Longer, Wider, Deeper

Longer, wider, deeper

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Longer, wider, deeper •

The Popponesset Spit and Outer Approach Channel leading from the Bay to Nantucket Sound are vital organs to Mashpee’s ecosystem. Keeping the Outer Approach Channel dredged allows for flushing of the Bay with each tide. The Popponesset Spit protects the Bay and land of Mashpee to flourish.

SPB with the Town of Mashpee, is in the process of obtaining permits and permissions to expand and deepen the Outer Approach Channel, and place that dredged sand on the Spit - strengthening the barrier beach.

• Widening the channel by 50 feet
• Extending the length by 250 feet
• Deepening the channel by 2 feet
• Adding a new catch basin west of the channel to catch sand as it drifts eastward before it fills the channel to prevent it from filling in as rapidly.
The Town of Mashpee has approved final permits for the channel project.
Permit applications have been filed with the State of Massachusetts, and final approvals were granted in 2023.
Army Corps of Engineers dredging permit applications have been filed, with final approvals also expected in 2024.
Dredging costs related to dredging 35,0000 cubic years from the outer channel for placement on the Spit (annual dredging usually results in 5,000-10,000 cubic yards.)
Purchase and installation of additional beach grass to anchor the new sand
Project management using Woods Hole Group, our coastal engineering firm
Additional trucked sand (possibly) to complete the scope of the design
Total costs expected to reach $1.5MM – $2.0MM
We will apply for various State grants once permits have been received.
We are searching for additional grant opportunities as well.
Timing depends on final permit approvals
Permit limitations due to spawning fish and endangered birds’ migratory patterns, likely leaving a window between September and January 15 to execute
Availability of a dredging contractor to coordinate and oversee the project – options under review