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DUCK HARBOR UPDATES

Posted on: April 5, 2024 - 11:39am

Duck Harbor Update 4/26/2024

Below please see progress made on the engineering plans this week:

-Design work began on Monday 4/22. 

-Advancement of draft drawings and specifications. 

-Checking on side slopes to keep within existing 40’ ROW.

-Revising draft LLR specs as the starting point and modifying for this project.

I anticipate receiving a full set of draft design plans and specifications by the end of next week.  Conditions today are free and clear of flooding so I would predict this condition to be consistent through the weekend (don't hold me to that haha).  Next higher tide cycles being around Friday May 3rd.  

 

DUCK HARBOR FLOODING UPDATE #2 - April 12, 2024

We received the proposal from WSP, the design engineer for the Low Lying Roads phase of the project, and and is currently under expedited review.  

Tides above 10' will be subsiding around 4/13/24 hopefully leading to less flooding until the next cycle in early May.  I've attached a copy of tide charts extending out to September with highlights showing problematic tidal conditions that could result in flooding.  This is all subject to wind direction, storm conditions, etc.  But we are acquiring data and monitoring the conditions each day. There have been questions whether we predict the tides to lessen in the summer months, and based on the tide charts I don't believe there will be any relief.  

We have received calls that water levels have increased dramatically all the way to Black Pond Road (east of Rt 6) far upstream on the Herring River.  Just to emphasize the extent of this problem.   

 

DUCK HARBOR FLOODING UPDATE #1 - April 5, 2024

  • Over the past several weeks, we have held numerous meetings to discuss and weigh options on how to remedy this public safety situation with the Herring River Technical Team (including representatives from the Cape Cod National Seashore), and members of the Town of Wellfleet's Emergency Management Team (EMT) that includes Police, Fire and Town Administration.   Also provided several updates to the Select Board and have been in contact with the Cape Cod Times and Provincetown Independent. 
  • We have decided to move forward with plans on an interim fix to raise portions of Town owned parcels (Bound Brook Island road) to allow access during flooding events.  More details to come, but the intent is to follow the existing design of the Herring River Low Lying Roads phase of the project to the maximum extent possible - but knowing that we can't implement the full project elements at this time as there are details still being worked out (this overwash event was not anticipated and the goal to solicit the full scope was projected for late 2024 or early 2025).  At this time, we are hoping to raise the roads enough to take the curse off the flooding to buy time until the full project implementation. I'd like to stress that this overwash event is unrelated to the project, but obviously ties into our overall plans. 
  • On Tuesday, the project team held a meeting with WSP, the design engineer for the Low Lying Roads phase of the project, and am awaiting their proposal to assist with the interim design and bidding for this project.   
  • Conducted meetings with regulatory permitting agencies to inform them what we are experiencing (Local conservation, DEP and Army Corps) 
  • Spring tides above 10' will be back this weekend from 4/5/24 until 4/13/24 which could result in further flooding so please plan accordingly. 

Please know that we are working in earnest to move this along and understand that these projects take time to implement.  Our overall goal is to have a solution implemented ASAP with a target before the summer, but realize many elements (funding) need to align for this to happen so we will try our very best to expedite the process.  If you have any questions please feel to reach out - I am adding this to my calendar as a weekly Friday update so you all stay informed with the latest information. Take care.