only a small area immediately surrounding their nests from other terns. They produce altricial young that must be fed by adult terns, and that remain in or near the nesting area when their parents leave to find food. Young tern chicks are cryptic and because they may not move much or intentionally hide, they can be difficult to observe and count. To achieve biological monitoring goals, breeding surveys for terns will follow these general protocols: 1.1. Weekly surveys to estimate the number of adults and young present will begin the first week of May and continue until all clutches have failed or fledged. 1.2. Observations conducted up to 6-7 days per week in conjunction with Piping Plover nest monitoring to determine first hatch date, but not less than 3 days per week. 1.3. The location of colony and approximate number of nests will be recorded. 1.4. Reason(s) for nest abandonment or failure will be determined, if possible. 1.5. Reason(s) for adult or chick mortality will be determined, if possible. The methods for both species are taken essentially verbatim from the Waterbird Monitoring Protocol for Cape Cod National Seashore and other Coastal Parks, Refuges, and Protected Areas (Irwin et al., 2003), published by the Cape Cod National Seashore. Minor adjustment to the Irwin et al. (2003) protocol were made to account for working in a limited area with known, previous nesting history, as compared to searching extensive areas of beach with an unknown nesting history. As described above, the biological monitoring incorporated into the DNSI Management Project and renourishment project will extend through the duration of construction for an anticipated six-year construction period and four years after completion of construction, for a total of 10 years. c. Beach Management Mass Audubon and Three Bays Preservation will continue the present Beach Management efforts which reduce the potential adverse impacts of human disturbance to protected coastal birds. The goal of the Beach Management efforts will be to eliminate adverse effects to birds that occur as a result of permitted access to the island, and to prevent adverse impacts from unauthorized island access. Mass Audubon and Three Bays Preservation endorse the Beach Management and provide explicit permission to implement disturbance management actions on the island prior to 8 of 9 dredging/renourishment. The Beach Management practices based on the USFWS’ Piping Plover Guidelines (1994) will include the following tasks: i. Fencing and Signage - Deploy, adjust, and maintain symbolic fencing and electric fencing to delineate and protect from predation critical nesting areas at DNSI. In addition, other fencing (e.g. snow fencing where approved) may be used at DNSI to restrict/redirect pedestrian access away from nesting and foraging habitats. Areas of at least 50 meter-radius around nests above the high-tide line should be delineated with warning signs and symbolic fencing. These areas will remain fenced as long as viable eggs or unfledged chicks are present. Symbolic fencing deployed at DNSI will consist of one or two strands of light-weight string, tied between posts to delineate areas where pedestrians should not enter. Educational signage explaining the purpose of the fence and statutory protections of Piping Plovers and terns will be deployed every 200 feet along the fence. In addition, signs readable from off-shore will be placed at beach landing sites to restrict the landing of boats on the island. ii. Each year, May 15 - August 15, qualified ranger/educators shall patrol the island enforcing restrictions and providing information to visitors up to 6-7 days per week, but not less than 3. The proponents may contract with professional enforcement services to secure restricted areas should their services be required to enforce the restrictions. iii. Monitor rules infractions and report findings to MNHESP each year by November 1st. iv. The applicants shall notify the MNHESP on or before January 1st of each year as to what arrangements have been made for disturbance management. v. Excluding all recreational activities (e.g., walking, kite flying, sunbathing, ball playing, etc.) from all habitat used or potentially used by impacted species during the nesting season. vi. No dogs allowed on the beach at any time. vii. No kites or balloons on the island viii. No fires or fireworks allowed on the island d. Landform and Vegetation Management Landform and Vegetation Management will increase habitat for nesting birds and is considered to provide a Net Benefit. The Landform and Vegetation Management will include the following tasks: 9 of 9 i. Habitat Enhancement Areas along the southern and southwestern faces of the system where beach nourishment will be added to enhance and widen the frontal beach. ii. Slope Maintenance along the nourishment area will be performed seasonally as approved by the permitting agencies. Slope maintenance will ensure continued habitat access for coastal waterbirds as the natural erosion continues and allow for easy passage of plover and tern chicks between inter-dune habitat and intertidal zone. iii. Vegetation Control in the northwestern end of Sampson’s Island to connect the Habitat Enhancement Areas to Cotuit Bay. iv. Selective Tree Removal near the southern Habitat Enhancement Areas to protect the coastal waterbirds using the new habitat from predation. v. Phragmites Control along the south end of Pirates Cove to prevent the further spreading of this invasive species which could threaten other habitat areas. NOTICE OF INTENT – MAY, 2023 Foth COTUIT BAY ENTRANCE AND EMBAYMENT CHANNEL MAINTENANCE DREDGING PROJECT TOWN OF BARNSTABLE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBIT G Suitability Determination 1 CENAE-PDE 8 April 2020 FINAL Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 1. Project Description: The Town of Barnstable is preparing a 10-year comprehensive plan for maintenance dredging of the historically sandy portions of the town channels in Barnstable Harbor, Centerville Harbor, the Three Bays Region, and Prince Cove (Figure 1). Suitable sandy material from these areas will be used to nourish beaches in the vicinity of each project (See Table 1 and Figures 2-5). The current plan for the 2020 dredge cycle includes the removal of approximately 188,436 cubic yards (CY) of predominantly sandy material from shoals totaling 104 acres across the four project areas. All project areas will be hydraulically dredged by the Barnstable County Dredge (BCD) to the various permitted depths plus one foot of allowable overdepth. Suitable sandy material will be placed across the 10 designated shoreline areas described in the sections below for the purpose of beach nourishment. The upland placement action proposed in the vicinity of Sandy Neck will not be evaluated by the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as this site is not regulated under Section 404 of the CWA. A summary of the proposed dredge areas, volumes, depths, and anticipated nourishment sites is presented by project area and waterway in Table 1. The purpose of the sampling and analysis plan described below is to gather information to support a suitability determination for the proposed placement options. This sampling and analysis effort will include the collection of sediment samples from the proposed dredging and beach placement sites for grain size analysis and, if necessary, bulk chemical analysis. Based on multiple rounds of existing data it is expected that the material from the programs channels will meet the exclusionary criteria established in §230.60(a). All sampling and analysis activities described in this plan shall follow the requirements set forth in the “Regional Implementation Manual for the Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Disposal in New England Waters" (RIM) dated May 6, 2004. 2. Conceptual Site Model: The New England District (NAE) of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) reviewed historic testing data, previous environmental assessments, water quality data, adjacent land-use information, and interviewed local officials to develop a conceptual site model (CSM) for each of the dredge areas specified in the Barnstable 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program. This CSM was used to characterize the system within each area and to identify potential sources of contamination, site-specific contaminants of concern, exposure pathways, and biological receptors in order to inform this sampling and analysis plan. Chapaquoit Beach 70°15'0"W 70°15'0"W 70°20'0"W 70°20'0"W 70°25'0"W 70°25'0"W 41°45'0"N41°45'0"N41°40'0"N41°40'0"NFIGURE 1BARNSTABLE 10 YEAR DREDGE PLANPROPOSED PROJECT AREAS «US Army Corps of Engineers New England District 2018 NAIP AERIAL IMAGERY GCS NAD1983 PRINCECOVE BARNSTABLE HARBOR/SANDY NECK CENTERVILLEHARBOR THRE BAYSREGION MA RICT NH 0 1 2 3Miles 1:100,000012 3Kilometers Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 3 Table 1: Summary of Proposed Dredge Areas and Placement Sites 2020 Waterway Project Area and Depth (FT MLW) Current Dredge Footprint (Acres) Current Dredge Volume (CY) Proposed Placement Sites Barnstable Harbor-Sandy Neck - Total Volume: 1,305 CY Barnstable Harbor Entrance Channel: -6 2 1,305 Millway Beach Sandy Neck Public Beach Sandy Cottage Area Centerville Harbor - Total Volume: 18,752 CY East Bay Entrance Channel: -6 3.2 149 Long Beach Craigville Beach Covell’s Beach Centerville River Main Channel:-6 Spur Channel: -4 10.4 18,386 Bumps River Channel: -4 0.3 217 Three Bays - Total Volume: 155,649 CY Cotuit Bay Entrance Channel: -8 Embayment Channel: -7,-9,-10,-11 Hoopers Landing: -6 Town Landing: -3.5 28.3 45,251 Dead Neck Cross St. (Riley’s) Beach Ropes Beach West Bay Entrance Channel: -8 Inner Channel: -11 Spur Channel: -8 18.2 63,657 North Bay Narrows Channel: -8 Bay St Channel: -6 23.7 38,681 Seapuit River Channel -6 and -7 7.4 8,042 Prince Cove - Total Volume: 12,748 CY Prince Cove Entrance Channel: -6 Marina Channel and Basin: -6 10.6 12,748 Dead Neck Cross St. (Riley’s) Beach Ropes Beach 70°16'0"W 70°16'0"W 70°18'0"W 70°18'0"W 70°20'0"W 70°20'0"W 70°22'0"W 70°22'0"W 41°46'0"N41°46'0"N41°44'0"N41°44'0"N41°42'0"N41°42'0"NBarnstable YarmouthSandwichDe n n i s FIGURE 2BARNSTABLE 10 YEAR DREDGE PLANBARNSTABLE HARBORUS Army Corps of Engineers New England District 2018 NAIP AERIAL IMAGERY GCS NAD1983 BARNSTABLE HARBOR SANDY NECK PUBLIC BEACHNOURISHMENT AREA SANDY NECK COTTAGE BEACHNOURISHMENT AREA MILLWAY BEACH NOURISHMENT AREA BARNSTABLE HARBOR ENTRANCE CHANNEL (-6') « 0 1 2Miles 1:55,00001 2Kilometers CAPE COD BAY Barnstable Sandwich YarmouthMashpeeCENTERVILLE RIVER BUMPS RIVER EAST BAY CENTERVILLE RIVER LONG BEACH CRAIGVILLE BEACH 70°21'0"W 70°21'0"W 70°21'30"W 70°21'30"W 70°22'0"W 70°22'0"W 41°38'30"N41°38'30"N41°38'0"N41°38'0"N41°37'30"N41°37'30"NFIGURE 3BARNSTABLE 10 YEAR DREDGE PLANCENTERVILLE HARBORUS Army Corps of Engineers New England District 2018 NAIP AERIAL IMAGERY GCS NAD1983 « 0 1,000 2,000Feet 1:12,0000250 500Meters EAST BAY ENTRANCE CHANNEL (-6') CENTERVILLE RIVER CHANNELLOWER REACH (-7') EAST BAY CENTERVILLE RIVER CHANNELUPPER REACH (-6') BUMPS RIVER CHANNEL (-4') CENTERVILLE RIVERSPUR CHANNEL (-4') LONG BEACHNOURISHMENT AREA NANTUCKET SOUND Barnstable Sandwich YarmouthMashpeeCENTERVILLE RIVER BUMPS RIVER EAST BAY CENTERVILLE RIVER LONG BEACH CRAIGVILLE BEACH 70°24'0"W 70°24'0"W 70°25'0"W 70°25'0"W 70°26'0"W 70°26'0"W 41°38'0"N41°38'0"N41°37'0"N41°37'0"N41°36'0"N41°36'0"NFIGURE 4BARNSTABLE 10 YEAR DREDGE PLANTHREE BAYS REGIONUS Army Corps of Engineers New England District 2018 NAIP AERIAL IMAGERY GCS NAD1983 « 0 1,000 2,000 3,000Feet 1:21,0000250500 750Meters DEAD NECK BEACHNOURISHMENT AREA COTUIT BAY COTUIT BAYENTRANCE CHANNEL COTUIT EMBAYMENTCHANNEL (-9') HOOPERS LANDING COTUIT TOWN LANDINGAND CROSS STREET BEACHNOURISHMENT AREA SEAPUIT RIVER CHANNEL WEST BAY SPUR CHANNEL WEST BAY ENTRANCE CHANNEL BAY STREETCHANNEL NORTH BAY"NARROWS" CHANNEL WEST BAY NORTH BAY (-10') (-7') (-11') (-11') (-8') NANTUCKET SOUND (-7') (-6') (-8') (-8') (-6') (-8') (-6') (-4.5') ROPES BEACHNOURISHMENT AREA Barnstable Sandwich YarmouthMashpeeCENTERVILLE RIVER BUMPS RIVER EAST BAY CENTERVILLE RIVER LONG BEACH CRAIGVILLE BEACH 70°24'15"W 70°24'15"W 70°24'30"W 70°24'30"W 70°24'45"W 70°24'45"W 41°38'45"N41°38'45"N41°38'30"N41°38'30"N41°38'15"N41°38'15"NFIGURE 5BARNSTABLE 10 YEAR DREDGE PLANPRINCE COVEUS Army Corps of Engineers New England District 2018 NAIP AERIAL IMAGERY GCS NAD1983 « 0 250 500 750 1,000Feet 1:7,0000100 200 300Meters PRINCE COVEMARINA BASIN (-6') PRINCE COVE PRINCE COVEENTRANCE CHANNEL (-6') NORTH BAY WARREN'S COVE Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 8 Barnstable Harbor – Sandy Neck: Barnstable Harbor, located approximately 10 miles east of the Cape Cod Canal entrance, is a natural harbor on the northern shore of Cape Cod. The harbor is home to a small recreational and commercial fishing fleet and is a popular destination for transient boaters. Access to the inner harbor is facilitated by a 6 foot deep (MLW), 60 foot wide channel that extends approximately 0.2 miles from deep water to the head of navigation along the town waterfront. Waterfront facilities include a Town Marina with 88 slips, fuel docks, parking, a public boat ramp, and several commercial marine service centers. The Sandy Neck Barrier Beach System shelters the north and northwest portion of Barnstable Harbor and was designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) in 1978 by the state due to the natural resources, wildlife, endangered species, and recreational opportunities found on site. Several residential properties are located on the southeast end of the Sandy Neck Peninsula. Water quality in the vicinity of Barnstable Harbor is dictated by tidal exchange with Cape Cod Bay to the north and freshwater input from several small creeks and streams to the south and west. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts designates the waters of Barnstable Harbor as Class SA (314 CMR 4.06). Class SA waters are considered excellent habitat for fish, other aquatic life, and wildlife, and are suitable for shellfish harvesting and for primary and secondary contact recreation (MassDEP 2018). The Barnstable Harbor channel requires periodic maintenance dredging in order to maintain a safe and navigable waterway. The outer entrance channel was last dredged by the Town in 2017 when 8,226 cubic yards of sand was hydraulically removed and placed along Millway Beach, Sandy Neck Public Beach, and in the Sandy Cottage area for beach nourishment. Sediment sampling and testing of the outer entrance channel was performed in 2014 documented the material as predominantly coarse grained (93-98% sand and gravel). Dredging activities within Barnstable Harbor under the 10-year plan will be limited to the outer-most ±1,125 linear feet of the channel as this area has historically contained coarse grained sediments suitable for beach nourishment. Based on a review of available data and communication with local officials NAE determined that there has been one documented spill of gasoline (4-6 gallons) off of Salten Point, approximately 800 feet west of the dredge site. There are 2 known outfalls along the Barnstable harbor waterfront and 5 documented outfalls along Mill Creek, a tributary to the harbor. Following this tier one review of the site characteristics and the available historical data, the entrance channel of Barnstable Harbor was given a low-moderate risk ranking according to the following matrix (Table 2, adapted from USACE 2014): Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 9 Table 2. Project Risk Ranking Rank Guidelines Low Few or no sources of contamination. Data available to verify no significant potential for adverse biological effects. Low-Moderate Few or no sources of contamination but existing data is insufficient to confirm ranking. Moderate Contamination sources exist within the vicinity of the project with the potential to produce chemical concentrations that may cause adverse biological effects. High Known sources of contamination within the project area and historical data exists that has previously failed biological testing. Centerville Harbor: The Centerville Harbor region is located on the south side of Barnstable, approximately 3.5 miles west of the village of Hyannis. Navigable waterways within this region include the East Bay, Centerville River, and the Bumps River. The Bumps River and Centerville River both flow into the East Bay which empties into Nantucket Sound. The East Bay entrance channel is 6 feet deep (MLW), 0.4 miles long, and is flanked by Dowses Point to the west and Long Beach to the East. A stone jetty extends along the western shoreline at Dowses Point and provides stabilization to the East Bay Entrance channel. The Centerville River includes a 7 foot deep (MLW), 0.7 mile long lower reach channel; a 6 foot deep (MLW), 0.75 mile long upper reach channel; and 4 foot deep (MLW), 0.3 mile long spur channel. The Bumps River channel is 4 feet deep (MLW) and extends 0.07 miles upstream to a point between two residential neighborhoods. The East Bay-Centerville River system is an active waterfront that supports recreational boating activities, two public landings, and several private docks and piers. The Town of Barnstable manages a few dozen moorings within the Centerville River. Other land use in the area is a mix of low to moderate density residential properties along the northern and southern waterfront, and public recreation areas to the south along Nantucket Sound. The upstream portion of the Centerville River is bounded by an extensive of salt marshes system. Two public beaches, Long Beach and Craigville Beach, are located adjacent to the Centerville River channel. Water quality in the vicinity of Centerville Harbor is dictated by tidal exchange with Nantucket Sound to the south and freshwater input from the Centerville River and Bumps River to the north. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts designates the waters of Centerville Harbor as Class SA (314 CMR 4.06). Class SA waters are considered excellent habitat for fish, other aquatic life, and wildlife and are suitable for shellfish harvesting and for primary and secondary contact recreation (MassDEP 2018). Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 10 Projects within the Centerville Harbor Region were most recently dredged between 2003 and 2014 and the material was placed along Dowses Beach, Long Beach, Craigville Beach for nourishment: Table 3: Centerville Harbor Region Dredge History Project Area Project Depth (FT MLW) Dredged By Date Last Dredged Material Removed (CY) Material Type Centerville River Upper Reach, Spur, and Bumps River Channel -6, -4, -4 Town 2006 25,000 Sandy and Silty Centerville River Lower Reach Channel -7 Town 2003 40,700 Sandy East Bay Entrance Channel -6 Town 2013-2014 9,569 Sandy There is limited data available for the Centerville Harbor Region project areas. Sampling and testing of 20 sediment samples from the Centerville River channel performed between 1999 and 2000 documented that the material from 8 of the samples contained 15% or more silt and clay. The remaining samples contained between 86.34 and 98.44% sand and gravel. Sampling and testing of 20 sediment samples from East Bay in 2012 found the material throughout the waterway to be predominantly sand and gravel (93-98%). The location of these samples and the previous dredge footprints was unavailable at the time this SAP was written. Based on a review of available data and communication with local officials NAE determined that there are total of 5 oil spill incidents were reported to MA DEP within the vicinity of existing outfalls that could have resulted into a related discharge into East Bay, Centerville River and/or the Bumps River. There are 18 town documented outfalls that occur within the vicinity of the Centerville Harbor area: 2 outfalls are located along the waterfront of the Centerville River lower reach channel, 2 outfalls are located along the waterfront of the Centerville River spur channel, 2 outfalls are located along the waterfront of the Bumps River channel, and 1 outfall is located along a direct tributary to the Centerville River. Following this tier one review of the site characteristics and the available historical data, the Centerville Harbor region was given a low-moderate risk ranking. Three Bays: The Three Bays Region in Barnstable consists of a large and complex estuary system with multiple inlets and sub-embayment’s situated along the northern shore of Nantucket Sound. Cotuit Bay and West Bay each connect Nantucket Sound with North Bay. The Seapuit River connects Cotuit Bay and West Bay, and separates Grand Island and Dead Neck Island. North Bay is the smallest Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 11 of the Three Bays and West Bay is formed largely by the enclosure of Little Island and Oyster Harbors to the north and west. Cotuit Bay includes an 8 foot deep (MLW), 0.6 mile long entrance channel; a 1.15 mile long embayment channel which varies from 7 to 11 feet in depth (MLW); a 2.5 and 4.5 foot deep (MLW) basin at the Cotuit Town Landing; and a 6 foot deep (MLW), 0.07 mile long channel in the vicinity of Hoopers Landing. North Bay is connected to Cotuit Bay by the 8 foot deep (MLW), 0.7 mile long “Narrows” channel; and to West Bay by the 6 foot deep (MLW), 0.5 mile long “Bay Street” channel. West Bay includes an 8 foot deep (MLW), 0.6 mile long outer entrance channel; an 11 foot deep (MLW), 0.7 long inner entrance channel; and an 8 foot deep (MLW), 0.1 mile long spur channel. The Cotuit Bay embayment channel and the West Bay spur channel are connected to each other by the 7 foot deep (MLW), 0.17 mile long Seapuit River channel. The Three Bay system supports a variety of water dependent uses that meet local recreational, transient and commercial boating needs. There are 5 public access boat ramps located within the Three Bays as well as several privately owned boat yards, marinas, and other marine service facilities. Land use along the waterfront is a mix of residential properties, small commercial developments, and two golf courses. Dead Neck Island consists of Oyster Harbor Beach and the Mass Audubon Sampsons Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Water quality in the Three Bays area is dictated by tidal exchange with Nantucket Sound to the south and freshwater input from the Marstons Mill River located upstream from North Bay. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts designates the waters of the Three Bays area as Class SA (314 CMR 4.06). Class SA waters are considered excellent habitat for fish, other aquatic life, and wildlife and are suitable for shellfish harvesting and for primary and secondary contact recreation (MassDEP 2018). Projects within the Three Bays Region were most recently dredged between 1940 and 2010 and the material was placed along Dead Neck Beach for beach nourishment: Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 12 Table 4: Three Bays Region Dredge History Project Area Project Depth (FT MLW) Dredged By Date Last Dredged Material Removed (CY) Material Type Cotuit Bay Entrance Channel -8 Three Bays Preservation 1998 15,850 Sandy Cotuit Embayment Channel -7, -8, -9, -10 Three Bays Preservation 1998 15,850 Sandy Cotuit Embayment Channel -10 Three Bays Preservation 2002 No Data Sandy Cotuit Town Landing -2.5, -4.5 Town 2010 850 Sandy Hoopers Landing basin -6 State 1940 No Data Sandy Seapuit River Channel -7 State 1955 No Data Sandy West Bay Entrance Channel -8 State 1981 No Data Sandy North Bay “Narrows” Channel -8 State 1971 No Data Sandy North Nay “Bay Street” Channel -6 State 1982 No Data Sandy Sediment sampling and testing performed by the Three Bays Preservation in 2009 documented the material in the entrance channel to Cotuit Bay as sand and gravel with less than 1% fine grained material. Sediment sampling and testing performed by the Three Bays Preservation in 2007 documented the material from the North Bay region to be predominately sand and gravel with less than 1% fine grained material. Based on a review of available data and communication with local officials NAE determined that there have been 14 documented fuel spills or incidents involving an unknown sheen reported to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and 15 oil spill incidents reported to MA DEP within Cotuit Bay, North Bay, and West Bay between 1996 and 2014. The Harbormaster’s office reported an oil spill in 2003 from Crosby’s Yacht Yard, located to the north of the Bridge Street Bridge in North Bay. In 2008 a hazardous spill with reported elevated concentrations of benzene and aliphatic hydrocarbons occurred at 905 Main Street on the western side of Cotuit Bay. There are 18 town outfalls located throughout 3 Bays Region: 6 outfalls are located along the waterfront in Cotuit Bay and 5 outfalls along the waterfront in West Bay. Following this tier one review of the site characteristics and the available historical data, the Three Bays region was given a low-moderate risk ranking. Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 13 Prince Cove: Prince Cove is connected to North Bay and the Three Bays system by an entrance channel in the Mill River. Prince Cove includes a 6 foot deep (MLW), 0.8 miles long entrance channel, and a 6 foot deep (MLW) basin. The Prince Cove Marina facility is located at the entrance of the cove and has been owned and operated by the town since 2002. The marina provides public access to the cove as well as slips for approximately 36 vessels, with 100 moorings located within the cove directly seaward and to the south of the docks. A public boat ramp is located on the north side of the marina. Other land use along the waterfront is primarily private residences and docks. . Water quality in the vicinity of Prince Cove is dictated by tidal exchange with the Nantucket Sound through the Three Bays system and freshwater input from the Marstons Mill River. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts designates the waters of the Three Bays area as Class SA (314 CMR 4.06). Class SA waters are considered excellent habitat for fish, other aquatic life, and wildlife and are suitable for shellfish harvesting and for primary and secondary contact recreation (MassDEP 2018). The Prince Cove was last dredged in 1956 when approximately 12,750 CY of sandy material was removed from the 6 foot channel and basin. The record plans for this effort did not identify a disposal/reuse site for sediments or previous sampling records. Based on a review of available data and communication with local officials NAE determined that there has been 1 reported incident involving an oily sheen documented by the NRC in the vicinity of the Prince Cove Marina in 2009 and 1 incident involving an oily sheen reported to MA DEP in the vicinity of Prince Cove in 2002. There are 5 documented outfalls surrounding the Prince Cove area, none are located along the waterfront. Following this tier one review of the site characteristics and the available historical data, the Prince Cove region was given a low-moderate risk ranking. 3. Sample Collection: The Applicant shall collect sediment cores from 59 locations in the proposed dredge area as specified in Tables 5-8 (also see Figures 6-18). These locations were selected based on information from the CSMs above, the low-moderate risk rating for all project areas, and shoals identified in the most recent project conditions surveys. All core samples shall be collected to the proposed dredge depth plus the overdredge amount. The required core length shall be determined at the time of the sampling effort using measured water depths at each location corrected to MLW. If fine grained sediments are encountered in any of the proposed project areas then adjacent core locations should be selected by the applicant, in consultation with NAE, and sampled in order to define the spatial extent of this material. Representative sediment samples shall also be collected from 24 locations throughout the proposed beach nourishment sites as specified in Table 9 (also see Figures 6-18). Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 14 Upon collection all cores shall be measured and maintained in an upright position for a minimum of 15 minutes to allow any fine-grained material to settle. After a core has settled it shall be re-measured before any overlying water is drained. All cores shall be split lengthwise, photographed with a stadia rod for scale, and described in accordance with ASTM D 2488 (Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils). If any core shows significant stratification or obvious signs of contamination in the opinion of the sampling crew, in consultation with NAE staff, then subsamples shall be made of each layer. A composite of the dredge interval within each core or core layer shall be collected for grain size analysis and, if the material is not predominantly coarse grained, the bulk chemical analyses described in the sections below. All sediments held for testing shall be stored in accordance with the requirements in Table 10 (from Table 8-9 in Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Ocean Disposal, Testing Manual, 1991). Sample chain of custody forms shall be maintained by the Applicant and submitted to NAE with the data package described in section 5 of this SAP. Vessel positioning shall be achieved using a Global Positioning System (GPS) that has been calibrated on site using a known reference point. The required horizontal accuracy at each sample location shall be 10 feet or less. Water depths at each location are to be determined with an accuracy of ±0.1 foot (relative to MLW). All sample data including date, time, latitude, longitude, GPS accuracy, measured water depth, tidal correction, core penetration and recovery shall be recorded in a sampling log (Figure 19 or equivalent) and provided to NAE with the Applicant’s core descriptions and photographs. All coordinate data shall be reported in geographic NAD 83 decimal degree format. All depth data shall be reported in tenths of feet. 4. Grain Size and Bulk Chemical Analysis: Each core or core layer from the dredge area shall be individually analyzed for grain size and the results reported to NAE. It is expected that the material from dredge areas proposed in the Barnstable 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program will meet the exclusionary established in §230.60(a). If further testing is required then NAE will provide the Applicant with a compositing plan for bulk chemical analysis based on sample proximity, physical characteristics recorded during the core description process, and the results of grain size analysis. Testing parameters, analytical methods, and reporting limits to be used are outlined in Table 11 (extracted from Tables 1, 2, and 3 of the RIM). The listed analytical methods are recommended but can be replaced by other methods that will give the required reporting limits. Additional guidance on the physical and chemical analysis of sediments can be found in chapter 5 of the RIM. All laboratories used for this project must have an approved Laboratory Quality Assurance Plan (LQAP) on file with NAE. Any data produced from a lab without an approved LQAP will not be accepted. The RIM, a list of laboratories with approved LQAPs, and the reporting format and requirements for electronic submission of data are available for download through the NAE website: Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 15 http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Dredged-Material- Program/. 5. Reporting: All sediment testing data is required to be submitted electronically in the electronic data deliverable (EDD) format available on the NAE website (http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Disposal-Area- Monitoring- System-DAMOS/Electronic-Data-Deliverables.aspx). Hard copy data submission is also required but may be substituted with a printer friendly, easy- to-read format (e.g., PDF, MS Word). Any analytes not detected shall be reported as half the method detection limit (MDL) and qualified with a “U”. RIM quality control summary tables are required to be submitted with each project dataset. These tables are found in Appendix II of the RIM. 6. Contact Information: Questions about this plan should be directed to Gabriella Saloio (phone: 978-318-8138 e-mail: Gabriella.J.Saloio@usace.army.mil). GABRIELLA J. SALOIO Biologist New England District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gabriella Saloio Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 16 Table 5: Barnstable Harbor Sample Locations Project Area Station Long (NAD 83) Lat (NAD 83) Project Depth (FT MLW) Allowable Overdepth (FT) Outer Entrance Channel BH-1 -70.301090 41.710654 6.0 1.0 BH-2 -70.301690 41.709703 6.0 1.0 Table 6: Centerville Harbor Sample Locations Project Area Station Long (NAD 83) Lat (NAD 83) Project Depth (FT MLW) Allowable Overdepth (FT) East Bay Entrance Channel CH-EB-1 -70.36255 41.623163 6.0 1.0 CH-EB-2 -70.36672 41.625073 6.0 1.0 Centerville River Lower Reach Channel CH-LR-4 -70.35848 41.633685 6.0 1.0 CH-LR-3 -70.36111 41.632299 6.0 1.0 CH-LR-2 -70.36357 41.630621 6.0 1.0 CH-LR-1 -70.36629 41.628017 6.0 1.0 Centerville River Upper Reach Channel CH-UR-5 -70.34516 41.637342 6.0 1.0 CH-UR-4 -70.34863 41.636797 6.0 1.0 CH-UR-3 -70.34972 41.637601 6.0 1.0 CH-UR-2 -70.35191 41.636211 6.0 1.0 CH-UR-1 -70.35656 41.634459 6.0 1.0 Centerville River Spur Channel CH-S-1 -70.34526 41.639007 4.0 1.0 CH-S-2 -70.34724 41.638176 4.0 1.0 CH-S-3 -70.34813 41.637353 4.0 1.0 Bumps River Channel CH-BR-1 -70.35767 41.634663 4.0 1.0 Sampling and Analysis Plan for the Barnstable, MA 10-Year Comprehensive Dredge & Beach Nourishment Program, CENAE-R-2015-01632 17 Table 7: Three Bays Region Sample Locations Project Area Station Long (NAD 83) Lat (NAD 83) Project Depth (FT MLW) Allowable Overdepth (FT) Cotuit Bay Entrance Channel TBR-CB-1 -70.43406 41.603423 8.0 1.0 TBR-CB-2 -70.43176 41.600237 10.0 1.0 Cotuit Embayment Channel TBR-CB-3 -70.43466 41.608396 10.0 1.0 TBR-CB-4 -70.42779 41.61114 11.0 1.0 TBR-CB-5 -70.43020 41.607986 11.0 1.0 TBR-CB-6 -70.43236 41.608635 11.0 1.0 TBR-CB-7 -70.42437 41.611851 9.0 1.0 TBR-CB-8 -70.42724 41.612145 9.0 1.0 TBR-CB-9 -70.42117 41.610391 7.0 1.0 Seapuit River Channel TBR-SR-1 -70.41935 41.609333 6.0 1.0 TBR-SR-2 -70.41321 41.609142 6.0 1.0 TBR-SR-3 -70.41075 41.609334 6.0 1.0 TBR-SR-4 -70.40758 41.60874 6.0 1.0 TBR-SR-5 -70.40365 41.608349 7.0 1.0 TBR-SR-6 -70.40549 41.608239 7.0 1.0 West Bay Outer Entrance Channel TBR-WB-1 -70.40104 41.604929 8.0 1.0 West Bay Inner Entrance Channel TBR-WB-3 -70.40083 41.610167 11.0 1.0 TBR-WB-4 -70.40045 41.613746 11.0 1.0 TBR-WB-5 -70.40078 41.616579 11.0 1.0 TBR-WB-6 -70.39963 41.618779 11.0 1.0 West Bay Spur Channel TBR-WB-2 -70.40237 41.608281 8.0 1.0 Bay Street Channel TBR-NB-1 -70.39638 41.619371 1.0 TBR-NB-2 -70.39634 41.622046 8.0 1.0 TBR-NB-3 -70.39594 41.624636 8.0 1.0 TBR-NB-4 -70.39825 41.628672 8.0 1.0 TBR-NB-5 -70.40275 41.630479 8.0 1.0 North Bay Narrows Channel TBR-NB-6 -70.40889 41.630234 8.0 1.0 TBR-NB-7 -70.41267 41.628871 8.0 1.0 TBR-NB-8 -70.41508 41.626787 8.0 1.0 TBR-NB-9 -70.41762 41.625534 8.0 1.0 Hoopers Landing TBR-HL-1 -70.43222 41.619867 6.0 1.0 TBR-HL-2 -70.43261 41.620559 6.0 1.0 Cotuit Town Landing TBR-CTL-1 -70.43335 41.616294 2.5-5.5 1.0 TBR-CTL-2 -70.43349 41.616244 2.5-5.5 1.0