Coastal Sciences, Engineering & Planning: Representative Projects

Woods Hole Group prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to address the impacts of revetments and other shore protection structures built to protect the Chatham mainland following formation of the new inlet through the Nauset barrier in January, 1987. An analysis of the geologic history of the area was completed, as well as a detailed study of the evolution of the Nauset barrier and tidal inlet system. The evolution of this complex coastal system was evaluated using historical maps, charts and aerial photographs. The existing wave, tidal, storm surge and sediment transport processes were quantified using a combination of existing studies and numerical analyses. A time series of aerial photographs taken approximately every six months were used to conduct an analysis of shoreline change since installation of the shore protection structures. The impacts of the new structures were evaluated by comparing the recent shoreline change with the historical shoreline changes resulting from the natural sequence of inlet breaching and southerly migration. To compensate for the reduction in available sediment supply and the loss of public access resulting from installation of the structures, a variety of environmental mitigation alternatives were considered. A recommended plan of action for the Town of Chatham, property owners and permitting agencies was developed, including short-term and long-term optional management alternatives.


Environmental Impact Report for Shore Protection Structures Between Aunt Lydia's Cove and Morris Island, *Chatham, Massachusetts*
Project Characteristics: Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Time series of aerial photographs Shoreline change Environmental mitigation alternatives
Woods Hole Group prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to address the impacts of revetments and other shore protection structures built to protect the Chatham mainland following formation of the new inlet through the Nauset barrier in January, 1987. An analysis of the geologic history of the area was completed, as well as a detailed study of the evolution of the Nauset barrier and tidal inlet system. The evolution of this complex coastal system was evaluated using historical maps, charts and aerial photographs. The existing wave, tidal, storm surge and sediment transport processes were quantified using a combination of existing studies and numerical analyses. A time series of aerial photographs taken approximately every six months were used to conduct an analysis of shoreline change since installation of the shore protection structures. The impacts of the new structures were evaluated by comparing the recent shoreline change with the historical shoreline changes resulting from the natural sequence of inlet breaching and southerly migration. To compensate for the reduction in available sediment supply and the loss of public access resulting from installation of the structures, a variety of environmental mitigation alternatives were considered. A recommended plan of action for the Town of Chatham, property owners and permitting agencies was developed, including short-term and long-term optional management alternatives.

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Coastal Sciences, Engineering & Planning
Aquatic Environmental Assessment
Oceanography & Measurement Systems