Scituate-01A

Scituate, Scituate Harbor

42.186309, -70.725321

Dimensions: 1.5ft diameter
Condition: Fair
Comments: The reinforced concrete pipe was in fair condition. It appeared that the mouth of the pipe was beginning to separate from the weir wall on the upstream side of the restriction. In addition, erosion was observed around the upstream concrete weir, presumably from stormwater runoff from the adjacent road, tidal influence, or some combination thereof. Erosion was also observed around the downstream headwall. The downstream headwall was in poor condition and appeared to "leaning" towards the channel towards the top, indicating mobilization of soils behind it. Additionally, spalling of the headwall was observed.

Comprehensive field assessment conducted in 2024

Upstream Invasive Species: Yes
Downstream Invasive Species: No
Invasive Species Notes: Phragmites on fringe
Additional Comments (2024): Lack of low marsh community, early indicators of phragmites encroachment, apparent and apparent lack of sediment exchange supports observations of a moderate tidal restriction.

Legacy data from previous surveys and documentation

Invasive Species: Yes
Restoration Status: Unknown
Invasive Comments: The impoundment was comprised primarily of high marsh and was fringed by phragmites.
Restoration Comments: Houses were observed around the marsh; however, they appeared to be elevated.

General Comments: Site is located directly adjacent to Kent Street (busy road). The downstream side is located to the east and the upstream side is located to the west.
Operation Plan: No
Operation Comments: Upstream sluice boards put in seasonally to impound water in marsh for ice skating. It appeared that the downstream tide gate was installed for the sole purpose of flood protection.
Gate Comments: There were two tidal control structures at the site. A metal flap gate was installed on the downstream portion of the culvert and a concrete weir with wooden stop logs was installed on the upstream portion. The downstream metal flap gate was in poor condition. It was rusted open approximately 3 to 4 inches, the bolts affixing it to the concrete headwall were corroded, and it appeared that someone had attempted to remove the tide gate as evidenced by loosened nuts (i.e., the nuts had been backed off the bolts). The upstream concrete weir and wooden stop logs appeared to be in good condition.

Elevation Comments: Staining was apparent on the upstream (U/S) and downstream (D/S) ends of the headwall (HW) so approximate extent of U/S and D/S tidal influence was able to be assessed in addition to tide gate (TG) invert elevations. The below lists measuredowns taken with a surveyors rod and corresponding top of headwall LiDAR elevations (NAVD88 datum). 1) TG Inv (D/S tide gate): Top of HW El (D/S) = 6.53’; Inv Measuredown = 6.83’; TG Inv = 6.53’ – 6.83 = -0.30’ 2) Upstream Tidal Influence: Top of headwall LiDAR Elevation = 4.43’; Staining Measuredown = 0.66’; U/S Tidal influence = 4.43 – 0.66 = 3.77’. 3) Downstream Tidal Influence: Top of headwall LiDAR elevation = 6.53’; Staining Measuredown = 1.29’; D/S Tidal Influence = 6.53’ – 1.29’ = 5.24’
Other Comments: Upstream saltmarsh appears to be impacted by septic systems and corn field