New Bedford Harbor Salt Marsh Restoration

SWCA provided services associated with the restoration of two acres of degraded salt marsh following the removal of PCB contaminates. The project began in 2017 supporting Sevenson Environmental in restoring salt marshes following the remediation activities conducted at an 18,000-acre site in New Bedford, MA. SWCA ecological restoration staff performed invasive plant control and revegetation of the salt marsh and wetland and upland buffer areas. One section of remediation also included community restoration and beautification which connects the restored area to an existing public park.

Strategies included:

• Coordinated with site contractors, environmental oversight professionals, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection Agency throughout all restoration activities.
• Procured and installed approximately 992,000 salt marsh plugs over a two-week period, utilizing both low tide events each day.
• Protected salt marsh plants with goose-deterrent fencing.
• Procured and disseminated the specified wetland and upland seed mixes throughout the restored areas.
• Procured and installed 10,000 trees and shrubs, including 2-inch caliper trees and potted plant material, within the wetland and upland buffer zones.
• Continue to provide invasive plant control services for 3 years following the initial restoration.