Wessagusset Walk Project - August 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, Executive Orders 11988 (Floodplain Management) and 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), the National Historic Preservation Act, and Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) implementing regulations in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides initial notice of its intent to provide funding through the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program for an action located within a floodplain. Funding would be provided through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to the City of Weymouth for the construction of a coastal stabilization revetment at Wessagusset Beach in Weymouth, MA.

The proposed project is to construct an approximately 1,000-ft stone revetment between Wessagusset Beach and George Lane Beach to reduce the risk of landslides due to coastal erosion. The project would involve the reconstruction of approximately 500-ft of existing revetment as well as an additional 500-ft of new revetment construction. A concrete boardwalk would be constructed along the length of the revetment with an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant timber ramp to access George Lane Beach. A drainage swale would be installed along the landward side of the concrete boardwalk for improved stormwater management. Additional project elements would include the reconstruction of a beach access stairway; ADA compliant improvements to the parking area; reconstruction of a traprock lined drainage swale between an existing stormwater outfall and the proposed drainage trench; the removal of concrete rubble and bathhouse foundations, metal debris, and wooden flotsam from the beach; and approximely 1,000-cubic yards of beach nourishment. Completion of construction would require the clear cutting of trees from the coastal bank. Unhardened areas of the coastal bank would be replanted with native vegetation following construction as part of ecological restoration efforts.

FEMA intends to work with the project proponent to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed action. The EA will evaluate the proposed action and alternatives for potential effects to historic, cultural and archeological resources, low-income and minority populations, floodplains, wetlands, and threatened and endangered species. Once completed, the draft EA will be available for public review and comment.

Map requests and comments about this project and potential floodplain and wetland impacts are encouraged to be submitted within 15 days of the date of this publication to:

Christian Paske, Environmental Protection Specialist Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cambridge, MA christian.paske@fema.dhs.gov; (202) 704-1027

and

Eric Kuns, Senior Environmental Protection Specialist Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cambridge, MA eric.kuns@fema.dhs.gov; (202) 805-9089