Hull-04

Hull, Hull Bay

42.303229, -70.915078

Dimensions: 2.25ft diameter
Condition: Fair
Comments: Outfall to culvert was located below high water mark approximately 150' downstream of the tide gate. A metal (rebar) trash grate was installed at the outlet. The culvert was in fair condition - the culvert bell/segments were beginning to decouple and gaps were observed in the joints. It appeared that the cause of the decoupling was lowering of the beach profile (i.e. longshore sediment transport).

Comprehensive field assessment conducted in 2024

Upstream Invasive Species: Yes
Downstream Invasive Species: No
Invasive Species Notes: Phragmites most prevalent along front but encroaching downstream into marsh.
Additional Comments (2024): Lack of low marsh community and spread of phragmites indicates moderate tidal restriction. Tide gate inaccessible inside concrete manhole overflow structure but supposed to be left partially open per the OOC. Increasing tidal exchange may be difficult due to proximity of houses at similar elevation to marsh.

Legacy data from previous surveys and documentation

Invasive Species: Yes
Restoration Status: Unknown
Invasive Comments: The upstream impoundment conisted of a core of high marsh (e.g., s. patens) surrounded by extensive phragmites.
Restoration Comments: Small low lying area, lots of Phragmites, potential self-regulating tidegate site, need to be careful of adjacent housing.

General Comments: Tide gate is located in a locked subsurface vault adjacent to the intersection between Ocean Avenue and Main Street. At the time of the site visit, the tide gate could not be accessed. Additionally, upstream culvert was not located due to a dense phragmites stand. Next steps: Contact Hull DPW to obtain access to tide gate for further investigation and locate upstream culvert during vegetation die off.
Operation Plan: No
Operation Comments: Gate is maintained in a partially open position as required by OOC.
Gate Comments: Wedged flapper in manhole. Installed as part of MassDOT roadway project. Tide gate was inaccessible, diameter and shape assumed based on observed downstream culvert outfall.

Elevation Comments: Staining could not be assessed at upstream or downstream end. In addition, no headwalls were present so invert elevation measurements were not obtained.