Author: Joe Costa

New stormwater maps now online

Posted on by Joe Costa

The Buzzards Bay NEP has introduced four new interactive maps in support of the Buzzards Bay Stormwater Collaborative. Instead of one online map we have two online maps and two online dashboards. The new mapping products are available at stormwater.buzzardsbay.org/newmap.html.

A Stormwater Management Map provides a diverse array of overlays to help municipal staff and managers to evaluate stormwater outfalls and their catchments. It shows the status of IDDE investigations and provides strategies for MS4 initiatives. A Water Quality Dashboard displays water quality sampling data collected from dry weather and stormwater discharges. This dashboard provides details and recommendations for the catchment. An IDDE map shows less details and is designed for field work and to display well both in the office and the field.  Finally, a Sampling Dashboard is meant for use on smart phones and supports field investigations. The map products were developed and designed by Buzzards Bay NEP stormwater Specialist Kevin Bartsch.  In August, the NEP will host a 45-minute webinar to demonstrate the new online maps. Reach out to Kevin if you would like to attend.

Round 3 Infrastructure and CCMP Support Grants posted

Posted on by Joe Costa

The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program is seeking proposals for the FY25 Buzzards Bay Watershed Infrastructure and CCMP Support Grant Program – Round 3, with $899,984 in federal funding available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Eligible projects must implement a recommendation in the Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and be principally located within the Buzzards Bay Watershed.

This solicitation is open to municipalities within the Buzzards Bay Watershed, including Fall River, Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Acushnet, Fairhaven, Rochester, Mattapoisett, Marion, Wareham, Middleborough, Carver, Plymouth, Bourne, Falmouth, and Gosnold. However, all projects must be located within the Buzzards Bay watershed.

Municipalities that contain one or more Environmental Justice (EJ) Population (as defined in the Request for Proposals), and Title 1 schools in the Buzzards Bay watershed are strongly encouraged to apply under this grant opportunity provided they meet the eligibility criteria and allowable funding categories. Projects that meet EJ or climate goals will receive additional consideration. Visit our NEP disadvantaged communities map to see target areas that support our Equity Plan.

Eligible municipalities may submit any number of applications but may only receive a maximum of two grant awards not to exceed $400,000. No single grant award may exceed $375,000. There is no match required. Additional details, including the RFR and required forms, are posted on the COMMBUYS website.

Application Process

Proposals are due by July 10, 2024, by 4:00 p.m.  Please note that only electronic submissions will be accepted. Go to our funding page to learn more.

NEP awards $183,000 in grants to four towns to protect and restore habitat

Posted on by Joe Costa

On March 14, The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (NEP) through the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management and Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, announced $182,897 in federally funded grant awards for projects that will preserve critical habitat, support fish migration, and improve tidal flow to salt marshes in the Buzzards Bay watershed. The funding was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Southeast New England Program. The four grants, which are being matched by nearly $90,000 in state, local, and private funds, are being awarded by the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (NEP) through the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Southeast New England Program.

The following municipalities were awarded grants:

  • The Town of Fairhaven will receive $15,000 to purchase a conservation restriction on a 5.75-acre parcel of land to prevent future development, preserve natural resources, and provide passive recreational opportunities to the public. The property, consisting of coastal forest, wetlands, and a perennial stream, immediately connects to over 250 acres of existing conservation land as well as the regional multi-use Phoenix Bike Trail.
  • The Town of Marion will receive $47,897 to work with its partner, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, to complete feasibility/conceptual designs to replace two undersized culverts on Delano Road in Marion. The culverts restrict water flow between the expansive wooded wetlands of the Great Swamp and adjacent coastal habitats of Buzzards Bay. The project will provide climate resilience benefits, such as preventing the upstream impoundment of water and resultant road flooding and allowing for salt marsh migration with rising sea levels.
  • The Town of Wareham will receive $70,000 to work with its partner, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, to complete feasibility/conceptual designs to support the replacement of a tidally restrictive culvert on Indian Neck Road at the Crooked River. The project will also investigate the partial removal of a dike that restricts tidal exchange within the adjacent Jack’s Marsh. The replacement of these structures will support climate resilience goals by improving tidal exchange to 11 acres of marsh and facilitating future pathways for marsh migration to adjacent low-lying areas in the face of rising sea levels.
  • The Town of Westport will receive $50,000 to work with its partner, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, to complete data collection and survey work to advance the replacement of three undersized and deteriorating culverts located on cold water streams. The culverts reduce aquatic connectivity, serve as barriers to native fish migration, and pose risks to public safety. Replacement of these culverts will provide access to critical habitat for migratory fish, including sea-run brook trout, as well as river herring and American eel.

We were pleased to see several culvert replacement projects funded in this grant round. Culvert replacements not only address flooding and coastal resilience issues, but they can enhance fish and wildlife migration and improve connections between wetland habitats.

For more information about the grant announcement, read this CZM Press release.