Minutes

Meeting Minutes 8/14/17

4:00PM

Mayo Creek Restoration Committee

Present: John Riehl, John Portnoy, Walter Baron, Pat Winslow

-John Riehl, presentation on Mayo Creek Restoration

-Dave Bennett wondered how the Herring River project equates to Mayo Creek. Thinks that comparisons cannot be made, and site specific data is

needed

-Eric Martinson, questioned about upstream dredging?

-John Riehl stated that dredging would most likely be needed

-Peter Woytowich, Questioned the modeling and how it was done? What if something fails?

-John Riehl stated that Woods Hole Group preformed the modeling with computers. Who gets contacted in case of a failure would be discussed by

the Selectmen if the project moves forward

-Carly Bertrand stated that this project is a process, people need to understand that it takes time to compile a plan

-Maria Hollis questioned the benefits of replacing a freshwater marsh with a salt one? Are the Phragmites left to rot?

-John Portnoy stated that the Phragmities would grow back shorter every year, and that they can’t tolerate salt over time.

-Jeff Tierney Asked about funding for the project of this size

-Mike Flynn expressed his concern over the change from a 40” culvert to much larger tidal gates.

-John Riehl stated that the adjustable tide gates were the only way to achieve restoration within the project constraints.

-Mike Flynn expressed his great concern over the maximum tide level at restoration because of the proximity to his property. He stated that the

Maximum Tide Level contour line appears to go through his property.

-Committee members assured abutters that this project will not go forward if there are shown to be any adverse effects to abutters property.

-Mike Flynn questioned who would be in charge of monitoring the tidal gates in case of an emergency or a failure.

-John Riehl stated that the committee had not determined who would be in charge of monitoring the water levels in Mayo Creek and have control of

the tidal gates. This would be brought up before the selectmen when they decide how to proceed with the project.

-John Riehl stated that the committee is seeking funding for hydrology experts

-Eric Martinson asked if there was any Army Corps of Engineer or DCR involvement? possible funding

-Carly Bertrand asked how the best way to stay engaged with the project and committee?

-John Riehl - stated that there is a mailing list if people want to stay informed

-Dave Bennett suggested that the modeling lacks a vulnerability analysis, and that the input parameters for the modeling were too close to the culvert

-John Portnoy stated that the modeling was based on LIDAR data for the entire flood plain.

-Maria Hollis recognized that the 23 acres of restoration is the ideal scenario for the MCRC, but wondered if a smaller restoration could be achieved?

-John Riehl stated that the Waste Water committee and the Board of Selectmen would have to determine if amount of restoration is worth the cost.

-Nora Ash-Asked about figures to explain how the 23 acres of restoration was set

-Mike Flynn- asked if there were any other comparable situations where the models prediction did not line up with the anticipated outcome?

-Jake Farrow wondered what the impact of a storm surge would have on the Maximum high water line in Mayo Creek

-John Riehl stated that the tidal gates control the amount of water into creek. If Mayo Beach or Commercial Street were to wash over in a major Storm

then the gates could provide quicker drainage than the current culvert.

-Abutters questioned the expertise of the Committee members.

-The Committee responded that they are all volunteers and that outside experts need to be involved.

-Dredging details have not been worked out yet.

Adjourn 5:25