Quincy-02

Quincy

42.263817, -70.952718

Dimensions: 4ft diameter
Condition: Good
Comments: The outfall was located approximately 100' downstream of the tide gate, on the beach, and was partially buried in the sand. There was a metal trash rack attached at the outlet. The culvert transitioned to a 48" circular, reinforced concrete pipe at the upstream end of the tide gate and was embedded in a stone headwall. There was a trash rack comprised of rebar installed at the mouth of the culvert. It appeared that the stone headwall was deteriorating - gaps were observed where mortar had fallen out and small stones had been placed into the gaps.

Legacy data from previous surveys and documentation

Invasive Species: Yes
Restoration Status: Not Applicable
Invasive Comments: There was a narrow channel on the upstream end of the restriction lined with an approximately 2' wide layer of salt marsh grass. From there, the salt marsh grass transitioned into mowed grass and phragmites.
Restoration Comments: It appeared that no restoration efforts had been made at this location. There was an abundance of low lying infrastructure located at the upstream end of the restriction including houses, deck stairways, and concrete retaining walls.

General Comments: The tide gate is located directly off of Edgewater Drive adjacent to the seawall and is located within a locked vault with an electrical enclosure sitting on top. Field crew was unable to access the interior of the vault. Next steps: Reach out to Town of Quincy and request a followup visit for site access. Also ask how the tide is managed and ask if there are any O&M plans, permits, or plans associated with the tide gate.
Operation Plan: No
Operation Comments: It was unclear at the time of the site visit how the tide gate is operated. There are a number of homes and other low lying infrastructure upstream (e.g., stairs, etc.), so it would appear that the tide gate is closed before and during storms or abnormally high tide events.
Gate Comments: Tide gate located inside locked concrete vault with metal electrical enclosure sitting on top and was not accessible. The enclosure contains an extension for a valve stem and appears that the tide gate is a sluice gate operated by a linear (i.e., up/down) electric actuator. Tide gate dimensions approximated by measurement of downstream culvert. There was also a wooden gate in the seawall located directly to the southwest of the tide gate which appeared to be designed to keep overwash off of the road while providing vehicle access to the beach.

Elevation Comments: Staining was apparent on the upstream (U/S) end of the headwall (HW) so approximate extent of U/S tidal influence was able to be assessed in addition to tide gate (TG) invert elevations. Staining was not observed on the downstream end of the HW. The below lists measuredowns taken with a surveyors rod. Note that LiDAR coverage was not available at this location. 1) TG Inv (in this case measured to invert of U/S culvert): Top of HW El (U/S) = Unknown; Inv Measuredown = 8.25’; TG Inv = Unknown 2) Upstream Tidal Influence: Top of headwall LiDAR Elevation = Unknown; Staining Measuredown = 5.09’; U/S Tidal influence = Unknown. 3) Downstream Tidal Influence: Top of headwall LiDAR elevation = Unknown; Staining Measuredown = N/A; D/S Tidal Influence = Unknown
Other Comments: Numerous mummichogs were observed in the channel upstream of the restriction.