Sandwich Harbor Stormwater Mitigation

For over 20 years the Town of Sandwich has been working to improve water quality within Old Sandwich Harbor, Mill Creek, and Duck Creek. Elevated levels of bacteria have closed these estuaries to shell fishing.

Opportunity

HW worked with the town’s engineering department, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (MassCZM) to develop and permit stormwater retrofits to improve water quality.

Solution

These retrofits include bioretentions, sand filters, underground recharge chambers, and permeable pavement. The stormwater practices exist in roadway rights-of-way along Boardwalk Road in the Jarvesville Historical District adjacent to Mill Creek, and Dock Creek. Both creeks discharge to Sandwich Harbor and Town Neck Beach.