Quincy-04

Quincy, Parkhurst Marsh

42.271089, -70.956484

Dimensions: 1ft diameter
Condition: Poor
Comments: Reinforced concrete culvert was 36" at downstream end and 12" at upstream end. Outfall was located approximately 100' feet north of Bayswater Road on the beach and was partially exposed at low tide. Downstream end of culvert was severely deteriorated: most of the joints had separated and large 1'-2' gaps were observed in the pipe. Upstream end of culvert which entered the marsh off of Winthrop Street was in fair condition, but was partially buried and appeared to have the potential to get buried or silted in if not frequently maintained.

Comprehensive field assessment conducted in 2024

Upstream Invasive Species: Yes
Downstream Invasive Species: No
Invasive Species Notes: Phragmites limited to occasional 1 yard bands along upland fringe.
Additional Comments (2024): Healthy and thriving low marsh community exists in marsh with very small bands of phragmites along perimeter. Some ponding is occurring but marsh appears healthy otherwise. Overtopping into adjacent yard is evident from wrack line and current flooding but house is raised and on stilts so appears to be a non issue. Overall marsh is in good condition.

Legacy data from previous surveys and documentation

Invasive Species: Yes
Restoration Status: Not Applicable
Invasive Comments: The upstream marsh had a mixture of Spartina Alterniflora and Patens and was bordered by Phragmites.
Restoration Comments: The marsh was previously studied for potential restoration by MADER; however, it was concluded that low lying infrastructure would be a challenge. Future restoration would likely need to consider sizing culvert to accommodate the balance between stormwater outflows and tidal flushing.

General Comments: Tide gate was located in a manhole adjacent to Winthrop Street and was not accessible. Follow up with Franz Inglefinger of DER to obtain elevation data and with Town of Quincy to gain access to manhole to inspect tide gate.
Operation Plan: No
Operation Comments: Flap has been propped open to increase tidal exchange. Low-lying areas complicate additional restoration. DER has tide data for site.
Gate Comments: Flap gate is located within stormwater infrastructure pipe. At the time of the site visit, the manhole was not accessible. Assume that flap gate is circular and metal. Downstream end of culvert was 36" and transitioned to 12" at the upstream end. Assume tide gate has 12" diameter.

Elevation Comments: Staining could not be assessed at upstream or downstream end of culvert. In addition, no headwalls were present so invert elevation measurements were not obtained.
Other Comments: A sewer manhole was located adjacent to the upstream end of the culvert in the marsh. Gravel had recently been placed around the manhole and evidence of previous scour was observed suggesting a history of overwash and stormwater inflows.
External Data Comments: Parkhurst Marsh Assessment 2010 (Other)